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Independent PGCE for Independent Schools and Academies at University of Buckingham - UCAS

University of Buckingham

Degree level: Postgraduate

Independent PGCE for Independent Schools and Academies (Taught)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

14May
Postgraduate Open Evening
Postgraduate

Course summary

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.

Entry requirements

Course Info The Independent Postgraduate Certificate in Education for Independent Schools and Academies has been developed in close consultation with the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC). Since 2002 it has been offering teachers in the independent sector, 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 Primary, Preparatory and Senior Schools, as well as all Academies. If you would prefer to qualify with QTS and you teach in a school in England, please look at either our Primary, Prep or Secondary PGCE with QTS courses. We also offer a Scottish PGCE leading to full registration. If you are teaching in Scotland, you may find it preferable to apply for this programme. The course consists of an individualised programme of school-based training, combined with three three-day residentials where trainees will attend lectures, workshops, seminars and discussion groups led by experts in their field. The course encourages reflective practice, focusing on the subjects being taught, the craft of the classroom and the underpinning educational values of the teacher. How does this differ from the PGCE with QTS? It does not require a second school placement, and there is no requirement to attend an interview or to undertake professional skills assessments. You can have fewer teaching hours on your timetable than is required for QTS. In addition, you do not need to teach across two key stages – which is a requirement of QTS.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £7000 Whole course
Northern Ireland £7000 Whole course
Scotland £7000 Whole course
Wales £7000 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Fees to be confirmed
Independent PGCE for Independent Schools and Academies at University of Buckingham - UCAS