How to apply
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Start your application
When you've chosen your PGCE route and course, it’s time to take the next step.
You'll apply through the national Department for Education (DfE) system, with guidance and support from Leeds Trinity along the way.
Step-by-step guide
- Apply through gov.uk
Submit your application using the DfE’s Apply for Teacher Training service.
You can make up to four choices when applying. There's no official closing date, but once a course is full, it will be shown as having no vacancies.
Student Route Visa
If you need a Student Route Visa to study in the UK, check our website for the latest advice before applying. - Attend an interview
If you apply for a University-led PGCE, you'll be contacted directly by Leeds Trinity with full details about your interview - including the date, time, format and what to prepare.
If you apply for a Lead Partner or Delivery Partner route, you'll receive information directly from the partner school about your interview arrangements. - Receive your offer
You’ll be notified by email once a decision has been made.
All offers are conditional, based on meeting requirements such as:- Evidence of your qualifications
- Satisfactory references
- DBS and medical clearance
- Completion of a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course, if needed to strengthen your subject knowledge
- Arrange your student finance
You can apply for funding through Student Finance England.
The recommended deadline is the end of May, but you can apply after this date - your funding may just take longer to process.
For information on teacher training bursaries, loans and financial support, visit our Fees and Funding page.
What to expect at your University-led interview
Once your application has been reviewed, you may be invited to attend an interview.
It’s a key part of the teacher training process and gives you the opportunity to show your passion for becoming great teacher.
The interview process will vary depending on the course and training route you choose to apply for - if you apply for our Delivery or Lead Partner PGCEs, you'll find information about interviews on the partner website.
PCGE Primary interview
If you’re invited to a Primary PGCE interview, you’ll take part in a supportive, structured conversation about your potential to train as a teacher.
Your interview will focus on your understanding of teaching and learning, your communication skills, and your enthusiasm for working with children.
PCGE Primary interview
There are three parts to the University-led Primary PGCE interview:
- Children’s literature presentation
Choose a high-quality children’s book suitable for your chosen age phase and design a reading activity to share with pupils. - Reflection on research
You’ll select a piece of educational research from a list we’ll send you in advance and discuss what it tells you about learning and teaching. - Individual interview
A one-to-one conversation with an experienced tutor about your motivation to teach, your understanding of the primary curriculum, and your personal qualities. Be prepared to talk about yourself and why you think you'd make a great teacher.
The interview is friendly and informal. It’s your opportunity to show how you think about teaching, not to demonstrate finished skills.
PGCE Secondary interview
If you’re applying for a Secondary PGCE, your interview will explore your subject knowledge, communication skills and readiness to train as a teacher.
It’s a chance to share your enthusiasm for your subject and demonstrate your understanding of how pupils learn.
PGCE Secondary interview
Your interview will usually include three parts:
- Written subject knowledge task
A written exercise to assess your understanding of your chosen subject. - Lesson discussion
You’ll lead a brief discussion on how you would teach a topic of your choice, showing how you might engage pupils and assess their progress. - Subject-specific interview
A one-to-one discussion with your subject tutor about your experience, motivation and awareness of how your subject is taught in schools.
Before your interview, you’ll complete a subject knowledge audit and may be asked to read about the National Curriculum or review example exam papers.
Your interviewers are experienced teachers and want to see your passion for your subject and potential to succeed.
You will be informed of the full preparation required for your interview once you confirm you can attend.