Primary PGCE courses

We work in partnership with around 300 primary schools each year to fully prepare Primary PGCE students for a career in school as a Primary or Early Years teacher.

Our student teachers benefit enormously from the complementary skills and expertise of staff in partnership schools and at IOE. Teachers in school serve as mentors and joint assessors for student teachers during school placements.

IOE tutors have extensive experience of teaching, school management, teacher education, research and consultancy. Students will learn to teach all the primary curriculum subjects. They will also select one subject for specialist study.

Choose from three courses

IOE Lead Partner Direct

We also offer our Primary PGCE courses through the IOE Lead Partner Direct route. 

The Primary PGCE Approach

Our Primary PGCE develops effective, confident teachers whose classroom practice is informed by an advanced knowledge of educational theory. 

At IOE, we help student teachers to acquire the skills and expertise to support children’s learning in line with IOE's unique approach.

We prepare our student teachers to teach in an inclusive urban environment, provide professional development in all national curriculum subjects, ensure that students show a concern for professional values and demonstrate the positive attitudes and behaviour expected from pupils.

Discover more from IOE

How to apply

Read the following application process guidelines carefully if you are considering applying to study one of our teacher training courses.

Entry requirements

Read details on ¹û¶³Ó°Ôºâ€™s minimum entrance requirements for teacher training courses. These entry requirements apply to all our Teacher Training PGCE courses.

Learn to teach with the best

IOE has been ranked 1st in the world for education every year since 2014. In 2024 we achieved the highest possible Ofsted rating for our Early Years (EYITT), Primary, Secondary and Further Education courses.

  • 600 partner schools, colleges and early years settings across London.
  • 25% of UK education research takes place at the IOE.
  • 97% of PGCE students in full-time work were employed in teaching roles within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers from HE, 2016-17).
  • 8000 students from all over the world.
  • 600 academics commited to improving lives through education.

Got questions? Get in touch.

Staircases in the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Student Centre.
Prospective student enquiries

Initial Teacher Education

+44 (0)20 8059 0939