QTS vs PGCE: What is the difference?
If you’e an aspiring teacher in the UK, or a recent arrival with teaching credentials looking to work in schools, you have probably come across the acronyms ‘QTS’ and ‘PGCE’, but are unsure exactly why they’re important and how they differ.
It is essential you understand the difference between the two, how they interact with one another, and whether they are relevant to your career aspirations in the UK.
If your queries remain unanswered (despite our beautifully written and succinct explanations) we implore you to check out the additional resources we have included at the bottom of this post. There is a lot of information available online, and it can become overwhelming without some directions.
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
The UK requires qualified teachers to hold the QTS accreditation if they want to work in most state schools.
PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education)
Students acquire a PGCE as an academic qualification upon successfully completing the course.
Whilst schools look kindly upon a PGCE, and it is recognised internationally, it is not a compulsory qualification to work in schools.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR TEACHERS FROM OUTSIDE THE UK:
If you are a qualified teacher, or gained teaching experience, from outside the UK, you can work as a teacher for up to four years before you are required to apply for a QTS.
How to obtain QTS
There are several avenues to achieving QTS. What you decide to pursue will depend on your personal circumstances.
- Teacher Training Programs
- PGCE + QTS – often PGCE courses include QTS
- Teach First – education charity that offers quality graduates a 2-year training program
- SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) – school-based teacher training course that lead to QTS
- Assessment-Only
- If you’ve worked as an unqualified teacher, you may be eligible for QTS through the assessment only program
How to obtain PGCE
The traditional university pathway is the most common method for earning a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and splits the coursework between theoretical learning and classroom-based practical training. A PGCE course is generally a 12-month commitment (full-time).
Some teacher training programs also offer PGCE.
Because the PGCE is a postgraduate certificate, universities require you to have an undergraduate or equivalent qualification before you can apply.
If you still have questions, whether they are related to this post or not, we would be glad to provide clarification over the phone or via email.
We have decades of experience in this industry and understand better than most how needlessly confusing the process can become.
Helpful Resources
Department of Education: What is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Department of Education: What is a PGCE course?
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