How to apply for Initial Teacher Training

The number of places available for PGCE Initial Teacher Training programmes are allocated to the School of Education each year by the Welsh Government.

This means that the number of places available can vary and competition can be high. You are strongly advised to apply early to secure the best opportunity for a place.

  1. You should apply for your PGCE programme online through the UCAS teacher training portal. 
  2. The application process opens in mid to late October (Apply 1) each year.  In Apply 1 you will be able to apply for up to three different courses/providers.  Apply 1 usually closes in January (although some providers may close earlier) and this is when you have an opportunity to apply through 'Apply 2'.
  3. During ‘Apply 2’, you can only apply for one course/provider at a time. 

When you are preparing your application, keep in mind the following:

  • Take your time over your application and don’t rush. As you are applying to be a teacher it is important that you ensure everything is completed correctly. You can save your work as you go through the application form and return to it at any time.
  • Contact your referees in advance so that they have time to prepare a reference - your application cannot be submitted to us by UCAS until your references have been received.
  • In your personal statement try to demonstrate your commitment to becoming a teacher: your passion for your subject, and the knowledge and understanding you have gained about education through any classroom experience that you have undertaken.
  • Some courses, especially PGCE Primary are very popular and places can be filled quickly - often within the Apply 1 window. For this reason, we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible.
  • Once you have submitted your application, the process moves along quickly. All providers must respond with a decision within 40 working days and if you are offered a place you will have ten working days to consider the offer and make a decision. 
  • You will then be invited to an interview where you will be required to take a short literacy and numeracy test and attend a one-to-one interview. Interview day is also an opportunity to meet tutors, see the teaching setting and find out more about the programme. At the School of Education, we conduct our interviews with representatives from our partner schools. This is a great opportunity for you to meet your future mentors.

Initial Teacher Education Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Recruitment Plan