Returning to PGCE on a different subject

Hi all,

I recently started a PGCE course in secondary with RE. I quickly found that while I loved teaching, I struggled immensely in the classroom due to my incredibly poor subject knowledge. It being impossible - and unfair to the kids - for me to go on, I quit somewhat abruptly, with plans to return under a different specialism.

Having taken some time to think about my teaching prospects I've decided I'd like to train in English instead. My university is happy to accept me for next year's cohort (25/26) although I do need to formally withdraw and make a full reapplication in order to get onto the course.

I've browsed around and seen conflicting messages on what my student finance entitlement actually is here. I have a few questions as such:

-Am I entitled to a new tuition loan?

-Am I entitled to a new maintenance loan?

-Will there be deductions taken from either of these loans?

-If so, will I be responsible for making up the tuition fee shortfall?

-Would a lack of obvious CPRs have a bearing on my reapplication case?

I do not hold QTS. I have previously taken out loans for my undergrad (3 years) and a postgraduate loan (1 year). From what the university is able to tell me, I believe I am entitled to a full bursary upon returning, although the bursary is smaller for English next year.

Thanks!

Reply 1

Claire SFE

Official Rep

Original post by munchm_

Hi all,
I recently started a PGCE course in secondary with RE. I quickly found that while I loved teaching, I struggled immensely in the classroom due to my incredibly poor subject knowledge. It being impossible - and unfair to the kids - for me to go on, I quit somewhat abruptly, with plans to return under a different specialism.
Having taken some time to think about my teaching prospects I've decided I'd like to train in English instead. My university is happy to accept me for next year's cohort (25/26) although I do need to formally withdraw and make a full reapplication in order to get onto the course.
I've browsed around and seen conflicting messages on what my student finance entitlement actually is here. I have a few questions as such:
-Am I entitled to a new tuition loan?
-Am I entitled to a new maintenance loan?
-Will there be deductions taken from either of these loans?
-If so, will I be responsible for making up the tuition fee shortfall?
-Would a lack of obvious CPRs have a bearing on my reapplication case?
I do not hold QTS. I have previously taken out loans for my undergrad (3 years) and a postgraduate loan (1 year). From what the university is able to tell me, I believe I am entitled to a full bursary upon returning, although the bursary is smaller for English next year.
Thanks!

Hi there,

Just to clarify does your application for PGCE currently show withdrawn? Did you receive any payments form us?

Thanks,
Claire

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

munchm_

Original post by Claire SFE

Hi there,
Just to clarify does your application for PGCE currently show withdrawn? Did you receive any payments form us?
Thanks,
Claire

Hi Claire,

On my current PGCE I have not formally withdrawn yet but I have all the requisite paperwork to do so, and intend on doing so this week. I received a maintainence loan payment directly, and presumably have had my first tuition payment to the university

Reply 3

Claire SFE

Official Rep

Original post by munchm_

Hi Claire,
On my current PGCE I have not formally withdrawn yet but I have all the requisite paperwork to do so, and intend on doing so this week. I received a maintainence loan payment directly, and presumably have had my first tuition payment to the university

Can you confirm the new course name and length and what month this would be starting so I can check this for you? What university will you be studying with?

Thanks,
Claire

Reply 4

munchm_

Original post by Claire SFE

Can you confirm the new course name and length and what month this would be starting so I can check this for you? What university will you be studying with?
Thanks,
Claire

The full course name is PGCE Secondary English with Qualified Teacher Status (Full-time 2025). This is being offered at Sheffield Hallam. This would be a September start and a one year course.

The previous course is PGCE Secondary Religion Education with Qualified Teacher Status Full-time 2025 at the same university.

I have been advised by my teaching training adviser to consider making applications elsewhere although I'm unlikely to do this. Just to see what my options are though, am I tied to Hallam now, or could I theoretically shop around and still claim student finance?

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 5

SFE Clare

Official Rep

Hi munchm_,

Both courses attract undergraduate support from SFE. Students can receive funding for a second ITT/PGCE course of two years or less providing they did not gain QTS from their previous course. Funding would consist of a Tuition Fee Loan, a Maintenance Loan (as well as supplementary grants and/or DSAs where applicable) for the full course, and one repeat year. This would mean that as you will be studying a different course, you should be eligible for full support. If you have withdrawn from your previous course and have been overpaid, the overpayment of the Maintenance Loan or any supplementary grants would be removed from your entitlement when you return to study.

Thanks, Clare

Reply 6

munchm_

Original post by SFE Clare

Hi munchm_,
Both courses attract undergraduate support from SFE. Students can receive funding for a second ITT/PGCE course of two years or less providing they did not gain QTS from their previous course. Funding would consist of a Tuition Fee Loan, a Maintenance Loan (as well as supplementary grants and/or DSAs where applicable) for the full course, and one repeat year. This would mean that as you will be studying a different course, you should be eligible for full support. If you have withdrawn from your previous course and have been overpaid, the overpayment of the Maintenance Loan or any supplementary grants would be removed from your entitlement when you return to study.
Thanks, Clare

Hi Clare,

Thanks for this, it's been a big help.

Just for the avoidance of doubt, what is meant by "overpayment" here?
I have been paid for my first term (so 1,400 of the lowest available maintainence loan), and I will have withdrawn well before my second payment.
Does this first term payment count as an overpayment? If so, will it be taken out of my next maintenance loan? Or, do you mean if I was paid for my second term despite not being on the course - would this count as the overpayment?

Thanks again for all your help!

Reply 7

SFE Clare

Official Rep

Hi munchm_,

You are paid in advance at the start of each term to carry through to the next term. This means that if you withdrew part way through a term, you would not have been entitled to the full payment for that term. When you withdraw, the entitlement will be calculated based on your duration of your attendance. For example, say you were paid £1000 but the new calculation says you were entitled to £800, that would mean you have £200 overpayment. That would then be taken from your payments the next year that you study and as there are 3 terms and 3 payments, £66.67 would be taken off each payment. I hope that explanation helps.

Thanks, Clare