How to apply for teacher training programmes in four steps

You can now apply for teacher training programmes for 2016 entry on our website. There isn’t a set deadline that your application needs to reach us by, but to be in with the best chance of securing a place at your preferred provider we recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got it covered in four simple steps.

1. Research training providers and programmes

Before you start your application, research the training providers that offer the programme you’re interested in. There are four different routes into teaching, so if you’re not sure which one is right for you, check out this short video.

Once you’ve found the programme you’re interested in, see which providers offer it in our search tool. Here, you’ll be able to find further information on the provider and programme.

2. Register on our website

So, now you’ve found the programme and provider you’re interested in, the next step is to register online. It’s a short process which will ask you for basic information such as your name, address, and date of birth. You need to provide a valid email address as this will be your username and you’ll be asked to create a password.

3. Complete an application

When you log in you’ll see a page like this:

Each section must be completed before you can send your application. We’ve got lots of advice on how to complete the application on our website.

The ‘Education’ section can sometimes cause a bit of confusion. You need to enter every place where you’ve achieved a formal qualification from in the ‘Education’ section.  This should start from the age of 12 onwards.

First, you search for your school by clicking on the ‘Add new school/college/university’ link and then ‘Find school’ to select the ones you’ve attended.

If the school isn’t listed, close the pop up window and you’ll be able to enter the details in manually.

Once you’ve done this, add in your GCSEs and A levels (or equivalents). If your qualification type isn’t in the list, select the ‘Other’ option that best suits you to enter the details in manually.

Finally, add details of your degree. Start with your university or college name, degree class, course name, start date, and results date.

When it comes to adding your school and work experience you need to include:

• your school experience and work history, including current occupation
• the time you spent in a school or college, including details of the age groups and subjects you were involved in
• For the ‘hours per week’ question give the average weekly time you spent in the establishment.

Some training providers will require your complete work history, if you can’t fit this in then send the info to the providers separately, in a CV or a summary of your work history.

If you need any help with the personal statement or reference sections, then all the advice you need is on our website.

4. Pay for and send your application

Once every section of your application is complete, the final step is making a payment. The fee is £23 and you pay this with a debit or credit card. It can take up to 48 hours for your application to be processed but once it has, you’ll be sent an email with your Track login details.

Good luck with your application!

Download our free UCAS Teacher Training pack which contains all the information and advice you need to apply.

If you have any questions then send us a message on Facebook or Twitter and we'll get right back to you.

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 started on 9 November and runs until 30 September 2016. You can add one additional programme from any that have vacancies.

Where can I find vacancies?
You can check what programmes are available in our search tool – the vacancy status indicates whether there are places. It’s also a good idea to contact the training provider to check they're still recruiting and will consider you. Ask if there are any additional documents you can provide – including an updated personal statement – to strengthen your application. To do this, just give them a quick call – you’ll find their contact details also in the search tool.

How do I add an Apply 2 choice? 
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 the provider make a decision?
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 you have any further questions about Apply 2 then have a look on our website or get in touch with our advisers on Facebook or Twitter.

Teacher Training: three things you need to know.....

Recently we asked all those who started graduate teacher training programmes in 2013 what advice they had for anyone thinking about taking up a career in teaching. Here’s some of the advice and tips they shared:

1. Research the different types of programmes

The most frequent response we received really hammered home the need to do research into what kinds of teaching programmes would be suitable for you.

If you’re unsure about the different teacher training routes, try our interactive quiz to get a better idea of the opportunities on offer.

When you think you know what kind of programme you’re interested in, find where to study it in our search tool.

2. Be organised

Get as much information about the training programme as possible by speaking to admissions tutors and careers advisers, and take advantage of any open days and events that are going on.

Make sure you know what the entry requirements are for the programme you’re applying for – some providers require you to pass a professional skills test before you apply so be sure to check this first.

Training providers usually conduct interviews before offering places, so be aware that you may need to attend one shortly after applying.

3. “It’s hard work but a rewarding experience”

One of the most frequent responses we had was that teacher training is hard work but ultimately a very rewarding experience. Although the application process and training may appear daunting to some, a high percentage of the responses we received highlighted just how rewarding they found the experience.

“It is the most challenging, rewarding, unpredictable job in the world. There is nothing I'd rather be doing.”

“It's the most rewarding job out there and you really can make a difference!”

Everything you need to know about applying for teacher training programmes is on our website at www.ucas.com/teacher-training. You can also download our free UCAS Teacher Training pack now.

If you have any questions then send us a message on Facebook or Twitter and we'll get right back to you!