Applicants can register on-line and then log in and out of the site, to complete the form at their own pace. The interactive service guides users through the application process, helping them to provide information accurately. This will help improve the efficiency of the system and ensure that universities and colleges receive the application forms more quickly.

The system, which has been developed with funding from the TTA, has been designed in-house by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). It will run alongside the paper-based application system already used by GTTR.

Ralph Tabberer, Chief Executive of the TTA, said: 'Recruitment in the modern world means giving prospective teachers on-line applications and the ability to track their progress. The TTA aims to give graduates and career changers the services they need to become the teachers of the future. This new application system puts teacher training at the forefront of the recruitment market, and supports the Government's drive to encourage e-business.

'The indications are that, for the second year running, there will be an increase in the number of people starting on teacher training courses this autumn. Online transactions will be vital in helping to maintain the momentum for next year.'

To complement the new application service, GTTR have also launched an innovative, web-based tracking service that allows people to see how their application is progressing once they have submitted their form. This service is available for all methods of application, paper based or on-line.

Tony Higgins, Chief Executive of UCAS said: 'People applying for graduate training today expect to be able to apply through the internet. We are extremely grateful to the TTA for funding this project to help GTTR set the pace for electronic applications, along with other major graduate recruiters. By providing this additional route, we hope to widen access to other groups of people.

Provisional final figures released this week by the GTTR for 2001 entry show that, compared to the same point last year, the number of applicants has increased by 16%. The number of accepted applicants to PGCE courses has increased by 3.8%.

'This is encouraging news', said Tony Higgins, 'and a sign that government incentives to encourage people back into the teaching profession are beginning to reap the rewards. We shall continue to build on this good beginning'.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) is an admissions service operated by the Universities and Colleges Services (UCAS) which acts on behalf of ITT Providers in England and Wales, and certain Scottish institutions, to process applications for entry to their pre-service Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses.

2. The website address for the new application system is The Graduate Teacher Training Registry Website (GTTR).