I was made to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the interview day so did not feel like I was being selected as rigorously. However I am aware that it went on in the background. It was just nice that I did not feel the pressure as this would have triggered nerves!
Initial Decision
We aim to make an initial decision within 14 days of receiving an application. If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend an interview - we will email you details approximately two weeks before the interview date. If you are not available on that date please contact the PGCE Office as we may be able to offer you an alternative.
Interviews
Candidates are interviewed by a mix of Faculty staff and teachers from our Partnership schools. All interviews take place in person at the Faculty of Education in Cambridge.
Hear some of our Early Career Teachers talking about their experience at interview.
Interviewing for both the Primary and Secondary PGCE courses generally begins in mid-November and offers are made on a rolling basis following each interview. This means that for the most popular subjects we may only hold a very small number of interview panels.
Primary PGCE candidates are interviewed in groups of eight. The interview, lasting a half day, includes a group activity, a two-minute presentation by each candidate, a written task based on a research article and an individual interview.
Secondary PGCE interviews usually last for a half day and generally involve between four and ten candidates, depending on the particular subject. All interviews consist of group discussions/activities, a written task and an individual interview. Candidates may also be expected to give a short presentation or teach a mini lesson. Evidence of practical skills may also be required; eg. language translation, an art/design portfolio or music competency. All candidates will be sent information regarding the subject specific requirements of their interview approximately two weeks before the date.
Outcome
We aim to notify all candidates of the outcome within two weeks of their interview. Those who are successful will be emailed a letter confirming the details of their offer and any conditions to be met shortly after the decision appears on DfE Apply.
All offers are subject to meeting a number of standard conditions including safeguarding and medical checks. Some candidates may also be asked to complete subject specific preparation, eg. brushing up on practical skills in music/languages etc. We may also recommend that candidates spend some further time in a UK state school before the start of the course.
Written feedback will be provided to all unsuccessful interview candidates but please note that there is no appeal against academic judgements made by the Faculty.
