Secondary Teacher Training

This secondary PGCE qualification from University College London (UCL) gives you the tools to build a successful career in teaching while providing a holistic view of the profession. You will focus on the child, the curriculum and the teacher.

Wandle Teaching School Hub is offering the following courses in partnership with UCL:

• • Art and Design
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing
  • English
  • History
  • Mathematics

As a student on the University College London (UCL) secondary PGCE you will receive the following teaching and pastoral support:

• Your training will be overseen by a mentor from your host school.
• You will be allocated a tutor from UCL to support you with practical and academic elements of the course.
• You will be expected to take part in lectures and seminars at UCL.

UCL Lead Partner Direct students will have two school placements. These will be in two of our partner schools and offer you a contrasting school experience, for example, one placement in a mixed school and a second in a single-sex school.

Placement One takes place between October and February. Placement Two between February and June.

In each week there are four days in school and one day at UCL.

Qualifications needed

• An undergraduate degree at class 2:2 or above, or equivalent.
• At least 50% of your degree must be in the subject you wish to teach.
• Grade 4 (C) or above in English, maths and science, or equivalent qualification.
• We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSEs.
• We’ll consider candidates who need to take a GCSE equivalency test in English, maths or science.

Personal qualities

We are looking for candidates who are passionate and knowledgeable about their specialist subject and keen to have a positive impact on the lives of young people in the Capital.

Other requirements

You will need to complete a DBS check prior to taking up the offer of a place.

Trainees are assessed against the Teachers’ Standards before being recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

There are different bursaries and scholarships that are available for people starting initial teacher training (ITT) in September 2026.

There are bursaries available of:

• £29,000 in chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics
• £20,000 in design and technology and languages (including ancient languages)
• £5,000 in biology and geography

Applicants may be eligible for a bursary if they have a 1st, 2:1, 2:2 or master’s degree or a PhD.

There are also scholarships available:

• £31,000 for chemistry, computing and physics
• £22,000 for French, German and Spanish (no other languages)

Scholarships are usually available to applicants with a 1st, 2:1 or master’s degree or a PhD, though, in exceptional circumstances, they may be awarded to a graduate with a 2:2 and significant relevant experience.

For more information on what is available and how to apply go to the ‘Get into Teaching’ pages here