Top tip for a successful teacher training application

1. Research

We know you are keen to get your application in, but it really pays to do your research. You are going to spend a year of your life and £9250 on this course and you wouldn't apply for a job without researching the employer first. Make sure you research each provider you are applying to and also the specific course. Information about each of the courses can be found on Find postgraduate teacher training courses. Read the course description to make sure it's the right course for you.

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2. Talk about why you want to teach

Teacher training providers receive hundreds of applications each year. We are looking for candidates whose passion for their subject and their chosen phase (primary or secondary) clearly runs through their application form. Tell us why you want to teach and why you are passionate about your subject and want to share your passion with young people.

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3. Work experience

All teacher training providers will be looking for candidates who have experience working with young people. This does not neccessarily have to be in the classroom. Have you volunteered in a school, coached a sports team or worked with youth groups?

We always recommend that all applicants get some school experience before applying to make sure that teaching is right for them. You can either ring your local schools or use Get into teaching's school experience portal to book up to 10 days of school experience at up to 10 different schools!

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4. Check your eligibility

This may seem obvious, but do check that you have the required qualifications for the course you are applying for. You don't want to waste your time and effort applying for a course that you are not eligible for. Generally you need to have at least a lower second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification) and GCSEs in English, Maths and Science of grade C/level 4 or above to apply for teacher training.

You will need to show your formal certificates, so if you don't know where they are or have lost them it is  good idea to apply for a certified statement of results from the awarding body.

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5. Work history

You are applying to work with children. For safeguarding reasons your teacher training provider will need a complete work history from when you left university. Any gaps will need to be explained.

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6. References

Make sure that your referees are suitable. If you are currently employed, one of your references must be from your current employer. If you are at university or fresh out of university you should also supply an academic reference, for example from your university tutor. Only use a character reference if you have not been in employment or education for some time. References from family members, neighbours or friends are not acceptable. 

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7. Spelling and grammar

Finally, make sure your writing is up to scratch! There is nothing worse than an application being let down because the applicant doesn't know how to use capital letters or spell their own subject correctly. The quality of your writing will be under scrutiny because, after all, you will be teaching writing skills to young people.

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We hope you found these tips useful and wish you good luck with your application!

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