Certificate in Education (Further Education)
| Study Level | Level 5 |
| Duration | 1 Academic Year |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
PGCE Secondary Mathematics with QTS
Study LevelLevel 7 Course TypeHigher Education Duration1 Academic Year Start DateSeptember 2026 Study ModeFull-time LocationLister BuildingSubject to Validation
This course is subject to validation and confirmation will be sent once this is complete.
Overview
This is the perfect opportunity for you to work towards a rewarding and challenging career at the McMillan School of Education, an established centre for teacher education set in a stimulating, diverse environment.
Our aim is to facilitate your transition from successful graduate to competent early career teacher (ECT). In addition to being an academic course, successful completion of the PGCE Secondary programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). By the end of the course you will have been provided with the necessary training and opportunities to support your progress towards successfully meeting the Teachers’ Standards and recommendation for QTS. The programme is designed to develop you as a reflective practitioner, able to continually enhance your knowledge, understanding and skills, with a particular emphasis on fostering strong mathematical thinking, problem solving, clarity of explanation, and enthusiasm for the beauty and logic of mathematics.
Key Info
You will study all areas of the secondary mathematics curriculum and connect classroom practice to theory through Level 7 academic modules. Sessions at Bradford College are relevant and often practical, focusing on the subject knowledge, pedagogy and professional skills needed to support students’ learning including approaches that prioritise mathematical problem‑solving and the principles of maths mastery.
The course is designed to create strong links between theory and school-based practice, meeting the requirements of the ITTECF (Initial Teacher Training and Early Careers Framework) within an ambitious curriculum. Throughout the programme, you will be supported by tutors and mentors both in college and in school as you prepare for your teaching career, developing confidence in using problem‑solving as a central teaching strategy and applying mastery‑based methods to deepen students’ conceptual understanding.
School experience is a vital part of your teacher training. A key strength of our PGCE course is the close relationship between theory and practice, supported through placements where you work directly with students under the guidance of experienced mentors to develop a genuine passion for helping students grasp the “why” behind the mathematics, fostering deep conceptual understanding rather than relying solely on procedural routines.
Your placements will be arranged for you within the age range of 11-19. Every effort is made to ensure that the most appropriate placements are chosen for each trainee to enhance their professional development.
A good honours degree with a significant proportion in Mathematics. Please note that applicants with third-class honours degrees will be considered on an individual basis, and normally only if applicants have additional qualifications and/or significant relevant professional experience.
GCSE Grade 4 (or C or accepted equivalent) in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics. If you do not already have the appropriate GCSEs, or if you are unable to provide proof of your grades, please refer to the GCSE Equivalency information below.
Suitable personal and intellectual qualities required for teaching in secondary schools.
Applicants also need to demonstrate the commitment, attitudes and values appropriate to those of a secondary teacher and the potential to train as a teacher. Strong applicants often have experience in secondary schools, but this is not a requirement.
The ability to read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written standard English.
The capacity to meet the Secretary of State’s requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach. All successful candidates will be asked to complete a health assessment as part of the entry conditions to the programme.
In addition to the above essential entry requirements, successful applicants also tend to have:
- Advanced level qualifications (or equivalent) in Mathematics.
- Experience of observing the teaching in a secondary school in this country.
Suitable applicants will be invited for an interview.
An offer of a place is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Certificate and a satisfactory medical. If you are offered and accept a place you will be sent the information regarding both of these checks.
This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.
During each stage of your school-based training, you will be formatively assessed and your progress mapped against the fundamental expectations. A summary judgment will be made at the end of each stage. This summary will provide you with further information about your areas of strength and targets to develop moving forwards. By the end of your training in school you will be expected to have met the Teachers’ Standards and a Summative Assessment will be made using the standards as a benchmark.
Successful completion of the course will give you the relevant training and expertise needed to continue to build the skills and knowledge you need to feel confident and empowered in your classroom as an Early Career Teacher (ECT).
You will be capable of planning, teaching and managing a class and your monitoring, assessment, recording and reporting skills will be well developed for this stage in your teaching career. You will understand the issues of accountability and the many professional responsibilities required of a teacher.
HE Tuition: £9,535.00 per academic year
Other Costs: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at the cost £66.00.
This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]
Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.