Secondary English with QTS (11-16)

To join this PGCE, you will be expected to have:

• A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject. Other subjects may be considered if you have an A Level in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification) and a willingness to engage in a subject knowledge enhancement course.
• GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification)
• Satisfactory levels of information and communications technology competence
• A commitment to, and understanding of, secondary education, demonstrating the personal attributes, values and motivation required to train as a teacher.

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics.

An interview forms part of the selection process.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Ready to change the way young people understand and use English? Want to develop their literary appreciation in an engaging way? Eager to grow your subject expertise? Training to teach English to secondary school pupils on our PGCE course could be your perfect next step.

You’ll learn to reflect on your own philosophy of teaching English, develop analytical skills and boost your own subject knowledge. With plenty of practical experience in planning effective lessons, you’ll also get lots of hands-on experience. At Edge Hill, our experts will introduce you to a range of exciting and interactive teaching methods, including the use of drama and ICT.

Confidence in the classroom

You’ll spend a significant proportion of your PGCE year on placement in a secondary school focusing on 11-16 teaching. Although you’ll only observe at the start, you’ll gradually get more opportunities to take the lead, helping you become more confident and more competent in the classroom.

Throughout your placement, you’ll be supported by your English tutor and school-based expert mentor. Listen to their advice about how to apply what you’ve learnt in seminars to the classroom. Turn to them whenever you need support or feedback.

Successful completion of the programme leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Subject knowledge enhancement

If you need to develop your English subject knowledge or it has been some time since you last studied English, then our free subject knowledge enhancement course will prepare you for teaching the conceptual and applied aspects of English effectively to learners aged 11-16 years.