The Application Process

When applying you will need to include:

• Qualifications -
  • GCSEs - as a minimum English and Maths (and science for primary), although the more information the better
  • A-Levels - advisable to include (required for secondary applications)
  • Degree
• Work history - a history of all previous employment 
• Any unpaid or voluntary work

This is your opportunity to tell providers about you and your desire to train to teach.  We suggest this section should be around 600 words.  You should include:

• What has inspired you to choose teaching as a career
• Your views on children's well-being and the education system
• Your understanding of some of the most pressing issues within education and how these have influenced your choice to teach
• Details of any paid/unpaid work experience you have had working with children/young people and what you learnt from this/how this inspired you to pursue teaching as a career

For further support in writing your statement visit the Get into Teaching Your teacher training personal statement page

In this section you should demonstrate what personal qualities, knowledge or skills you will bring to teaching.  We suggest this section should be around 400 words and should include:

• An outline of your knowledge of the subject(s) you've chosen (secondary)
• Why you would like to teach a particular age group 
• Any relevant skills, interests or achievements
• Any relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and the skills that you have developed as a result
• Any degree modules that have provided you with transferable skills/knowledge
• Any other relevant qualifications (e.g. A-Levels)

You will need to provide the details of 2 people who can give you a reference when you apply.  Referees are contacted only once you accept a place on a course.

Referees should be named individuals as opposed to a department (e.g. HR department or academic department).  You will need to provide email addresses (these should be professional email addresses as opposed to private emails wherever possible). 

• If you are still studying (or graduated in the last 5 years) you will need one reference to be an academic one from your university.
• If you currently work in a school it is advisable to seek a reference from your headteacher.
• You can submit a character reference, for example from a mentor or someone you know through volunteering
• you should not ask a family member, partner or friend for a reference