Graduates living in the Borders are being given the opportunity to gain a qualification that leads to registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland as a secondary school teacher.
The programme
This opportunity is being provided through a partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), which delivers the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Secondary programme. The PGDE is designed for graduates who hold a degree and are looking to transition into a career in education.
The secondary courses offered are Biology with Science, Business Education, Chemistry with Science, Computing Science, English, Home Economics, Mathematics, Physics with Science and Technological Education.
For the 2026 intake, we are particularly keen to recruit graduates in English, Mathematics, Computing Science, Physics, and Technological Education.
An Honours degree at 2:2 or above is preferred as the programme sits at Honours and Master’s levels. Applicants must also hold National 5 Mathematics and Higher English (or accepted equivalents). Specific entry requirements may apply for individual subjects.
The programme is full-time for one-year and combines online, collaborative, and individual study with school placements. All placements will take place within the Scottish Borders, and students will benefit from access to support from Placement Tutor and UHI Academic Tutors.
Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to apply for the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme and complete their one-year probationary teaching post in a Scottish Borders school. Following this, candidates can apply for teaching positions within the local authority.
The closing date for applications for the August 2026 academic year is 14 January 2026.
Further information
Anyone who is interested in finding out more is invited to take part in one of our information evenings:
Tuesday 9 December 2025: 6-7pm at Inspire Learning, Tweedbank
Thursday 11 December 2025: 3.30pm - 4.30pm (online)
To register and for details on how to access the online session, email: CLPL@scotborders.gov.uk or call 01896 664161.
Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning:
“This is an exciting opportunity for graduates who are living in the Borders to become part of an innovative, ambitious Education Service.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to join us to get in touch. The information sessions in early December are an ideal starting point as you’ll be able to speak to members of our school’s team as well as students who have already taken part in and benefitted from the PGDE programme.”