10 Dec PGCE vs PGCEi: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?
At Moore Teachers, we speak to hundreds of aspiring and experienced teachers every year who are exploring different qualification routes. One of the most common questions we’re asked is:
What’s the difference between a PGCE and a PGCEi – and which one will help me secure a teaching job?
While the two sound similar, they lead to very different outcomes in the UK education system. In this blog, we break it down clearly and honestly to help you make the right decision for your teaching career.
What Is a PGCE?
A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is one of the most established and recognised teaching qualifications in the UK.
Key Features of a PGCE:
- Combines academic study with extensive classroom placements
- Includes supervised teaching practice in UK schools
- Leads directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in most cases
- Recognised by:
- UK state schools
- Academies
- Independent schools
- Funded routes are often available (bursaries, scholarships, student finance)
From a recruitment perspective, a PGCE with QTS is the gold standard for long-term teaching roles in the UK.
What Is a PGCEi?
A PGCEi (Postgraduate Certificate in Education – International) is an online, distance-learning version of teacher training.
Key Features of a PGCEi:
- Studied remotely
- No requirement for UK school placements
- Designed mainly for:
- Teachers working overseas
- International schools
- English-medium education abroad
- Does NOT automatically include QTS
- Is not regulated in the same way as a UK PGCE
This is where many candidates are caught off guard.
The Crucial Difference: QTS
The single biggest difference between a PGCE and a PGCEi is QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).
| Qualification | Includes QTS? | Suitable for UK State Schools? |
|---|---|---|
| PGCE | ✅ Yes (most routes) | ✅ Yes |
| PGCEi | ❌ No (in most cases) | ❌ Usually No |
At Moore Teachers, most permanent and long-term roles in UK schools require QTS by law, particularly in:
- Primary schools
- Secondary state schools
- SEN settings
Without QTS, employment opportunities become significantly more limited.
Can You Teach in the UK with a PGCEi?
In short: sometimes – but with restrictions.
You may be able to work:
- In some independent schools
- As an unqualified teacher
- In short-term or support-based roles
However:
- Salaries are usually lower
- Job security is reduced
- Career progression is more limited
- Many schools will still require QTS
Some PGCEi holders later apply for Assessment Only QTS or other conversion routes – but this is not guaranteed and depends heavily on your teaching experience and setting.
Why Do Some Teachers Choose a PGCEi?
From our experience at Moore Teachers, candidates usually choose a PGCEi because:
- They are already working overseas
- They want to train while earning
- They cannot commit to a full-time UK placement
- They plan to stay in international education
For international schools, especially British curriculum schools abroad, a PGCEi can be highly valuable.
Which Qualification Do UK Schools Prefer?
From a recruitment agency perspective, the answer is clear:
✅ UK schools overwhelmingly prefer a PGCE with QTS.
⚠️ A PGCEi alone often limits your job options in the UK market.
When schools brief us on vacancies, QTS is usually listed as essential, not just desirable.
Our Honest Advice at Moore Teachers
If your goal is to:
- Teach in the UK long-term
- Progress into leadership
- Secure strong salary bands
- Work in state-funded schools
➡️ A PGCE with QTS is the safest and strongest route.
If your goal is to:
- Teach internationally
- Work in private or overseas schools
- Gain flexibility through online study
➡️ A PGCEi can still be a valuable qualification – with the right expectations.
How Moore Teachers Supports You
At Moore Teachers, we don’t just match teachers to jobs – we help guide careers. We:
- Advise on eligibility for roles
- Support QTS and career progression queries
- Match teachers with schools that fit their qualifications and goals
- Provide honest feedback on market demand
Whether you hold a PGCE, PGCEi, or are still deciding your route into teaching, our team is here to support you.
Thinking About Your Next Teaching Step?
Whether you hold a PGCE, PGCEi, or are still exploring your options, the Moore Teachers team is here to guide you every step of the way. Register with us today for honest career advice, exclusive school vacancies, and expert support tailored to your goals.
👉 Register with Moore Teachers today and start your next chapter with confidence.