PGCE Primary interview information and tasks

Interviews will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. Your booking confirmation will include a Microsoft Teams link to join the interview at the time chosen.

Please ensure you have a form of photo identification at your interview, for example your passport or driving licence (a provisional is also acceptable) and that you have a device you are confident that you can access Microsoft Teams on.

Your name must be visible, and your camera must be turned on and we must be able to hear you. You must also have your photo identification available for the start of your interview or the interview will not be able to proceed.

If you are successful, a condition of your offer will be to provide:

• original evidence of your GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science results (or equivalent),
• two references (guidance for references),
• your honours degree (if you have already completed this).

You will be emailed information with a link on how to upload and send these to us once your offer has been processed.

If you believe you hold an equivalent qualification, please ensure you email the LJMU Admissions Team to ensure that we accept it. It is vital we confirm that your qualification is equivalent prior to your interview day.

There are two elements to the interview:

• Prepared interview tasks
• Interview

We strongly recommend all applicants prepare before interview.

The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education makes some key suggestions about how to choose quality books to use in the classroom with young readers.

These include:

• use books written by use a range of authors which represent our diverse society. We should not rely on common texts or our own childhood favourites (however good these might be!),
• choose books with quality artwork which either complement or extend the story,
• when selecting information books, select texts that present information in a variety of interesting ways,
• over time, select a range of books that reflect diversity in all ways – race, heritage, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic class, status, religion and culture. Allow children to see themselves reflected in the books at times, and through other books, to see into other worlds,
• select books that draw children in - that have a rich plot line – that make them care what is happening. Books should be emotionally appealing,
• select books with rich language.

Task one

With reference to The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education criteria above, select a text which represents quality children’s literature.

Prepare a section of the book to read aloud as if reading to children (up to a minute).

Task two

Be prepared to explain why you chose this children’s text with reference to The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education criteria.

You will be interviewed individually by a member of LJMU Primary team.

Each candidate is asked the same questions. We are seeking to find out why you want to teach and what qualities you feel you have to offer. We will also explore work you have undertaken in primary schools and how this has informed your understanding of the role of the Primary teacher.

Each interview will last approximately 20 minutes.

All judgements of the individual interview will be based on the following criteria:

• communication skills, expressing views and values clearly,
• academic ability and potential with a realistic view of what the PGCE will entail,
• awareness that effective teaching involves creating an inclusive environment with high expectations for all pupils regardless of background or prior attainment,
• recognising the importance of secure subject knowledge across the range of primary subjects, for effective teaching. This includes an awareness of relevant curriculum frameworks and recognition of the importance of subject knowledge,
• a commitment to developing a knowledge of the breadth of children’s literature. Reflecting on own literacy development to make connections to children’s learning,
• recognising that effective lessons require careful planning and a considered structure,
• awareness that pupils have different learning needs and that teachers must adapt their approach while maintaining high expectations,
• recognising that creating positive behaviours for learning creates the foundation for an inclusive and effective classroom culture,
• valuing regular feedback and recognising that continuous improvement is a core aspect of the teaching profession,
• an understanding that teachers have professional duties and responsibilities set out by statutory frameworks. This includes recognising the fundamental value of professional collaboration and the need for teachers to work with other professionals and parents/carers.

Please make sure that:

• any equivalent qualifications are checked prior to you attending interview by emailing a copy of them to the Admissions Team and quoting the course you have applied for and your application number,
• you have access to Microsoft Teams, and it is set up on your device, with your full name visible,
• you are in a suitable, quiet space and will not be interrupted,
• your device is charged, and power supply is available on the day,
• you have your photographic identification ready,
• you have prepared your book task for the individual interview outlined above.

Following your interview, we will make a decision as soon as possible as to whether we can offer you a place on the course. Our overall decision on your application is based on all elements of the assessment process.

We are looking for a balance of knowledge, skills, experience and commitment, which will give us the confidence that you have the potential to complete the course and progress to a successful career in teaching.

We will update DfE Apply on our decision. DfE Apply/LJMU will generate a notification to you, letting you know the University’s decision. We will make a decision in as timely fashion as possible after interview.

If you are successful after interview, please ensure you read your conditions of offer carefully and subsequent deadlines included for completion. All conditions have to be evidenced prior to enrolment onto the programme.

Any offer is usually conditional on your achievement of specified entry requirements. Your offer will include:

• Degree classification
• Achieving a 2:2 or above in your honours degree (overseas qualifications must be verified by ENIC formerly NARIC). Degree certificate required if you have already graduated.
• GCSE certificates
• Copies of your GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science certificates (or approved equivalents). You must verify equivalent qualifications with us before interview, as not all alternatives are acceptable for teacher training.
• References
• Two references (Guidance for references). One must be an academic reference if you have studied within the last 5 years.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check. LJMU will contact you separately once you have accepted your offer of a place at LJMU, usually from May 2026 onwards.
• If you are part of the DBS Update Service and have a DBS Enhanced certificate working with children, we can accept this if you send us a copy to verify and you must remain on the DBS Update Service for the duration of the course.
• Medical clearance
• Successful completion of Medical Clearance process LJMU will contact you separately once you have accepted your offer of a place at LJMU, usually from April 2026 onwards.

Some conditions can only be moved forward once you have accepted your offer to study at LJMU.

In addition, once you have accepted your offer we will provide pre-course tasks for you to work on in advance so that you are fully prepared to start your Primary PGCE. This is usually sent from April 2026 onwards.

If you are successful at gaining a place on one of our teacher training courses, the receipt of an Enhanced DBS (formerly CRB) will be a condition of offer for your course. The DBS Check will be undertaken by the University and will be sent to you from May 2026 onwards.

Please note:
This is a multi-stage process that can take several weeks/months, so we advise you to engage with this process as soon as you receive the invite to complete the DBS to ensure that you can enrol and start on the programme.

All applicants for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) programmes must satisfy the Government requirements regarding ‘Fitness to Teach’. You will need to complete a Health questionnaire, which we will send to you. The LJMU Occupational Health Unit will process your form and is responsible for confirming that you are cleared for practice.

On occasion this may involve an appointment with the Occupational Health Unit, which you would be required to attend.

There will be opportunities to book onto a LJMU Campus Tour to see the LJMU facilities at any stage of your application and information on how to book on will be available via your LJMU Applicant hub.

LJMU Admissions team

If you have any questions, please contact us:

• Email: applicantsupport@ljmu.ac.uk

• Telephone: 0151 231 2777

Accommodation

If you require accommodation during your time with LJMU (once an offer is made and you have accepted it), please contact our Accommodation Office:

• Email: accommodation@ljmu.ac.uk

• Telephone: 0151 231 4166

Student Advice team

LJMU employs staff that can offer advice and support to students and prospective students on a range of issues such as student funding and support for students with a disability, this includes any support you may need as part of the interview process.

Disability

• Email: disability@ljmu.ac.uk

• Telephone: 0151 231 3164

Funding and money advice

• Email: moneyadvice@ljmu.ac.uk

• Telephone: 0151 231 3153