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Top Tips for a Brilliant Teacher Training Application

UCAS and the new DfE Apply are now open for teacher training applications for September 2021. As I frequently get asked for advice about completing teacher training applications, I have compiled my advice into the following top tips:

1/ Research

Ahead of completing your application do make sure you have done your homework and know about the specific providers you are applying to - what makes their programme appealing to you and what they are looking for. This will also help you when you get to interview and illustrate to us you have made a well-thought out and considered application.

2/ Work and School Experience

You will be asked to complete a section outlining any work or school experience you have. Do make sure you complete this section thoroughly and that there are no unexplained gaps in your history. By School Experience we are looking for any classroom experience you have - list it here and then draw on this experience in your Personal Statement. 

3/ Check your eligibility and evidence of

This may sound obvious but we do receive applications that do not meet the basic eligibility requirements! Make sure you list all your relevant qualifications including the dates and grades, and make sure you have all your GCSE, A Level and Degree certificates ready to show your provider (this is usually required at interview stage). If you gained your qualifications overseas you may need to apply to NARIC for a Statement of Comparability (https://www.naric.org.uk/)

4/ The Personal Statement

This really is the most important part of your application so it is worth taking your time over. You are limited to 4,000 characters so you do need to be concise. Make sure your passion really shines through - why do you want to be a teacher and where has the passion for your subject come from.Your reasons for wanting to teach should be compelling, genuine and developed. You should also try and demonstrate your understanding of the challenges and rewards of teaching  Evidence of school experience visits should be included here - a good teacher is a reflective practitioner and we look for this in an application. How did your time in a school confirm your decision to teach? What best practice did you observe and how did this enthuse and motivate the students? If you have been unable to secure any school experience then reflect on any other steps you have taken to confirm your decision to teach. For example conversations with teacher friends, webinars, podcasts, reading. Try to demonstrate your knowledge of the curriculum and any current issues in your subject area/age phase. Highlight any transferable skills you have and how you think they will make you a good teacher. For example, meeting deadlines, teamwork skills, handling multiple priorities, presenting information, resilience, patience! Mention any volunteer work you’ve done or any other experience of working with children. Be positive throughout and most importantly be yourself!

5/ Spelling and Grammar

Another obvious one but your spelling and grammar needs to be of the highest standard. Your quality of writing will be under scrutiny - as a teacher you will need to model high quality writing at all times.

6/ References

If you are currently at University or gained your degree in the last five years, one of your referees should be an academic one. Otherwise, your referees should be people who have known you in a professional capacity. Your referees will need to respond promptly to the reference request, as UCAS/DfE do not release your application until both references have come through.

Hopefully the above has inspired you to get writing and good luck with your application! If you are applying to the i2i Teaching Partnership our Provider Code is 24X and we look forward to receiving your application!

Krissy Taylor

15th October 2020