Apart from stamina, patience, integrity, humour and commitment there are one or two criteria that you will need in order to train to teach:

Academic requirements for PGCE Secondary with QTS:

• Honours degree normally (2:2) or higher from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject area. Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
• All entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English Language or English Literature, Mathematics and Science (applicants must have these qualifications by the start of the course). Alternatively, University Worcester offer an equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses. Trainees who begin courses before providing evidence of the required GCSE standard (or equivalent) will not be eligible for financial incentives, such as bursaries or grants until they achieve the required standard.

Qualifications not listed? Contact the Admissions Office for advice by email: [email protected] 

Additional requirements

• An Enhanced DBS check. You will be sent details of how to apply for your DBS in the summer term. You will need to pay for this.  You may already be part of the DBS update service. Find out about the update service here. As part of the DBS process you will be checked against the Children’s Barred List.
• A check against the Prohibition List.
• If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for three months or more in the last five years a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required. Further information and guidance associated with additional costs are available from the Home Office.
• An online occupational health check. All those on a teacher training programme must be certified as meeting national requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach, as set by the Department for Education.
• International students: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

School experience is desirable, but not essential prior to an interview. At interview we will discuss relevant prior school experience or opportunities you have had to work with school aged children. It is at this point that we would discuss with you whether additional school experience would support you in your decision that teaching is right for you.

If you are considering applying to the Shires to train to teach and would like to gain some school experience in our partner schools, please register your interest here.

For more information on eligibility for teacher training, click here.

If your qualifications are not listed, or you want specific advice please contact the University of Worcester Admissions Office by email: [email protected] or call 01905 855111