UEA’s PGCE is based on the principle that you can only inspire and teach children well if you really understand them. We aim to develop reflective and inspirational teachers, who value and build upon the rich variety of backgrounds and experiences children bring to the classroom. 

We’ll prepare you to plan, teach, assess learning and manage children’s behaviour effectively. You will be well prepared to teach children in the 3–7 age range in the Foundation Years (Nursery and Reception) and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2), and to work with other professionals to help support you in the classroom. 

UEA’s Primary PGCE has a long-standing reputation as a successful teacher training programme. The latest Ofsted report (2014) acknowledged the high quality of our training and the expertise of our tutors. Ofsted also praised the commitment of our partnership schools, noting the quality of the collaborative support between school staff and UEA tutors to ensure continuity of support in your learning during your school placements. 

ABOUT

A teacher who is knowledgeable and skilled can have an amazing impact on a child during their time at school and beyond. 

Teaching in the 3–7 age range, you will play a vital role by providing young children with a foundation to their education and motivating them to be engaged and excited about learning in the early years. 

This is a crucial stage of children’s education, laying the foundation for everything that follows. Teaching in this phase is both fascinating and intellectually demanding, as you develop your understanding of each child, create positive relationships and contribute to the enabling environments that lead to effective learning and development. 

Developed in close partnership with primary schools and Early Years Foundation Stage settings throughout East Anglia, our Primary PGCE course is designed to help you become a confident and capable teacher who can motivate children and manage a class effectively. 

Upon successful completion of your PGCE, you will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s level credits. 

You’ll join this 38-week, full-time course in September and finish the following July. You’ll spend the majority of time in schools – with up to 120 days (24 weeks) in placements and up to 60 days in taught sessions. Your placements will be in two different schools, helping you to develop an understanding from contrasting experiences.  

You will graduate as a confident and highly reflective Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) in the Primary years, with a specialism in teaching children aged 3–7 years old in the Foundation Years (Nursery and Reception) and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2). 

Alongside your PGCE, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s level credits, and UEA will continue to support you in your first year teaching as an NQT 

UEA’s employment rates are excellent and were identified as one of our key strengths in our latest Ofsted inspection report. 

You’ll have the option to build on your Master’s credits by continuing to study part-time, for an MA. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

• Teacher

• Curriculum leader

• Head of year

• Deputy head

• Head teacher