In your personal statement you will need to:

• discuss why you want to teach;
• outline your experience in state school(s);
• highlight any other relevant work;
• explain the relevance of your previous education and experience;
• give details of any work experience.

You might want to consider the following questions when thinking about what to write:

• What is your motivation for teaching and what has influenced your decision to teach? Draw on your experiences in the classroom and also any other work you have done with young people.
• What have you learnt from your experiences in the classroom? Reflect on the satisfaction you gained during this time.
• How does your previous education relate to the subject(s) you want to teach?
• Do you have any other skills that would be useful as a teacher for example, sport, music, drama or art?
• Do you have any skills or knowledge from other work experience/paid work that you feel are relevant to the role of a teacher?

Once you have drafted a copy of your personal statement you may wish to get feedback from a careers adviser.

The Careers Service has a reference copy of the AGCAS booklet entitled 'Applying for a PGCE', which includes tips on the personal statement section of the PGCE application form, visit: www.prospects.ac.uk (direct link here)

>>Personal statement resources