Equality and Diversity
"Today's youth need to be exposed to the variety of nationalities found in our society, and what better way than having a teacher belonging to an ethnic minority group as a figure that children grow up being inspired by." Sema El-Jamali
Read more about Sema's experiences.
The Faculty of Education is committed to admitting the best students, regardless of background, social or ethnic origin. We have a policy to ensure that to demonstrate their true potential and abilities at our interviews. Selection is made on the basis of abilities, qualifications and experiences. Every effort is made to ensure that no discrimination takes place on the basis of background.
We particularly welcome applications from sections of the communities which are under represented in the teaching profession. The University may seem intimidating to some applicants but in reality staff at the Faculty are very approachable. We are keen to recruit able trainee teachers that reflect the diversity of society; what matters to us is your enthusiasm and aptitude for the subject you want to study here!
To promote higher education amongst youngsters from ethnic minority background, we definitely need top calibre teachers from similar backgrounds who could be emulated as great role models. To achieve this goal, the University of Cambridge has an excellent programme of PGCE courses to train individuals as quality teachers. Please visit our student profiles pages to see comments from former PGCE students. PGCE trainees (UK and EU Nationals) are eligible to receive non-taxable training bursaries to assist with their living expenses whilst training.
Regardless of one's background, a major reward of teaching is simply making a difference. Teaching is one of the most influential professions in society and plays a vital part in developing the quality of life of future generations. Moreover teachers from a range of ethnicities can contribute to the achievement and morale of pupils belonging to different communities and backgrounds which in turn is likely to make an impact on future generations of ethnic communities.
It is believed that the experiences minority group teachers bring to their jobs will help them to be empathetic toward and skilled in crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries in a school context. In many areas of the country the number of ethnic minority pupils is rising in state schools. The Faculty of Education is very keen to take part in supporting initiatives to increase the number of trainee teachers from ethnic minorities.
If you have the academic ability and enthusiasm but have concerns about approaching Cambridge University, we can assure you that you will not be disappointed. Contact our Admissions team whose contact details are below in the first instance for informal enquiries or see our PGCE Admissions page for more details on how to apply.
Students With Disabilities
"I never felt at any point that my impairment was a drawback in the career itself as everyone in the department was so supportive"
Louise King, Primary PGCE.
Read more about Louise's experiences.
Students with a disability are welcomed by the Faculty. The Faculty is committed to equal opportunities for all and to the provision of support for students with a disability. Therefore it aims to ensure that no present or prospective student receives less favourable treatment than another on grounds of any condition or status not directly affecting study or work. Reasonable adjustment will be made both during the admissions process and through the training year to support the needs of those with a disability. Applicants with a disability are invited to bring this to the attention of the Faculty at the earliest opportunity to enable us to provide the support you may require. The University's Disability Resource Centre is available to all trainees and will work with the Faculty to provide support before and during the PGCE course.