Independent PGCE for Independent Schools and Academies (Taught)

The University of Buckingham is:

• Home of the two-year degree, the University of Buckingham, based in the South East of England, is ranked 6th for Student Satisfaction in the UK (National Student Survey, 2020).

• Our award-winning small class tutorials ensure every student is known by name and supported throughout their studies, including by dedicated personal tutors.

• As pioneers of the two-year degree, we offer a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you can gain a full honours degree and complete your studies a whole year earlier. Alternatively, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money.

Course Info
The Independent Postgraduate Certificate in Education for Independent Schools and Academies was developed in close consultation with the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC). Since 2002 it has been offering teachers, who have not undergone a period of formal teacher training, the opportunity to participate in a structured programme of professional development. This course is for those teaching in Independent Primary, Preparatory and Senior Schools, as well as all Academies.

This course does not include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but because of this it means that this course does not need to follow the specifics set out by the DfE and enables us to provide a varied, rigorous and creative course developing teachers in all settings.

This course will not need to follow the compliance requirements that might make the QTS routes problematic, for example timetable issues and hours required for Mentor training. There is no need for a second school placement with the Independent PGCE.

Becoming a teacher
Teaching is still regarded as one of the most rewarding careers you can embark on. This is a career where you can have an incredible impact on the next generation of learners.

When asked, 98% of students felt that the course had made them a better teacher. You will learn about all aspects of working as a teacher including teaching strategies, child development, policies and processes and ways to ensure that effective learning takes place. We will work with you to strengthen your subject knowledge.

For Prep and Secondary IPGCE trainees, different school subjects demand different teaching methods and resources, so part of the course will be taught by a subject specialist. We can teach many school subjects including Art, Music, Design Technology, Food Technology, Business Studies & Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Computing, English, Drama, Classics, Modern Languages, Arabic, Geography, History, Politics, Citizenship and PSHE, Religious Studies, Psychology and PE.

On our PGCE programme, all teachers are encouraged to be inclusive practitioners for example to know about SEND and ways of promoting and maintaining good behaviour with an awareness of the importance of emotional regulation. We want to help you develop your confidence and resilience in order to be able to assuredly teach different Key Stages and across different age ranges.
This is an employment-based route where you can work as a teacher and train to be a qualified teacher at the same time. In order to apply you must have a post secured in a UK School setting. The course lasts for 37 weeks and covers a full and demanding curriculum. Our curriculum covers all aspects of the Core Content Framework (CCF). On our course, you learn whilst working in the classroom, fully supported by a Mentor in your own setting along with participating in blended learning programme provided by a team of experienced practitioners working with the University. You will be assigned a Tutor employed by the University who will visit you in your setting and work with you throughout the year. This course will support you as you develop your identity as a teacher and help you to find and refine your own teaching style.