government entry requirements for teacher training

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Unfortunately the requirement is English Language. You'll need to re-sit this qualification in November 2016 or June 2017 if you wish to train to teach.

You say this like its fact?

GCSE requirementsThe basic requirements for GCSE grades if you want to train to teach are:If you have overseas equivalent qualifications, you should contact your preferred training provider to check on eligibility, as they make the final judgement on equivalency.What if you don’t have the required GCSEs?You can contact the school or university you’d like to apply to if you don’t have the requisite GCSEs or overseas equivalent qualification. They make the final decision on equivalent qualifications, and some schools and universities may offer you the opportunity to sit a GCSE equivalency test.
If this choice is not available, you could consider a part-time GCSE or Open Access course at your local further education college. You’ll need to cover the cost of any such course yourself.

I really wanted to add my conundrum on this I want to do a Primary PGCE after I complete my degree (which I haven't even chosen yet). Government guidelines say a degree in a relevant subject what would be classed as a relevant subject? I am toying with a few options at the moment Bioscience, Zoology, Ecology, Biology would all of these be acceptable as degree subject to teach at primary level. Is there any degree's that would not be appropriate?
How do other subjects like criminology, Marine biology fare?

If you are wanting to be a primary teacher and have yet to choose a degree, why are you looking to do a different degree, followed by a PGCE, over a Bachelor's in Education? This would surely be the most sensible route and I assume would be a lot easier/less competitive than applying for a Primary PGCE later on which as I understand it is incredibly competitive..

I also am not really sure your question is relevant to the discussion around English requirements...

We were actually always told in school that we would be more employable having a degree and a PGCE than just a bachelor in education

well in case you didn't see the title of the thread is "government entry requirements for teacher training" and a relevant degree would be a requirement don't you think?

That was my thought too @anna__

The entry requirement being discussed was English, but sure re-purpose it.

I'm happy to be corrected, but I suspect that "relevant degree" is primarily applicable to those wanting to teach Secondary, as to teach subjects up to A level/Advanced Higher level, you will require strong subject knowledge. For primary I think just having any degree is basically enough.

I can't think of any degree subject that would be considered more, or less, relevant than any other and it'll likely come down to the amount of classroom experience you have and how well you are able to present yourself at your interviews. I would suggest looking at the current thread for 2016 PGCE applications - about 50% are for primary and it probably paints a pretty accurate picture of how competitive and involved the process is.

Best of luck with your studies.

Generally universities ask that the subject that was studied at Bachelors level contains at least 50% of relevant subject material that the applicant wishes to teach for Secondary Education. However, for Primary Education the rules are more relaxed unless the candidate wants to pursue a specialism such as Primary Maths. I know people with Psychology, Sociology and Law degrees who have become Primary teachers. Providers are looking for candidates with work experience, personal qualities that make them suitable for teaching and a commitment to working with and developing children.