When I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology, I found myself reflecting on what I really wanted to do with everything I had learned. I had always been interested in working with children and understanding how they learn and develop. Throughout my degree, I explored topics like cognitive development and educational psychology—but it wasn’t until I completed a placement in a primary school that everything truly came together. 

That school experience was a turning point. I remember standing in the classroom on the first day and thinking, this feels right. The environment was dynamic, collaborative, and full of energy. I saw firsthand how powerful teaching could be in shaping young minds, and I knew then that education was where I belonged. 

After that, I started looking into the different pathways into teaching. There are so many options available—School Direct, Teach First, and salaried routes, to name a few—but the PGCE really stood out. I chose the PGCE route because it offered a strong balance between practical teaching experience and academic learning. I liked that it was a one-year intensive course that would allow me to gain qualified teacher status (QTS), while also earning a postgraduate qualification. For me, that structure felt like the best of both worlds. 

One of the biggest strengths of the PGCE is the level of support you receive. You’re placed in schools where you’re mentored by experienced teachers, and at the same time, you have university tutors who guide you through the academic side of the course. That dual support system makes a huge difference. It means you’re never alone in the process—you always have someone to turn to for advice, feedback, and encouragement. 

I also really valued the university-based elements of the course. Spending time on campus learning about pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, and educational theory gave me the knowledge and confidence to understand why we teach the way we do. It wasn’t just about delivering lessons—it was about reflecting on our practice, adapting our approaches, and considering how to meet the needs of every learner in the classroom. These sessions created a space where we could discuss challenges, share ideas, and learn from experts and each other. 

Of course, the PGCE is a demanding course. Balancing placements, assignments, and lesson planning can be intense—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every week brings new lessons, not just for the pupils we teach, but for ourselves. I’ve learned to be resilient, flexible, and patient. I’ve learned how to celebrate small wins and how to learn from setbacks. Most importantly, I’ve grown into someone who is ready to lead a classroom with confidence and purpose. 

If you’re someone who’s passionate about education and eager to make a real impact, I’d highly recommend considering a PGCE. It’s a fast-paced, challenging journey—but it equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to thrive in teaching. For me, it was more than a course—it was the start of a meaningful and exciting career. 

Written by Amy, current PGCE Primary Student

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When I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology, I found myself reflecting on what I really wanted to do with everything I had learned. I had always been interested in working with children and understanding how they learn and develop. Throughout my degree, I explored topics like cognitive development and educational psychology—but it wasn’t until I completed a placement in a primary school that everything truly came together.

That school experience was a turning point. I remember standing in the classroom on the first day and thinking, this feels right. The environment was dynamic, collaborative, and full of energy. I saw firsthand how powerful teaching could be in shaping young minds, and I knew then that education was where I belonged.

After that, I started looking into the different pathways into teaching. There are so many options available—School Direct, Teach First, and salaried routes, to name a few—but the PGCE really stood out. I chose the PGCE route because it offered a strong balance between practical teaching experience and academic learning. I liked that it was a one-year intensive course that would allow me to gain qualified teacher status (QTS), while also earning a postgraduate qualification. For me, that structure felt like the best of both worlds.

One of the biggest strengths of the PGCE is the level of support you receive. You’re placed in schools where you’re mentored by experienced teachers, and at the same time, you have university tutors who guide you through the academic side of the course. That dual support system makes a huge difference. It means you’re never alone in the process—you always have someone to turn to for advice, feedback, and encouragement.

I also really valued the university-based elements of the course. Spending time on campus learning about pedagogy, curriculum design, classroom management, and educational theory gave me the knowledge and confidence to understand why we teach the way we do. It wasn’t just about delivering lessons—it was about reflecting on our practice, adapting our approaches, and considering how to meet the needs of every learner in the classroom. These sessions created a space where we could discuss challenges, share ideas, and learn from experts and each other.

Of course, the PGCE is a demanding course. Balancing placements, assignments, and lesson planning can be intense—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every week brings new lessons, not just for the pupils we teach, but for ourselves. I’ve learned to be resilient, flexible, and patient. I’ve learned how to celebrate small wins and how to learn from setbacks. Most importantly, I’ve grown into someone who is ready to lead a classroom with confidence and purpose.

If you’re someone who’s passionate about education and eager to make a real impact, I’d highly recommend considering a PGCE. It’s a fast-paced, challenging journey—but it equips you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to thrive in teaching. For me, it was more than a course—it was the start of a meaningful and exciting career.

Written by Amy, current PGCE Primary Student

Related