You might need to do a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course before you start your teacher training to top up your subject knowledge.
This could be because you have one or more of the following:
- finished your degree more than 5 years ago
- a different but related degree to the subject you want to teach
- an A level but not a degree in the subject you want to teach
- an unrelated degree but relevant professional experience
- studied for a languages degree, but need to improve knowledge either in a main language, second language or both to an acceptable level for teaching in schools
How to do an SKE course
If your training provider thinks you need to improve your subject knowledge then they might decide that you’ll benefit from an SKE course.
The candidate might have a degree in maths but want to teach physics, so we would look at the whole person’s profile and then recommend whether they needed subject knowledge enhancement.
You can only complete a funded SKE course if your training provider makes it a condition of the offer to train with them.
You’ll choose your SKE course provider, but your teacher training provider can help to decide on the right one for you.
SKE subjects
SKE courses are currently available in 5 secondary subjects:
- chemistry
- computing
- languages
- mathematics
- physics
Find out more about what it’s like to teach in secondary.
I did my A Level but it was nearly 9 years ago now! I knew that I’d need to polish up on my maths course and knowledge from A Level, just so I’ve got a bit of certainty when I teach it.
The benefits of an SKE course
An SKE course allows you to build up your subject knowledge that you’d be expected to have as a teacher. For example, if you want to teach a subject that you’re passionate about, but you only have an A Level in the subject and your degree isn’t directly related. Your training provider might suggest an SKE to help you improve your subject knowledge and feel more confident starting your teacher training.
It’s allowed me to start my PGCE in physics with confidence that I know that I have the ability to teach that subject.
How SKE courses work
They’re usually online, but some courses can be classroom based and some can be a mixture of both.
Course lengths range from 8 to 28 weeks with one week equalling 25 hours of study. Your provider will decide which course length you need based on your gap in knowledge. Different providers may offer different course lengths.
You can do a part-time course and complete it over a longer period or a shorter period with compressed hours. Your SKE provider will be able to discuss your options with you.
When to complete your course
You should complete your course before starting your teacher training. If you run out of time, your provider may allow you to continue your course at the same time as your teacher training. But if you get an SKE bursary, your payments will stop once your teacher training starts.
Get an SKE bursary
If you start your teacher training course between September 2025 and July 2026, you could be eligible for a bursary of £175 per week to complete your SKE course.
If you do a part-time course and complete less than 25 hours a week, this will be paid in proportion to your course hours.
If you complete your SKE course with compressed hours, this might reduce your bursary amount. How and when your bursary is paid will vary by training provider.
You can use your SKE bursary for any extra costs you may have while studying, for example, making up for any lost income.
Eligibility for an SKE bursary
You’ll need (one of the following):
- a bachelor’s degree class 2:2 or above
- a master’s degree
- a PhD
You can still do your SKE course while you do your teacher training but you’ll only be eligible for a SKE bursary up until your teacher training course starts. This is because you may then be eligible for other financial support, for example a subject bursary or tuition fee loan.
