It's not too late to apply...

It’s still not too late to apply for teacher training programmes this year. If you or someone you know is a budding teacher then we’re accepting applications until 15 September, so spread the word! Our search tool contains details of all available courses.

Still not sure if teaching is the right career for you? We spoke to Naeem Anwar from Get Into Teaching who has some words of advice.

‘If you want to teach in England, Get Into Teaching can offer extra help in finding current teacher training vacancies in physics, mathematics, chemistry, computing, languages, design and technology, biology or geography.

To help you along the way, we asked a number of schools and universities for their words of encouragement, and what you should do to prepare a successful application during the summer:

‘It’s never too late… 
To think about teaching – it’s more important to know that it is the right career path for you and that you are committed to working with young people. I work alongside many colleagues who didn’t apply until later in the year. Indeed, I didn’t apply until the summer.’
Louise Watson, Landau Forte College Derby

We keep on recruiting 
‘We don’t stop recruiting until the course is full; we continue to interview and accept candidates up until the programme start date.’
Beth Henderson, Sunderland University 

Can’t find school experience to support your application
‘You can look for opportunities to volunteer at a summer school, in a local youth centre, or as a scout or guide leader. These are all really useful alternative options to gain some experience working with children in an educational environment.’
Caragh Johnson, University of Roehampton 

Show other examples of working with young people 
‘All teaching programmes will be looking for people who have experience with young people, even if not in the classroom. Experience can range from being a teaching assistant in your local school to running a children’s 11-a-side team to teaching English in Vietnam.’
Tom O’Boyle, Ark Schools 

Register now with Get Into Teaching for exclusive assistance in finding current teacher training vacancies this September or support for teacher training in 2016/17.’

If you would like to make an application then visit the UCAS Teacher Training section of our website. If you have any questions on how to apply then send them to us on Facebook or Twitter and our advisers will be more than happy to help.

Applied for teacher training programmes? You may be able to use Apply 2...

So, to start with what is Apply 2? Well, it’s an opportunity for you to add a new training programme if you’ve been unsuccessful or declined your original choices. It starts on 2 January and runs until 9 October. You can add one additional programme from any that have vacancies.

Where can I find vacancies?

You can check what courses are available in our search tool - the vacancy status will indicate whether there are places. It’s also a good idea to double check with the training providers, just to make sure they’ll consider your application through Apply 2. To do this, just give them a quick call – you’ll find their contact details also in the search tool.

How do I add a choice through Apply 2?

If you’re eligible, you’ll have the ‘Add Apply 2 Choice’ option under your original choices in Track. We’ve got more advice on how to add a choice here.

When will I hear back from the provider?

The providers have 40 working days to make a decision. If you have a change of heart and want to apply elsewhere, you can add a new programme in place of your current one. But be aware, this will cancel your original choice which means they’ll no longer be able to offer you a place.

As soon as you’ve changed your Apply 2 choice, the 40 day reply period will start again, so make sure it’s something you want to wait for. It’s always worth speaking to the training provider first to find out when they’re likely to make a decision and to make sure you’re not losing any valuable time by choosing a different provider!

When do I reply to an offer?

If you receive an offer, you’ll have 10 working days to accept it. The place will be declined automatically if you don’t reply so make sure you keep an eye on Track! If this happens, you’d need to speak to the provider straight away to ask if they can still offer you the place. 

If they can, they’ll ask you to add them as your Apply 2 choice again, then they can make another offer for you to accept.

If you have any questions about Apply 2 then have a look on our website or get in touch with our advisers on Facebook or Twitter.

Professional Skills Test

If you're applying for teacher training programmes you may have seen that some providers ask for professional skills tests as one of the entry requirements. We've answered three of the frequently asked questions we've received about them.

Do I need to take a professional skills test?

To study for a teacher training program in England you need to pass the numeracy and literacy skills tests. Some training providers may require you to complete them before your interview but you need to check this with them. If you’re applying for training programmes in Wales then you’re not required to pass the skills tests.

When can I book a professional skills test?

The booking system has been open since 1 October 2014 and the tests take place from 1 December 2014 onwards. You can book your skills tests through learndirect, but places are on a first-come, first- served basis so it’s worth trying to book a space as soon as possible! You can book a test up to three months in advance.

Who do I contact if I can’t find a suitable booking slot? 

The learndirect helpdesk is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00. Call them on 0300 303 9613 or email support@sta.learndirect.com.


We’ve got lots of advice about entry requirements on our website.  If you have any questions about the requirements for your chosen training programmes, get in touch with the training providers you're interested in. Be aware that the most competitive programmes may have higher entry requirements.

Want more information about applying for teacher training? Check out our website or get in touch with our advisers on Facebook or Twitter.