We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.
Gain the experience, opportunity and knowledge to teach in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 with the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (Secondary) + QTS with Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Reading.
This full-time 10-month course, largely funded by the Apprenticeship Levy funding, ensures that you are embedded in school throughout and can earn while becoming a fully qualified teacher.
The course leads to achievement of the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship and the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach pupils aged 11 to 18. This PGCE route provides the additional opportunity to study at Level 7 and gain 60 Master’s level credits.
Upon successful completion of training, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status to the Department for Education and be eligible to proceed to the End Point Assessment (EPA), where if passed, you will receive Teacher Apprenticeship. If you complete the PGCE, this will be awarded by the University of Reading.
On the course you will spend the majority of your time in your employing school, undertaking a minimum of 20% off-the-job training alongside your on-the-job training. You will also gain experience in a contrasting school.
Through both university- and school-based training you will develop teaching skills and techniques as well as acquire curriculum knowledge and understanding within a broad and relevant theoretical framework.
The secondary subjects we are currently offering are:
You will experience inspirational teaching and individualised support, and you will benefit from strong links between your employing school and the University. Off-the-job training is delivered via a blend of online learning and face-to-face teaching on one of the University campuses in Reading.
Learning takes place through on-the-job experience, supplemented by off-the-job training. This includes a series of lectures, practical seminars and workshops, where interactive and discussion-based techniques will encourage you to engage, reflect and challenge.
Off-the-job training will take place on Fridays throughout the year, with two additional training days in September.
Learning contexts may include:
Alongside the University tutors, you will be taught and guided by a work-based mentor and apprenticeship tutor. Your in-school learning will follow a shared-guided-independent model, ensuring that you receive the support to grow your experience and expertise as a teacher.
You will be taught by a diverse and experienced community of academics, benefiting from their expertise and experiences in a wide range of educational settings and learning environments.
The Institute of Education is a high-quality teacher training facility with extensive support, pastoral care and excellent employment rates for graduates. We have created an open, inclusive environment that promotes a sense of wellbeing and belonging, and we pride ourselves on creating and nurturing a community where students are recognised and valued as individuals.
We have dedicated spaces for the teaching of specialist subjects such as music, PE, drama, the sciences, ICT and art. Alongside these fantastic facilities, you will also find places to eat and drink. as well as plenty of green space.
In addition to time spent in your employing school, you will undertake a contrasting school placement of a minimum of four weeks (16 on-the-job training days). This experience will broaden your understanding of different approaches to teaching and learning, developing you as a critically reflective practitioner.
At the University of Reading, we believe that climate and sustainability education is everyone’s responsibility. As part of our National Climate Education Action Plan, teacher trainees can access training that empowers them to effectively incorporate climate education within their teaching across all levels and subjects.
Across all ITT programmes at the Institute of Education, you will learn about:
Visit Partnering for the Planet to find out more about the University of Reading’s world-leading work in climate science.
We have an incredible collection of teaching resources housed in the Learning Hub. A treasure trove for teachers, the Learning Hub contains every type of teaching aid imaginable for loan or for reference, from big books to puppets. A printing and binding facility, and technical equipment library are also available for your use.
The quality of our research permeates throughout our teacher training programmes and was recognised in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021), the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. 98% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Education).
