Further Education and Skills PGCE / Cert Ed

For September 2025 the PGCE sessions take place on Tuesdays from 5.30-8.30pm. The course is delivered via a blended approach of in person lessons at Reigate College and virtual lessons on MS Teams. This provides opportunities to interact and engage with the lecturers and other students.

• An Introduction to Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Education and Skills
• Contemporary Issues in Education and Skills
• Teaching Practice in Education and Skills
• Applied Learning Theory and Inclusive Practice
• Wider Professional Practice in Education and Skills
• Practitioner Enquiry

Assessment is by:

• Observation of Teaching Practice
• Assignments
• Reflective Activities

The diverse nature of the further education and skills sector of education provides a wealth of experiences for the trainee teacher on this programme. The network of other professionals in differing contexts on the programme promotes opportunities for peer observations, cross-curricular discussions and visits to other further education establishments.

The existing network of Alumni provide access to subject expertise to meet particular needs and aspirations of trainees.

ProfGCE:

• An Undergraduate degree
• Level 2 qualification in English language Grade 4/C minimum is essential
• Level 2 qualification in maths Grade 4/C minimum is essential
• Secured teaching and wider professional practice of 250 hours (minimum) over two years
• A secured and named mentor who is a qualified teacher and is experienced in the teaching of your subject
• A satisfactory reference supporting your application to train to teach

Certificate in Education:

• Level 3 or equivalency in the subject you are teaching
• Level 2 qualification in English language and maths at grade 4/C minimum is essential.
• Secured teaching and wider professional practice of 250 hours (minimum) over two years
• A secured and named mentor who is a qualified teacher and is experienced in the teaching of your subject
• A satisfactory reference supporting your application to train to teach 

As partners of the University of Brighton, progression is plentiful, eg,

For trainees graduating with a Cert Ed, there may be opportunities to continue part-time studies to degree level with the BA Hons Working with Children and Young People.  See BA Hons Working with Children and Young People

For trainees graduating with a PGCE, there may be opportunities to continue part-time study to achieve a Masters Degree Education.  See MA Education

Trainees on this programme are enrolled at University of Brighton and have access to facilities at both Reigate College and the University, including:

• Access to quality teaching resources and rooms
• Online access to course documents, resources and study support
• Library and computing facilities
• Access to Reigate College’s student services, including career advice and additional learning support
• A specific area for social engagement prior to and during the sessions at Reigate College

What sector is your programme aimed at?

It is primarily aimed at trainee teachers who want to work in post-16: FE colleges, sixth form colleges, 14-19yrs in Schools, Adult Ed, prisons, charities, private training sector and public sector organisations. It will also, however, provide a route into teaching in schools (see below).

Does the programme lead to QTS?

No

Will your programmes qualify me to teach in Primary and Secondary schools?

If you are solely interested in teaching in the Primary or Secondary sectors you will want to consider the associated professional programme leading to QTS see https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/.

If you successfully achieve the PGCE/Cert Ed and achieved your QTLS status you would then be able to apply for teaching roles requiring QTS.

What is QTLS?

QTLS stands for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status. It is the professional status for teachers in the post-16 sector, just as Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional status for teachers in primary and secondary education.

For more information regarding the gaining of QTLS and the equivalency of QTLS to QTS, please see https://set.et-foundation.co.uk/professionalism/qtls/

Do you need to be teaching to do the PGCE/Cert Ed?

Yes, it is an in-service model of Initial Teacher Training. You must be employed or working voluntarily as a teacher with support from a Subject Mentor for at least 150 hours subject teaching and 100 hours wider professional practice accumulated across two years.

Can I apply without the confirmation of my teaching?

Yes, you can still apply for the programmes, but you will not be offered an unconditional place until teaching is secured.

For September 2025 start please follow the steps below.

STEP 1

To apply please click here to log in or create a new account for University of Brighton to start a new application.

University of Brighton have produced a step by step guide to take you through the application process. Please click the following link to access the guide and see additional guidance below.

Once you have created an account, you will be asked to Select your course.

Please follow these instructions:

1. Click Taught postgraduate course
2. Type Reigate as a keyword
3. Search now

The following 2 options appear:

Further Education and Skills (Advanced Practice) (CertEd) (Reigate) (Part Time)
Choose this option if you do NOT have a degree

PROFGCE Further Education and Skills (Reigate College) (Part time)
Choose this option if you are a graduate

Please complete all sections of the application form (see note regarding fees below), including uploading all documents as directed, and save your application.

Fees

The full cost of tuition fees needs to be met. Fees per annum for 2025 start are £3,000.

If your employer is paying your fees, please choose this option in the Fee section of the application form and enter the name of your employer. Please see the advice on funding packages available. If you are intending on applying for a government loan through student finance, please see further information.

STEP 2

Verification of teaching and employer/sponsor recommendation

The CertEd/PGCE is an in-service programme, a place cannot be offered until the employer and mentor agreement is signed. If you are already in-service or have an offer of employment as a trainee teacher, you must secure approval from a suitable mentor and a line manager. Please ask them to complete the verification of teaching and employer/sponsor recommendation and mentor agreement documents.

Verification of Teaching and Mentor Agreement

Please download and save the above file and, once complete, email to PGCE@reigate.ac.uk

STEP 3

Interview

If your application meets the entry requirements you will be invited to an interview at Reigate College with the Head of Initial Teacher Training. There will be time during the interview process to hear more about the teacher training course and to answer any questions.