What is the difference between a PGCE and a PGDE?
A PGDE will award you 120 credits, which could be used towards a masters and a PGCE has 60 credits. In order to attain a masters qualification you need 180 credits in total.
What is the difference between SCITT and School Direct training?
In terms of training programme and content, they are the same. The only difference is how they award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
I don’t have GCSE English/Maths/Science can I still apply?
Some providers allow an equivalency tests with specified providers should you not have a GCSE in either, English, Maths or Science.
What are my options if I don’t have a degree?
If you don’t have a degree, but have the entry requirements for an undergraduate programme (A’Levels or equivalent such as BTEC Level 3), the University of Derby runs a number of Education/Teaching undergraduate programmes.
I don’t have any classroom experience, what is the best route for me?
There is no requirement to have classroom experience to train to teach, however, we would always recommend you spend some time in a classroom.
How do I go about getting some classroom experience?
Many of our providers offer in-school experience such as a Teaching Internship, the School Experience Programme and Open Days.
Teaching Internship Information: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/is-teaching-right-for-me/teaching-internship-providers
School Experience Programme: https://schoolexperience.education.gov.uk/
Postgraduate Open Days: https://www.derby.ac.uk/open-days/postgraduate/
I want to teach in secondary school do I need GCSE English and Maths if I don’t want to teach those subjects?
Yes, you need GCSE English and Maths Grade C (4) or above if you want to train to teach.
To teach primary, you must also have GCSE Science Grade C (4) or above.
What is the difference between a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?
You must have QTS in order to take up a teaching post. Not all PGCE programmes automatically award Qualified Teacher Status. It is important to check this when applying. Most Teach Derby Teach Derbyshire Initial Teacher Training programmes lead to QTS and 60 credits, some offer QTS without PGCE.
Please view our Providers page to find out more about what each provider offers.