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What does PGCE stand for?

The PGCE stands for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education. It’s a postgraduate qualification that gives you qualified teacher status (QTS). QTS allows you to teach in state schools in the UK.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE/PGCertEd) is a one- or two-year higher education course in England, Wales and Northern Ireland which provides training in order to allow graduates to become teachers within maintained schools. In England, there are two routes available to gaining a PGCE – either on a traditional university-led teacher training course or school-led teacher training.

In addition to gaining the PGCE qualification itself, those who have successfully completed the course in England or Wales are recommended for qualified teacher status (QTS) - the requirement to teach in state maintained schools in England and Wales. Those passing PGCEs in Northern Ireland are granted 'eligibility to teach' in Northern Ireland (equivalent to QTS).

Though the QTS/eligibility to teach only applies in the Home Nation it was awarded in, applying for QTS/eligibility to teach in either of the other two Home Nations is a formality, and is nearly always awarded to PGCE holders. Furthermore, the PGCE is also widely recognised in Scotland and the rest of the world, allowing holders to easily register as teachers there.

Do I need a Post Graduate Certificate in Education to teach?

No. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a PGCE to teach. All you need is QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or the equivalent, QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills).

The PGCE is an additional qualification earned alongside QTS. It isn’t necessary to earn a PGCE to teach in the UK, but it can be useful if you wish to teach in Scotland or the US, as it is an internationally recognised qualification.