Become a Qualified Teacher Start with a PGCE Event at Chester

Who Are These Events For?

Our events are suitable for everyone considering a career in teaching – whether you’re exploring options, comparing providers, or ready to apply. You’ll get clear guidance on routes into teaching, placements, course structure, and how we support you from application through to your first teaching role.

Why Teach with Chester?  

As the school that originally founded the University of Chester, we’ve supported trainee teachers for over 187 years, building on that legacy to develop confident, reflective practitioners with the skills and attributes that help them drive learning and thrive within today’s classrooms.

Our courses are designed to inspire, challenge and support learners at every stage of their professional journey. The PGCEs are research-informed, shaped by practice with partners and responsive to the developing needs of the education workforce. You’ll complete a minimum of two to three full placements, amounting to over 180 days, arranged through our wide network of over 400 partner schools, supported by highly-skilled mentors and University colleagues who work closely with you from your first day on placement to your first teaching role.

We don’t believe in sink‑or‑swim training. You’ll receive structured support, expert guidance, and ongoing advice to help you reflect on your practice and grow as a teacher, developing your own professional identity.

What trainees value most:

• Our dialogic approach to mentoring recognises each student’s unique identity and experience.
• Our established partnerships, which enable collaboration with external, current professionals to ensure our courses are always relevant and draw on recent cutting-edge developments.
• Our team of research-active academics, many of whom are even Chester alumni have been through the whole process! They provide pastoral advice, guidance, and support every step of the way and understand the challenges and rewards of being a teacher.

“I am so glad I have completed my PGCE with Chester.  They have been supportive throughout the course.  I went from not knowing what I was doing to being a confident teacher! The team are always there for you when you need it!”
- Primary PGCE  Student/ Associate Teacher.

 Go to FAQs to find out more