An opportunity for graduates living in the Borders to gain a teaching qualification as a secondary school teacher is again on offer.
This annual opportunity, which leads to registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) as a secondary school teacher is 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, Technological Education, and a newly added Music course.
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).
Please note that specific entry requirements may apply for individual subjects.
The programme
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 2027 academic year is 13 January 2027 for UCAS Priority applications, and 31 May 2027 for all remaining applications (subject to availability).
More information
Anyone who is interested in finding out more is invited to attend our Information Event:
Thursday 19 November 2026 – 6-7pm at Inspire Learning, Tweedbank
To register or for further details on the Information Event, email: CLPL@scotborders.gov.uk or call 01896 664161.
Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning:
“Once again, this is a fantastic opportunity for graduates who are living in the Borders to make the next steps towards a rewarding career in teaching.
“Remote learning means graduates can benefit from the expertise of university courses without having to commute to the Highlands. Music has been added to the subject list for 2027 which brings an exciting new opportunity for any local aspiring Music teachers. The Information Event on 19 November is an ideal first step as you’ll be able to speak with members of our school’s team as well as former PGDE students about what to expect.”