Can we talk about the 40% PGCE drop out rate? Anyone here dropped out?

Hey- I don't think the poster you've quoted is still active on the site unfortunately.

Have you thought about starting a new thread to get some support/advice about your own situation?

What is making you think of dropping out?

Thanks for the info! I have started a new thread PGCE Geography - Help needed. Hopefully i get a bit of help there! Please do have a look if you feel you could give me some good advice. Here is the link... https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/help/my-new-category/pgce-geography-help-needed

Thanks for the info! I have started a new thread PGCE Geography - Help needed. Hopefully i get a bit of help there! Please do have a look if you feel you could give me some good advice. Here is the link... https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/help/my-new-category/pgce-geography-help-needed

Thanks for the info! I have started a new thread PGCE Geography - Help needed. Hopefully i get a bit of help there! Please do have a look if you feel you could give me some good advice. Here is the link... https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/help/my-new-category/pgce-geography-help-needed

I really wish I'd dropped out. Not a day goes by where I don't regret doing my PGCE. I only did it because everyone else around me said I'd wanted to be a teacher for so long, despite knowing I didn't want to teach after actually working in a school. I wish I'd done a masters degree more relevant to my actual degree, like in translation, but there's no way in hell I'll be able to afford it! I just feel so broken

Sorry that you're having a tough time right now . Remember, there are always opportunities - and in a few years you may be in a job you love that wouldn't have worked out if you hadn't done the PGCE.

Feel free to reply or DM if you want to talk more.

I've already finished my PGCE and I so wish I hadn't even applied! Worst thing is I knew I didn't want to do it back when I applied! I ended up finishing late because I had a breakdown at my second placement school!

There's no way in hell I want to stay in teaching!

Oh yes, that's what I meant. I am in a very much not teaching job now, so from one perspective my PGCE hasn't helped at all with my career. But had I not done it, I wouldn't be in this job now, as it would have had a knock on effect on anything.

Additionally, a PGCE does give lots of good transferable skills at least, which will help with other careers. Do you have any ideas what other jobs you might like to try (it's OK if not! it often takes time and trying stuff out)

I wish I'd gone into translation or interpreting, so I can actually use my languages at a decent level, but you need a masters in the subject to have any hope of getting a job in the sector, which I have no way of affording, even with the postgrad loan! I wanted to go into it when I applied for my PGCE but I let myself get swayed into doing something I knew I hated instead! I'll always hate myself for it!

Hmm, I don't know a lot about that sector. Perhaps your uni has a careers service, that you can still access, or maybe a former lecturer or advisor might have some advice. My first thoughts would be something abroad (potentially teaching... I know you said you didn't want to do that ha, but teaching abroad can be a very different kettle of fish so it really depends on your reasons for not liking teaching). Or perhaps studying abroad - this may make it more feasible finance wise.

Another option might be studying part time - either at a conventional brick and mortar uni, or at a distance institution like the OU - this could be more achievable financially as you can work part time while studying, and the cost is generally spread over a long period (though it obviously affects govt. funding too).

There isn't any need to lie. The school can just set unachievable targets.

This maybe a few years late, but I haven’t seen you say any positives about the PGCE/teaching? How do you expect future applicants to view this? So from your suggestions, every new teacher should stop?