Applications for teacher training courses starting in 2021 open on 13 October, but there is plenty you can be doing right now to get ready. Try these!
1. Check your eligibility
Before you apply for teacher training you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible. Although different training providers may have specific recruitment criteria, there are some basic eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet to become a teacher in England. Find out more on our website.
2. Register with Get Into Teaching
It’s worth taking a minute to register with the Get Into Teaching advice service. It’s completely free, easy to do and gives you access to tailored advice and information about teaching. You can even sign up for your own Teacher Training Adviser to help you through the process. Meet one of our advisers in this video!
3. Research training courses
From 6 October 2020, search for training courses by using the Department for Education’s Find postgraduate teacher training service. You can search by location, training provider and subject to find the course best suited to you.
4. Reflect on (or get some!) school experience
Demonstrating how any voluntary time you have spent in school has shaped your view of teaching is vital to a good application. If you haven’t managed to get some time in a school yet, some schools are offering the opportunity for ITT candidates to undertake school experience both in school and virtually. You can search for schools and apply using our Get School Experience service.
5. Start lining up your references
You’ll need a couple of referees to provide references for your application. Now is a good time to start approaching people who might be able to provide these for you. Getting references in place is one of the most common causes of delay in the application process, so any preparation you can do now could speed things up considerably when you make your application. This short video guide from UCAS explains how to request a reference.
6. Engage with the world of schools and teaching
Something that many teacher trainer providers will be looking for in an application or interview is an understanding of current issues and thinking in teaching. It’s worth following other teachers and education media outlets like Schools Week and TES on social media. Teachers are very active on Twitter and share lots of helpful insights, tips and resources. You will soon find your own favourites, but we’d suggest looking at ITTchat or Teacher Toolkit to get started.
7. Get some advice at a virtual event
Our virtual Train to Teach events will provide you with a wealth of information on how to get into teaching and how to apply for training in your region. You’ll be able to chat online with newly qualified teachers and local teacher training providers, and get one-to-one advice from our teaching experts.
8. Join our support networks on social media
Our Facebook groups for aspiring teachers and people thinking of a career change to teaching offer a really friendly, supportive place to connect with other people applying for teacher training and ask any questions you might have. Our Teacher Training Advisers are also on hand to give expert advice.
