Secondary PGCE programmes

Our graduates are subject specialists, excelling in cutting-edge understandings of how to teach their subject.

They are independent, critically reflective professionals, not beholden to any singular pedagogy, approach or doctrine. They are collaborative and confident experts, committed to furthering the opportunities of every child in diverse London schools and beyond.

We have around 300 diverse and high-quality school partnerships to maximise your growth as a teacher.

Choose from 18 subjects

IOE Lead Partner Direct

We also offer some Secondary PGCE programmes through the IOE's Lead Partner Direct route.  

The Secondary Approach

We design our flagship Secondary PGCE around your needs as you learn to teach one of 18 specific subjects in secondary settings. 80% of your sessions at the Institute are led by subject specialists and taught in subject-specialist cohorts or tutor groups – modelling contemporary approaches to teaching and learning so you see and experience how to embed these in your practice.

These are complemented by our Institute Professional Studies strand, including our flagship ‘Debates in Education’ sessions which enable you, together with educational professionals, academics and commentators, to debate and ‘think big’ about key educational issues in a range of discursive formats.

Lastly, focused ‘directed study’ days give you dedicated time to reflect on and consolidate your learning. We embed constructive dialogue into your PGCE – from extensive formative assignment feedback through to a community of peers, teachers, mentors and tutors with whom you will forge new understandings of how to help children learn to their potential and develop your own abilities to navigate a successful career.

Discover more from IOE

How to apply

Read the following application process guidelines carefully if you are considering applying to study one of our teacher training programmes.

Entry requirements

Read details on UCL’s minimum entrance requirements for teacher training programmes. These entry requirements apply to all our Teacher Training PGCE programmes.

Learn to teach with the best

The IOE has been consistently ranked 1st in the world for education for a decade in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

  • 600 partner schools, colleges and early years settings across London.
  • 25% of UK education research takes place at the IOE.
  • 8000 students from all over the world.
  • 600 academics committed to improving lives through education.

Got questions? Get in touch.

Staircases in the UCL Student Centre.
Prospective student enquiries

Initial Teacher Education

+44 (0)20 8059 0939