History PGCE courses are generally in the happy position of being over-subscribed. We can therefore secure the future of high quality teaching in our schools by selecting those candidates with the greatest potential. However, even for experienced trainers this can be a difficult task. It is important that you have clear criteria to help choose candidates and procedures are in place that will examine candidates against these criteria. It is important that after an interview you can clearly identify why you wish to accept a candidate or, more importantly, why you might reject someone.

In most cases, trainers are looking for candidates with good degrees, who have good subject knowledge, can show interest and commitment to working with young people and are personable. In addition, many trainers look closely for a willingness and capacity to learn, an important element given the need to be reflective and to evaluate what they see and do.