Jumpstart Your Outstanding Teaching Career At Exeter College 

Break into teaching by getting your PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). Learn from the best at Devon’s only Ofsted-rated Outstanding College, with generous government funding available.  

The PGCE is a Level 6/7 programme which certifies trainees to work in post-16 education and training and contributes to professional formation QTLS status. At Exeter College, our trainees’ week is split into a 3-day teaching placement in one of our subject areas, and two days of taught PGCE classes. The course runs from September to June and counts towards up to 90 credits of a master’s degree. We currently have availability for a September 2023 start.  

Harry Faint is a former PGCE trainee and current teacher at the College. He says;  

“I loved the course because of my mentors and the people studying alongside me. It gave me supportive, tangible, on the job experience, but with the space to develop and make mistakes.”  

Your course will be tailor-made to your specialism; with modern education principles for your subject area. Trainees from a diverse range of specialisms regularly meet to pool knowledge, while an extensive portfolio of written work will evidence your teaching practice’s development. A PGCE with Exeter College marks a unique opportunity in this region to learn from teachers in a college that is performing to the highest possible standard.  

The College also does its best to support learners with any obstacles to their learning. Sarah Bates-Ryan describes how the College helped her during her time with us; 

“I have a chronic illness, which can sometimes impact my mobility. The College were incredibly proactive in signposting me to support which helped me to apply for financial support towards a taxi into College on days when my health was poor.”   

A PGCE at Exeter College is a strong route into employment: 75% of our learners go on to work with us. Head of Faculty for Healthcare, Childcare and Public Services, Heidi Amor says; 

“When I employ a PGCE learner as a member of staff I know that I’m getting an excellent member of staff with extensive practical experience, knowledge in all of the systems and processes, great rapport with the staff and the students.” 

Samuel Chesterfield agrees. He is a former PGCE trainee who now works as a programme lead in our Sport and Physical Education faculty. 

“Not only did we get outstanding teaching, but they were also really supportive with professional development and getting work environment experience.” 

This qualification can be a springboard for those interested in further postgraduate study. With the course counting towards up to half of the credit requirement of a master’s degree, many of our trainees go on to a ‘top-up’ master’s degree.  

Bursaries for the 2023 to 2024 academic year are awarded to trainees based on their qualifications and their intention to teach a designated priority subject in the FE sector. 

You can find out more about this programme and available funding options at our Adult and Higher Education Open Event on Wednesday 29 March. You can also contact the Adult Advice Team on 01392 400170 or by emailing adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk