PGCE Interview Tips
PGCE Interviews are pretty daunting, and nerves can easily get the better of you if you're not well prepared. Below is a selection of useful tips from Teachers and students that have been there and gone through the interview process. Some people sail through with confidence, others mess it up first time, but try again, more determined than ever.
If you have any tips you would like to share please add them in the Comments below.
- Read around the education sector, to ensure you are up to speed with all current issues. Check our News Feeds for the latest educational news.
- Be Honest! You are not expected to know everything, though you should have done enough preparation to ensure you can answer the majority of the questions asked. If you are unsure ask them to clarify the question, if you don't know, tell them that you don't know.
- Look smart, but do not overdress, you may see people turning up casually dressed, but being smart will give you the confidence, and present a good impression. For PE courses check that if you will need appropriate dress for activities. (don NOT wear jeans!)
- Read the sample PGCE Interview Questions, for a flavour of what you may be asked.
- Be prepared to reveal your opinions, ideas and attitudes.
- Reflect on your teaching experience, and apply it to your answers.
- Group Tasks - ensure that you are seen to be taking an active part in any activities, do not be too agressive, but take leadership if you have the chance.
- Try to avoid a simple question/answer format, expand on any given questions, using your experience and knowledge of education issues (see tip 1).
- Take with you a bag containing, certificates, notepad, pens, evidence of experience and any material given to you prior to the interview. Take a drink (you'll need it) and a small snack, just in case.
- If asked about hobbies, try to link them back to education and teaching.
- Try to get across your passion for your subject and teaching, this is a key area that you are being tested on.
Comments
Comments to date: 18. Page 1 of 2.
Average Rating: 
John | Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 |
Some useful tips, thanks. | |
John | Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 |
Oh and I have seen some people wearing jeans at interviews, and suits look out of place. | |
Andy Leeds | Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 |
I was always told never to say i want to teach because i love children, but to say that you love to see the progress of the children! (Political Correctness! A wonderful thing?) | |
Matthew Sheffield | Thursday, May 7th, 2009 |
I would disagree with suits being out of place at the interview. One of the key points of the course that they emphasised was its professional nature adn so I think you should dress as if going for a job interview. | |
Rhiannon Norwich | Monday, August 24th, 2009 |
I would just say that Jeans are a no no, I couldn't imagine wearing those! Also I found that being truthful did work, and proving your track record with children. If you have only done 2 weeks work experience and not got evidence of anything else, do... read more » | |
Shabran United Kingdon (London) | Thursday, January 21st, 2010 |
I have been told that I will be getting an interview date very soon and am dreading it now. I have been working as a TA in a secondary school for 3 months and this week ends my 2 weeks at a primary school (I am applying to a primary PGCE). I'm just w... read more » | |
jason morecambe | Monday, January 25th, 2010 |
i don't understand why you wouldn't want to wear a suit, this is the most important interview in my life so far and people are saying i should wear jeans? I always thought it was better to be over-dressed than under-dressed! | |
Melanie London | Monday, February 1st, 2010 |
Suit all the way. I can't imagine wearing anything less. I'm treating this like a job interview. Oh I'm getting more and more nervous now! | |
Chris London | Monday, February 8th, 2010 |
I have my interview this afternoon and am fairly nervous. I've decided to wear an office shirt with suit trousers and shoes. No tie and a smart casual jacket. I'll feel comfortable and at the same time not feel over dressed. | |
Steph Milton Keynes | Monday, February 8th, 2010 |
I was told to dress smartly (I'm going for black knee length pencil skirt, court shoes, and a grey and white striped fitted shirt) but then to show your individuality by adding a smart accessorie like a neckscarf or a colourful necklace or bag. If ev... read more » | |
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