University or college-based and school-based courses

In England, you can take a Professional Graduate or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course based in a university or college, or a school-based course run by groups of schools that have formed school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) consortia.

University and college courses normally include lectures at the institution and school-based training in at least two of their partnership schools. Primary teaching courses include at least 18 weeks of school-based training and if you are taking a secondary teaching course, you will spend a minimum of 24 weeks training in schools.

SCITT consortia run their courses almost entirely within their member schools. Each consortium will offer training in primary or secondary schools. You will usually be based in the 'lead school' and undertake teaching placements at other schools within the consortium. Teachers in the schools act as mentors to organise and monitor your training. Most SCITT consortia run courses that have been validated by a university or college for the award of their PGCE. You may be required to attend some lectures at this university or college as part of your school-based course.

There are currently no SCITT consortia in Wales or Scotland, but some consortia in England may use schools in Wales to deliver their training.

All PGCE courses in Wales and Postgraduate Diploma of Education (PGDE) courses in Scotland are based in universities or colleges of higher education.