Cambridge’s PGCE is second to none! An inspiring course that challenges and develops your skills as a teacher. It is one of the best years of your life and prepares you for the joys and challenges of teaching.

About the Cambridge PGCE

We provide high quality courses in both the Primary and Secondary age-range. Our trainees are always in demand from headteachers and many of our qualified trainees go on to positions of school leadership very quickly. We consistently receive outstanding feedback from our trainees on course evaluations.

Outstanding teacher education

Our benefits are:

Well-established and diverse school partnerships
Exceptional employment rates for our Newly Qualified Teachers
The stimulation of being a part of a group of high-attaining future leaders in education
Experienced research and active subject specialists in the Faculty
Highly qualified and experienced expert teaching staff
An intellectual and social hub to live in, comprising College life in the dynamic city of Cambridge

School colleagues are involved in all aspects of the course from interviewing through to Faculty course teaching.

My Cambridge PGCE

Don’t just take our word for it – let our trainees tell you about the benefits of teacher education at Cambridge.

Learn more with My Cambridge PGCE – find blogs written by our trainees and watch our short videos of our students sharing their experiences. We’ll be adding more stories here as the year continues, so do check back.

Progression to a one year MEd

Our PGCE courses are assessed at Masters level and trainees who successfully complete all examined elements of the Cambridge PGCE course can apply to undertake the part-time Master of Education (MEd) in just one year. PGCE trainees can decide if they wish to (a) go straight on to the MEd in the term following completion of their PGCE or (b) take a maximum of a two year gap between completing the PGCE and starting the MEd. Further details are available on the Graduate section of our website.

Journal of Trainee Teacher Educational Research

Each year we invite the authors of the very best research assignments from the primary and secondary PGCEs to publish their work with JoTTER – our very own open access journal.

The range of articles represents the diversity of research focuses that our trainee teachers investigate and they’re a valuable resource for trainees and teachers alike.

We are outstanding

We are the number one teacher training provider in England in the 2017 Good Teacher Training Guide.

Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications

A minimum of a 2.1 (upper second) class honours degree
All applicants require GCSE qualifications in English Language and Mathematics (minimum grade C/4) at the point of application
Primary applicants also need a mainstream Science GCSE. For this year, the Faculty will pilot an adaptation to the entry requirements regarding GCSE qualifications in Science. If a candidate does not yet hold a minimum Grade C/4 in a mainstream science subject, they may …

Personal Qualities

A desire to teach and enthuse young people
Commitment to state education
Strong subject-based academic background
Good communication skills
Experience working with young people
Flexibility and humour
Energy, perseverance and stamina
Ability to work collaboratively
Ability to learn and act on advice

School Experience

From February 2018, we do not require applicants to have prior experience in a school. However, we recommend that you spend some time in school to help you decide if teaching is right for you. Those considering your application will be looking for evidence of commitment to, and enthusiasm for, working with children and young people. You should consider how you might demonstrate this in your personal statement and be prepared to discuss during an interview.

Please be aware that competition is strong for places on the PGCE courses and meeting our minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection for interview.

Costs

Tuition Fees (2026-22)

Home/Islands: £9,250

EU/Overseas: £30,096

Living Costs (2026-21*)

We would suggest that you budget for approximately £1200 per month to cover basic living costs and personal expenses. In arriving at this sum, we have considered the cost of rent/accommodation, food, domestic bills, books, travel around Cambridge, personal computer equipment etc. This figure is an estimate, and may vary depending on your lifestyle. You should also budget for up to £500 to cover travel expenses to placement schools over the duration of the course.

* 2026-22 figure to follow shortly.

Student Finance

Home students are eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan for living costs.

If you are a mature student with dependents you may also be entitled to grant payments for your dependents.

Islands students should apply for funding support from the relevant government department. You may be asked to complete a financial guarantee before starting the PGCE.

Overseas/EU students are not usually eligible for tuition fee support. Your College will ask you to complete a financial guarantee before starting the PGCE, and you may be asked to provide evidence to show that you are able to pay your fees in full and support yourself for the duration of the course.

Training Bursary & Scholarships

Home and Islands trainees on certain Secondary PGCE courses are eligible to receive a government bursary.

Trainees do not need to apply for the bursary as this is arranged by the Faculty on their behalf.

Trainees undertaking a Secondary PGCE in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography or Modern Languages with a 2:1 and above, who are passionate about their subject and have the potential to be inspirational teachers, may be eligible for a scholarship with the appropriate professional body. As well as the financial award, scholars will receive a package of additional benefits provided by the professional bodies. Scholarships are paid instead of the bursary, not in addition to it.

PGCE Cambridge