As a PGCE-qualified teacher, you hold one of the most vital roles in our society—shaping young minds, nurturing confidence and helping pupils thrive academically and personally. Schools across the UK depend on passionate, well-trained educators to deliver engaging lessons, manage behaviour, track progress and create inclusive learning environments. A typical PGCE-qualified teacher salary ranges from £30,000–£41,333 depending on location and experience, with opportunities to progress into Middle Leadership and Senior Leadership roles that can exceed £60,000–£80,000+. With such responsibility and opportunity, creating an interview-winning PGCE Teacher CV is essential if you want to stand out in today’s competitive education sector.
As a UK-based career coaching professional with over 25 years of experience, I’m here to guide you through how to craft a powerful, search-friendly, recruiter-approved CV that not only reflects your talent but also positions you confidently among the strongest teaching candidates.
Why Your PGCE Teacher CV Matters More Than Ever
The education recruitment landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Schools expect teachers to demonstrate strong classroom management, safeguarding awareness, behaviour strategies, curriculum knowledge and the ability to differentiate effectively. Your PGCE Teacher CV must therefore present you as a competent, confident and compassionate educator capable of meeting the standards of Ofsted, the Teachers’ Standards, and modern school priorities such as inclusion, SEND support, technology-enhanced learning and pupil wellbeing.
Recruiters and hiring heads often spend less than 10 seconds scanning your CV. That means your document must be clear, well-structured and tailored specifically to the PGCE Teacher role you’re applying for.
What Schools Look For in a PGCE Teacher CV
Whether you specialise in Primary, Secondary or a specific subject, your PGCE Teacher CV should highlight:
Evidence of effective lesson planning
Strong classroom management and behaviour strategies
Experience delivering the national curriculum
SEND experience and differentiation skills
Safeguarding knowledge and up-to-date training
Assessment and reporting experience
Passion for pupil progress and wellbeing
Confidence using educational technology
Ability to collaborate with staff, parents and external agencies
Adaptability, resilience and commitment to professional development
Remember—schools recruit not just for skills but for impact, enthusiasm and potential.
PGCE Teacher CV Template Example (Structure + Content)
Below is a powerful structure you can follow. Be sure all wording remains unique and tailored to your own experience.
Your Name
City, Postcode | Phone | Email | LinkedIn URL
Professional Profile
A strong profile paragraph helps the hiring manager understand your value immediately. Aim for 4–6 lines that project confidence and clarity.
Example:
A dedicated and enthusiastic PGCE-qualified teacher committed to creating inclusive, inspiring and well-structured learning experiences for pupils of all abilities. Skilled in curriculum delivery, adaptive teaching, safeguarding and behaviour management, with a proven ability to motivate learners and support academic and personal development. Passionate about promoting high standards, using data to drive progress and contributing positively to school communities.
Key Skills
Include keywords schools expect, such as:
Lesson Planning & Delivery
Classroom & Behaviour Management
SEND Support & Differentiation
Assessment for Learning
Safeguarding & Pastoral Care
Curriculum Knowledge
Pupil Progress Tracking
Phonics / Literacy / Numeracy Support
Technology-Enhanced Learning
Parental Engagement
Team Collaboration
These keywords are vital for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and Google SEO relevance.
Professional Experience
List teaching placements, voluntary roles and any paid teaching experience. Use strong action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.
Example layout:
PGCE Teaching Placement – Year 5 Classroom
School Name, Location | 2023 – 2024
Planned and delivered engaging lessons aligned with the national curriculum and school schemes of work.
Implemented effective behaviour management strategies resulting in improved class engagement and reduced disruptions.
Adapted materials for SEND and EAL pupils, ensuring all learners made measurable progress.
Assessed pupil work, recorded data and participated in parent consultations and staff meetings.
Used digital tools such as Google Classroom, Class Dojo and interactive whiteboards to enhance learning.
Repeat similar role descriptions for each placement or role.
Education & Qualifications
PGCE with QTS – University Name | Year
Relevant Modules: Behaviour Management, Curriculum Studies, Assessment for Learning
Degree (BA/BSc/MA) – Subject, University | Year
Include relevant dissertation topics if they support your subject specialism.
Professional Development
Include courses such as:
Safeguarding (Level 1/2)
Prevent Training
SEND Awareness
First Aid
Behaviour Management Workshops
CPD sessions
Additional Experience (if applicable)
Tutoring
Teaching assistant work
Youth work
Coaching
Volunteering with children or vulnerable groups
Personal Interests
Schools like to see well-rounded teachers who can bring extracurricular value, so include hobbies such as:
Coaching sports teams
Creative arts
Music
STEM clubs
Community volunteering
General Tips for Creating an Interview-Winning PGCE Teacher CV
Keep it to 2 pages
Schools expect concise, relevant information.
Use strong keywords
This helps with both ATS screening and SEO relevance.
Tailor your CV to each school
Use the job description wording where appropriate.
Focus on impact
Instead of “taught lessons,” say:
“Delivered structured lessons that improved pupil engagement and progress.”
Show results
Even small achievements matter.
Use active language
Words such as “delivered,” “implemented,” “improved,” “supported,” and “enhanced” strengthen your CV.
Advice for Graduates and Newly Qualified Teachers
As a PGCE graduate or ECT, schools don’t expect years of experience—they expect enthusiasm, potential and reflective practice. So:
Highlight the complexity of your placements, not their duration.
Emphasise your willingness to learn, adapt and contribute.
Show how feedback improved your teaching.
Mention behaviour strategies you’ve applied effectively.
Demonstrate resilience and passion for teaching.
A graduate-level CV must show promise, preparedness and professionalism.
Advice for Middle Leaders
If you’re applying for roles such as Phase Leader, Subject Coordinator or Head of Department:
Emphasise leadership achievements (curriculum development, mentoring, running CPD).
Show impact on pupil outcomes and teaching standards.
Highlight involvement in whole-school initiatives.
Demonstrate strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making.
Middle leaders must appear capable of inspiring colleagues and raising standards across their area.
Advice for Senior Leaders
For Assistant Head, Deputy Head or Headteacher roles:
Focus on whole-school leadership, safeguarding, behaviour strategy and staff development.
Demonstrate measurable progress across year groups or departments.
Mention successful Ofsted involvement or preparation.
Highlight strategic planning, budgeting, community engagement and policy implementation.
Senior leadership CVs must project confidence, strategic vision and a track record of whole-school impact.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a PGCE Teacher CV
Do:
✔ Tailor your CV to each school
✔ Keep your layout simple, clean and professional
✔ Highlight safeguarding and SEND experience
✔ Use strong, positive verbs
✔ Provide clear evidence of progress and impact
✔ Update your CV annually
Don’t:
✘ Include irrelevant work experience without context
✘ Use overly decorative templates or fonts
✘ Write lengthy paragraphs that overwhelm the reader
✘ Use generic statements that don’t show personality
✘ Add personal details like age, marital status or photo
✘ Forget to proofread—spelling errors stand out dramatically
Unlock your next teaching opportunity with a professionally written, fully editable PGCE Teacher CV and Cover Letter—ready for instant download.
Perfect for newly qualified teachers and trainees, this polished application pack is crafted to showcase your classroom experience, teaching philosophy, and curriculum knowledge with maximum impact.
✔ Save Hours of Stress
No more staring at a blank page. Start with a high-impact, expertly structured template designed specifically for PGCE graduates.
✔ Professionally Written to Impress Schools
Every section is built to highlight your teaching practice, subject knowledge, safeguarding awareness, and classroom management—all the qualities headteachers look for.
✔ Fully Editable & ATS-Friendly
Customise in minutes using Word or Google Docs. The layout is clean, modern, and designed to pass Applicant Tracking Systems.
✔ Proven to Stand Out
Crafted using current UK school hiring expectations to help your application rise above the rest.
✔ Immediate Download—Apply Today
Get instant access and start editing right away. No delays, no hassle.
Make your application stronger, your confidence higher, and your job hunt faster.
Download your PGCE Teacher CV & Cover Letter pack now and take the next step toward landing the teaching role you deserve.
