If you have applied for a PGCE Primary and are preparing to start your course, this page explains what happens after your interview, what you need to do before enrolment, and how to begin preparing for your training. 

After you receive an offer

If you are offered a place and accept it, you will be given guidance to help you prepare for the course. 

This may include: 

• Pre-course reading
• Introductory tasks
• Information about starting your training in September

Preparing for the course 

Teaching is a demanding and rewarding profession. Before your course begins, we encourage you to: 

• Familiarise yourself with the primary curriculum
• Read widely about education and teaching practice
• Reflect on your experience of working with children or young people 

You will receive further guidance after accepting your offer.

Recommended reading

You will receive module reading lists when your course begins. If you want to start preparing now, you may find a selection of books on primary science, feedback, primary English, primary mathematics, learning theory and behaviour management useful.

If you want to start preparing now, you may find these books useful: 

• Harlen, W. and Qualter, A. (2018). The Teaching of Science in Primary Schools 7th edn. Oxon: Routledge
• Hattie, J. and Clarke, S. (2018). Visible Learning: Feedback. Oxon: Routledge
• Medwell, J., Wray, D., Minns, H., Griffiths, V. and Coates, E. (2017) Primary English: Teaching Theory and Practice. 8th edn. Exeter: Learning Matters
• Mooney, C., Briggs, M., Hanson, A., McCullouch, J. and Fletcher, M. (2018) Primary Mathematics: Teaching Theory and Practice. 8th edn. Exeter: Learning Matters
• Pritchard, A. (2018). Ways of Learning 4th edn. Oxon: Routledge
• Rogers, B. (2014). Classroom Behaviour: A Practical Guide to Effective Teaching, Behaviour Management and Colleague Support. 4th edn. London: Sage

Children’s literature 

Before your course starts, read at least three children’s books and write short reviews to reflect on what you learn. This will help you begin thinking about texts, readers and classroom discussion in primary settings. The current preparation page also links to UEL’s children’s literature Goodreads group.

Phonics preparation 

You can begin preparing for phonics teaching by using free Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 resources on Oxford Owl. The current guidance notes that you may see different phonics schemes on placement, but the pronunciation of phonemes is consistent across approaches.

Reflective practice 

You will keep a reflective journal throughout the programme. This will help you record your thoughts, experiences and learning, and it will support both your teaching practice and your Master ’s-level assignments. If you want to start now, you could write about your hopes and concerns, the experience you will bring, areas you want to develop, and the strengths that will help you succeed.

DBS and pre-enrolment checks 

Before starting your course, you will need to complete the required checks, including: 

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Occupational health clearance 

We will contact you with instructions on how to complete these.

Bursaries and funding

You may be eligible for a teacher training bursary. 

• Bursaries typically range from £4,000 to £28,000
• The amount depends on your subject and highest qualification 

For full details, visit the funding page or contact our Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART).

Support for dyslexia and specific learning difficulties

If you think you may have dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty, contact the Disability and Dyslexia Team before your course begins. The preparation page says they can advise on assessment, diagnosis and support available during your studies.

Support and contact 

If you have questions about your application or next steps: 

• Use the ‘Contact us’ option in your Applicant Portal
• Or contact the Applicant Engagement Team