Applying for teacher training

Most teacher training routes in England require an application form and a personal statement. Before applying, 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’ll receive personalised help from teaching experts.

Teacher training research checklist

Before you start your application, use this checklist to narrow down your options and identify the right training provider for you.

• Decide which age group you want to teach (primary or secondary).
• Choose the subject(s) you'd like to teach if applying for secondary teacher training.
• Consider where you'd like to live and work during and after training.
• Compare different teacher training routes.
• Check whether courses lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and whether they also include a PGCE.
• Research training providers, including their placement schools, course structure and mentor support.
• Attend provider open days, webinars or Get Into Teaching events to learn more about your options.
• Speak to current teachers, trainees or careers advisers about their experiences.
• Compare entry requirements.
• Shortlist up to four courses that match your career goals, preferred location and training style.

Completing this research before you apply will help you make informed decisions about where, what and how you want to teach.

How do I apply for teacher training?

Postgraduate teacher training applications in England are made through the DfE's Apply for teacher training service. You can apply for up to four training programmes.

Give yourself enough time to complete each section carefully and check your application before submitting it.

Teacher training application deadlines

In England, you can apply for courses starting in September 2027 from 6 October 2026. The deadline to submit your application for the 2026/27 cycle is 21 September 2027.

Training providers must make decisions on all applications by 29 September 2027. After this date, any applications still without a decision will be automatically rejected.

Places are allocated as people apply and courses close once they're full. If there's a particular course you're interested in, it's wise to apply as soon as possible.

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 do you need for a teacher training application?

You'll need to create an account and complete an online form, choosing 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 have educational needs.

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

How to write a teacher training 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.

Although you can write up to 1,000 words, quality matters more than length. Focus on providing clear examples and thoughtful reflection.

While AI tools can help generate ideas or structure your statement, your application should reflect your own experiences and motivations. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may weaken your application.

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 by including:

• 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.

Rather than simply describing activities, explain what you learned from them. For example, if you observed lessons in a school, reflect on how teachers adapted their approach for different pupils and how this influenced your understanding of effective teaching.

Your skills and qualities

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

• communication and presentation
• creativity and 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.

Take a look at what skills employers want.

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 an SKE course, mention your willingness to take one.

Read what it’s like to be a secondary school teacher.

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).

Discover what the current educational issues are.

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 referees be?

You'll need two references commenting on your suitability for teaching, your character and your potential to succeed on the course. 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 referee.

Contact them beforehand to ask if they're happy to do it, explain what they'll need to do and share a little about your motivations for becoming a teacher. They’ll need to confirm how they know you and whether they know of any reason why you shouldn't 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 you're shortlisted, you'll usually be invited to attend a teacher training interview.

What happens at a teacher training interview?

Training providers may assess your:

• understanding of teaching
• motivation for entering the profession
• subject knowledge (for secondary applicants)
• communication skills
• safeguarding awareness
• ability to reflect on experience with children and young people.

You may be asked to:

• deliver a short presentation
• teach a mini lesson
• complete a written task
• take part in a panel interview
• complete literacy or numeracy tests.

You can prepare by reviewing common teacher training interview questions and reflecting on your experience in schools or with young people.

What happens if I'm offered a teacher training place?

If your interview is successful, you'll usually receive either an unconditional or a conditional offer.

Common conditions include:

• completing your degree
• providing evidence of your qualifications
• completing a SKE course
• passing Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and fitness-to-teach checks.

Make sure you read the details carefully and respond to your offer within the timeframe set by the provider.

What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

You'll usually receive feedback explaining the decision. This might include:

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

If you're unsuccessful, use the feedback to strengthen future applications.

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.