Primary PGCE
Ready to inspire young minds and build futures?
Teaching in the primary years means shaping children’s first experiences of learning across the full curriculum. Our Primary PGCE gives you the training, placements, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you need to create engaging, inclusive classrooms where every child can thrive.
You’ll gain experience in a range of primary settings, from Early Years to Key Stage 2, while learning how to teach every subject with creativity and confidence. Alongside classroom practice, you’ll develop specialist skills including phonics, reading, and inclusive teaching, that prepare you to meet the needs of diverse learners.
WHAT IS QTS?
Qualified Teacher Status, also referred to as QTS, is a legal requirement for teaching in schools that are funded by local authorities across England and Northern Ireland, and is widely regarded as a valuable qualification for teachers in the UK and internationally.
Accreditation for the award of QTS for September 2025 entry is through the University of Warwick. From September 2026, all students will receive both their professional QTS qualification and their academic qualification from the University of Cumbria.
Our Courses
PGCE Lower Primary (3–7 Years) Education with QTS
PGCE General Primary (5–11 Years) Education with QTS
PGCE General Primary (5–11 Years) with QTS: Environmental and Outdoor Learning
PGCE General Primary (5–11 Years) with QTS: Inclusion/SEND
How to Apply for PGCE Courses
- Learn how to search for PGCE courses on gov.uk/find-teacher-training-courses
- Discover how to apply through the Department for Education Apply system
- See what information and documents you’ll need to include
- Understand how and when referees are contacted
- Find out what happens once your application is submitted
- Learn what to do when you receive a conditional or unconditional offer
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
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![Joseph Rudd]()
I couldn’t have felt more supported by the staff at the university and I truly believe that they quickly equipped with me the skills necessary to find my feet in the classroom. Their passion and enthusiasm for the profession and for training us ITT students has been pretty inspiring. I count myself lucky that I have had the opportunity to be taught by them.
Joseph Rudd
PGCE Primary Education with QTS: General Primary (5–11 Years)
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![Destiny Bunprakong]()
I couldn’t have felt more supported by the staff at the university and I truly believe that they quickly equipped with me the skills necessary to find my feet in the classroom. Their passion and enthusiasm for the profession and for training us ITT students has been pretty inspiring. I count myself lucky that I have had the opportunity to be taught by them.
Destiny Bunprakong
PGCE General Primary (5–11 Years) with QTS – Environmental and Outdoor Learning
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![Lois Andrews]()
No day is the same. I love every day of the week. It’s fun, challenging but so rewarding! I look forward to going into school, seeing those light bulb moments and smiles. My course is so rewarding and it’s so fulfilling!
Lois Andrews
PGCE Primary Education with QTS: General Primary (5–11 Years)
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![Chantel du Randt]()
I knew that the campus was close enough to home for me to travel to every day and that the staff are very supportive and cohort sizes are not huge, therefore tutors can get to know their students on a personal level. I love how passionate they are and how you are encouraged to try different ways of learning and to be creative not only inside the classroom, but also outside. Their knowledge and experience really does show when they teach you and that's why I chose Cumbria.
Chantel du Randt
PGCE Primary Education with QTS: General Primary (5–11 Years)
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![Shannon Keys]()
It just felt like home from home for me. I moved from Northern Ireland to the University of Cumbria, Carlisle. As stated above, the university offered the possibility to complete the final placement back home in Northern Ireland and throughout the whole process of applying to being accepted, you were made to feel very welcome and part of the University.
Shannon Keys
PGCE Primary Education with QTS: General Primary (5–11 Years)
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![Nick Hellier]()
I am very impressed by the organisation. I love that I can access lecture slides for all my lectures. This has been particularly useful when planning on placement and struggling to remember the vast amount of information I am trying to digest over a very short period.
Nick Hellier
PGCE Primary Education with QTS: General Primary (5–11 Years)
Connect with us
Have questions about training to teach? Our friendly team is here to help – whether you're still exploring your options or ready to apply. We offer personalised advice and support to help you find the right route into teaching.
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