What’s the Difference Between QTS and PGCE?

If you’re exploring a career in teaching, you’ll often see two terms: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). They’re closely linked, but they’re not the same. Understanding the difference is important when deciding the best route into the profession.

What is QTS?

Qualified Teacher Status is the professional accreditation that allows you to teach in most state-maintained primary, secondary, and special schools in England. It confirms you have met the national Teachers’ Standards, covering subject knowledge, effective classroom practice, and inclusive teaching.

QTS can be achieved through several routes, such as School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), the Assessment Only route, or an undergraduate degree with QTS. Many of these are offered through our teacher training programmes.

What is a PGCE?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education is an academic qualification completed after an undergraduate degree. A PGCE combines university-based learning with practical school placements, developing your teaching skills and understanding of educational theory.

A PGCE doesn’t automatically give you QTS – some courses award both, while others focus solely on the academic qualification.

The main differences between QTS and PGCE

Purpose – QTS is a professional licence to teach; a PGCE is an academic qualification.
Requirement – QTS is needed for most teaching roles in England; a PGCE is optional but valued.
Recognition – QTS applies in England; a PGCE is recognised more widely, including internationally.
Combination – Many training routes let you gain both QTS and PGCE together.

Which one should you choose?

If your goal is to teach in England, QTS is essential. A PGCE can add depth to your training, improve career prospects, and open opportunities to teach abroad, but it’s not mandatory.

Our [teacher training programmes] offer pathways that lead to QTS alone or to both QTS and PGCE, depending on your goals, background, and preferred learning style.

How Catalyst Academies Trust can help

We work with schools across Essex to provide high-quality training routes into teaching. Whether you want to gain QTS, combine it with a PGCE, or explore alternative pathways, we’ll guide you from application to qualification – and support your early career development.

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Take the next step

Understanding the difference between QTS and PGCE is the first step to choosing the right route into teaching. If you’re ready to start your journey, explore our teacher training programmes and see how we can help you qualify, grow, and make a lasting impact in the classroom.