PGCE Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the PGCE exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 PGCE Exam Format at a Glance
📚 PGCE Topics to Study (47)
✍️ Sample PGCE Questions & Answers
1. What does 'personalised learning' mean in inclusive education, and what are its limits?
Personalisation means responsiveness to individual needs within the class — differentiated tasks, varied support, flexible groupings — but it does not mean a separate curriculum for every pupil.
2. What is the role of a university 'link tutor' (or visiting tutor) in PGCE school placements?
The link tutor bridges university and school, conducting placement visits, observing trainees, supporting mentors, and ensuring the programme is being delivered consistently and to standard.
3. What is 'reasonable adjustment' under the Equality Act 2010 in a school context?
Schools have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to avoid putting disabled pupils at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled pupils - this is anticipatory (proactive, not just reactive).
4. How should a PGCE trainee respond when a pupil challenges a sanction publicly in front of the class?
Public arguments rarely resolve well; deferring to a private conversation preserves the teacher authority and the pupil dignity, while the sanction remains in place.
5. Which legislation dramatically expanded the academy programme, allowing all maintained schools in England to apply for academy status?
The Academies Act 2010, introduced by the Coalition Government, dramatically expanded the academy programme by allowing all maintained schools in England to convert to academy status.
6. What is the difference between 'safeguarding' and 'child protection'?
Safeguarding is the broader proactive framework — including health, safety, wellbeing, and preventing radicalisation. Child protection is the specific statutory response to abuse or neglect.