How to apply for Initial Teaching Training
So, you’re interested in becoming a teacher and applying to the National Insitute of Teaching (NIoT) for Initial Teacher Training (ITT)?
As you explore your options, you might find yourself asking what steps you need to take and how best to go about applying. If you're finding the application process a bit daunting, we’re here to support you. We'll guide you through what to include in your application and explain how the process works.
From verifying and documenting your eligibility to completing your application and preparing for assessments, there are several key steps you’ll need to follow.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the teacher training application process, including important considerations before, during, and after you apply.
- Check your eligibility
First, you should find out if you are eligible to apply for teacher training with the NIoT and meet the criteria.
This includes:
- The right to work in the UK - To train as a teacher in England, you must be a British or Irish citizen, have the right to work in the UK, or hold a relevant visa. You will need to demonstrate your existing right to work in the UK by showing us your documentation, as we are unable to sponsor visas. If you are awaiting your visa, you can still submit your application, and it will be placed on hold until your visa is granted.
- An appropriate undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification - You must hold an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree or equivalent, with a grade of 2:2 or higher (3rd class degree sometimes accepted on a case-by-case basis), or a recognised equivalent qualification (with ENIC proof of equivalence). You can teach any subject in which you have sufficient knowledge; your degree does not need to be in the subject you wish to teach. However, you will require other qualifications in the subject, such as an A-level at Grade B or above, a postgraduate degree or significant career experience. If the NIoT believes you need additional support with your subject knowledge, you may be required to complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course as a condition of your offer. Find out more about Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses and what they are.
- Minimum grades in certain GCSE subjects - You must have at least a GCSE at grade C/4 or equivalent in both English and Mathematics. If you are training to teach Primary, you also need a GCSE at grade C/4 or equivalent in a science subject.
The required documents are:
- A valid passport
- UK work visa (if you are not a UK citizen)
- Your GCSE certificates (Maths and English, and Science if applying for Primary)
- Your degree certificate
- ENIC certificate if studied overseas
You will likely need to upload copies of these documents for the NIoT to verify and present the originals either on your Interview Day or on an agreed date if you are awaiting any documentation.
If you are applying from overseas, we will check your qualifications against the regulations that the government sets for entry into the profession. Your degree will have to be equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree and your high school diploma/qualifications equivalent to GCSEs and A Levels. You will need to show original copies of all mandatory documentation at a time set by the NIoT before the programme begins.
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in Regulated Activity relevant to children.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. In accordance with the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), an offer will be subject to the receipt of a satisfactory enhanced level DBS disclosure with a children’s barred list check, two satisfactory references and successful completion of vetting procedures.
*We require an ENIC certificate of comparability for all overseas qualifications. You can get a statement of comparability from the UK European Network of Information Centres (UK ENIC)(opens in new window) to show the standard of your qualifications.
2. Pick your route and subject
Next, you need to decide which route into teaching you’d like to take and which subject you’d like to teach. At the NIoT we offer three different routes into teaching and lots of different subject areas. Which route into teaching you pick will depend on your personal circumstances.
3. Review fees and funding
There are different funding options and fees to pay for your teacher training course depending on which route you take. Before applying, you’ll need to have reviewed information on fees and which funding options may be available to you.
4. Chat with the NIoT team
If you’ve got questions before you apply, a dedicated member of the recruitment team is available for you to speak to about any queries you may have.
Please email the region relevant to your enquiry:
- North & West: itt_nw@niot.org.uk
- North & East : itt_ne@niot.org.uk
- South & West: itt_sw@niot.org.uk
- East, South & London: itt_esl@niot.org.uk
You can also book a call with them to chat through any questions and check your eligibility.
5. Submit your application
Once you have completed the other steps and are clear on your chosen route and programme, you will need to submit your application via the Department for Education website and identify the NIoT as your provider. You can also find further information from the DfE on how to apply here.
At this stage you will have to:
- Choose your course. Further details of which pathway is best for you are available on our Routes into Teaching page.
- Upload your personal details, career and education history. You'll need to include details of:
- GCSEs
- A levels (and other qualifications)
- Degree
- Jobs you’ve had since you left school, making sure you explain any gaps longer than a month.
- Any lack of work history because, for instance, you’ve always been in full-time education, or you’ve been caring for a family member
- Any unpaid experience you have and how this supports your application to become a teacher.
- Details of two people who can give you a reference when you apply: they will not be contacted until you accept a place on a course.
- Write your personal statement. Our guide will help you with tips on how to craft the perfect personal statement.
6. Interview
If your initial application is then shortlisted, you will then move on to the interview stage of the process. There is no need to be worried. The interviewers really want you to shine and will do their utmost to bring the best out of you on the day.
The interview is about highlighting the skills you already have and an opportunity to show us that you have the potential to become an amazing teacher. We don’t expect you to be the finished article yet, but we are looking for those who we think have potential and, with the right support, can become excellent classroom teachers.
During the interview you will have to:
- Complete a 5-minute lesson introduction task
- Answer 5 interview questions based on our values and competencies
- Complete a written assessment on your subject knowledge and English proficiency
7. Offer and onboarding
After your interview and written assessments with the NIoT, you will receive an outcome and, hopefully, an offer to train with us.
You are then ready to accept your offer to undertake ITT with the NIoT.
The offer will have conditions attached, such as completing the necessary steps mentioned above (like uploading your proof of eligibility documentation), as well as undergoing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ascertain your suitability to work with children and additional compliance-related tasks.
Some offers may also require you to complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course.
Good luck with your application!