How to Apply

Introduction

Use the Department for Education’s application service to apply for a postgraduate teacher training course to teach in a state primary or secondary school, or in further education.

Before you start

Check what qualifications you’ll need. You’ll also need to:

• confirm you have the health and physical capacity to start training; and
• get a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate if you’re teaching students under 18.

Primary and secondary postgraduate teacher training

You’ll need the following or equivalents:

• a degree;
• grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths GCSEs; and
• grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE science if you want to train as a primary teacher.

In certain circumstances, the training provider may ask you to take an equivalence test or show other evidence of your ability.

Further education postgraduate teacher training

Training providers usually prefer you to have:

• a degree, or relevant vocational or technical qualification; and
• grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths GCSEs (or equivalent).

If you studied overseas

You can get a statement from UK ENIC (the UK agency that recognises international qualifications and skills) that shows how your qualifications compare to UK qualifications.

Please note – we will ask you to provide comparability statements as part of your application (and, where applicable, proof of residency status).

Statement of Comparability (enic.org.uk)

Get advice and support

You can register with Get Into Teaching, the Department for Education’s free support and advice service.

A specialist adviser will help you prepare your application and advise you on funding options (including loans and tax-free bursaries and scholarships). You can also book school experience and access teaching events.

If you’re disabled or have a health condition

Email becomingateacher@digital.education.gov.uk if you need extra support with your application.

Find out how training providers can support you if you’re disabled. They may be able to make adjustments for the interview stages of the application and throughout the course.