Applying for teacher training

Most teacher training routes across England ask for an application form to be completed, which includes some sort of personal statement. Before completing your teacher training application form, you need to:

• choose your training route, age range and/or subject and provider
• make sure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.

For more help with choosing your pathway, see how to become a teacher.

While not a mandatory requirement for teacher training, gaining school experience enhances your personal statement and helps you decide if teaching is for you, as well as which age group to teach.

If you have any questions about teaching or the application process, register for the Department for Education's (DfE) Get Into Teaching mailing list, where you will receive personalised help from teaching experts.

How do I apply for teacher training?

Postgraduate teacher training applications in England are made through the DfE's Apply for teacher training service.

Allow yourself plenty of time to create an account and complete each section, so that you can check your application before sending it off.

What are the application deadlines?

In England you can apply for courses starting in September 2026 from 7 October 2025. The deadline to submit your application for the 2025/26 cycle is 15 September 2026.

Training providers must make decisions on all applications by 23 September 2026. After this date, any applications still without a decision will be automatically rejected.

For the next cycle (2026/27) applications open on 6 October 2026, and the deadline is 21 September 2027.

Places are allocated as people apply and close once courses are full. If there's a particular course you want to apply for, then it's wise to do so as soon as you can.

The earlier you apply the more time you'll have to arrange your funding and meet any requirements, such as completing a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course before you begin.

What details do I need to provide?

You'll need to create an account and then complete an online application form, applying for up to four training programmes. You don't have to apply for all four courses at the same time.

You'll need to provide:

• your qualifications including GCSEs, A-levels and your degree (or equivalents)
• a work history that mentions all the jobs you've had since school, any unpaid experience that supports your application and any gaps in your history
• details of reasonable adjustments or support if you're disabled, have a mental health condition or educational needs.

You don't need to complete the form in one sitting, you can save it and return to it later.

What do I include in my teaching personal statement?

Your teaching personal statement is one of the most important parts of your teacher training application. It's where you show your:

• motivation
• suitability for the course
• understanding of teaching.

You can write up to 1,000 words, but don't have to complete it all at once. The majority of successful candidates write 500 words or more and often spend a few weeks writing it.

Here's what to include…

Why you want to teach

Explain your motivation clearly:

• What inspired you to go into teaching?
• Why this particular age group or subject?
• What difference do you want to make in education?

Avoid clichés like 'I've always wanted to teach' and instead, describe specific experiences that shaped your interest.

You'll need to tailor your statement to the path you'd like to take, into either primary or secondary school teaching, and convey your drive and passion for the work.

Your knowledge and experience of schools

Show that you understand what teaching is really like. Include:

• classroom experience (paid or voluntary) - what you observed or learned. If you haven't yet had school experience, mention how you plan to gain it and what you hope to learn
• how teachers engage pupils, manage behaviour, or adapt lessons
• what you found rewarding or challenging
• what these experiences taught you about the profession.

Your skills and qualities

Demonstrate the skills that will make you an effective teacher, such as:

• communication and presentation
• creativity or problem solving.
• empathy and patience
• organisation and time management
• teamwork and collaboration.

Support these points with examples - for instance, leading a project, mentoring others, or volunteering.

Your subject knowledge (for secondary applicants)

If you're applying for secondary training, explain:

• why you enjoy your subject and want to teach it
• how you've deepened your subject knowledge (through study, work, or hobbies)
• how you'll inspire enthusiasm in students.

If you need to complete a SKE course, mention your willingness to take one.

Understanding of the challenges

Show awareness that teaching is demanding but rewarding:

• Talk about challenges such as workload, diverse needs, or classroom management.
• Reflect on how you'll meet these challenges (e.g. through resilience, reflection, or seeking feedback).

Why this training route or provider

Briefly explain why you've chosen this:

• type of course (PGCE, SCITT, apprenticeship, etc.)
• provider or partnership (if applying to a specific one).

Show that you've researched what they offer and how it suits your goals.

End positively and summarise why you'll make a great teacher and how the course will help you achieve that.

Take a look at our example personal statements for PGCE primary and PGCE secondary.

Who should my references be?

You'll need to provide two referees on your application who can write at least 500 words about your character and teaching potential. You could ask:

• a mentor
• the headteacher of the school you work at
• your manager
• your university tutor.

Do not ask a friend, family member or partner to be your reference.

Contact them beforehand to ask if they're happy to do it, explain what they'll have to do and a little about your motivations for becoming a teacher. They’ll need to confirm how they know you and if they know any reason why you should not work with children.

What happens after I've applied?

It's likely you'll be contacted by email, so keep checking your inbox (and your junk folder) regularly.

Training providers should respond to your application within 30 working days. If your application is successful, you'll be invited to an interview. You can prepare by reviewing common teacher training interview questions and reflecting on your experience in schools or working with young people.

If your application is unsuccessful, you'll usually receive feedback explaining why. This might include:

• the need for additional qualifications
• a stronger personal statement or more school experience
• suggestions for improving your interview performance.

You can apply again as many times as you want, and many applicants are successful on their second or third attempt once they've gained more experience or strengthened their application.

Find out more

• Consider what it takes to teach in England with Get Into Teaching.
• Explore routes into teaching in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
• Discover what's involved in the Teach First application process.
• Take a look at Ambition Institute's application process.