Applying for teacher training is an exciting first step towards a rewarding career in education, and understanding the application process will help you approach it with confidence.
Stage 1: Application
All teacher training applications should be made via the DfE Apply for Teacher Training service.
Prospective candidates will be required to complete the following as part of the application:
- personal information
- course information
- work history and unpaid experience
- qualifications including degree, GCSEs, A levels and other qualifications
- personal statement
- two references.
For references, it is important to note that the email addresses for referees must be professional emails. Ideally, one referee should be from university and the other from most recent employer.
Stage 2: Pre-Selection
Upon receipt of applications, our selection panel will review each application to determine whether the applicant’s qualifications meet the academic entry requirements or demonstrate the potential to do so prior to the programme start date. The personal statement and work history are assessed to establish whether the applicant possesses the intellectual and personal attributes required to meet the programme’s standards, or shows the potential to meet them.
Applicants who are deemed eligible will be invited to interview. Invitations are sent via email and include detailed information about the selection day process to ensure candidates are able to prepare appropriately.
Stage 3: Selection Day
The interview process is made up of three main parts:
- A lesson plan presentation – details about the lesson are sent with the email inviting the candidate for an interview. The candidate must submit their lesson plan presentation via email, 24 hours before the interview.
- The formal interview – a range of questions will be asked including:
- reflection and professionalism
- motivation and suitability to teach
- understanding the role
- teaching and learning including inclusion
- subject and curriculum knowledge
- behaviour for learning and motivation/engagement of learners
- safeguarding. - Assessments to assess numeracy and literacy competency – this is explained in further detail in English and Mathematics Proficiencies
- Documentation scrutiny – details about the original documentation required are sent with the email inviting the candidate for an interview.
Reasonable adjustments will be made, if necessary, based on information on the application form or if requested by the candidate. PLS actively supports the recruitment of all participants, including welcoming those who are identified through the Equality Act 2010 as holding protected characteristics. We are committed to promoting equity of opportunity for all, removing barriers and providing appropriate support to ensure a fair admissions process and well-supported training programme. PLS will ensure that people are treated solely based on their abilities and potential, regardless of age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, age, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic background.