Age range

As well as checking that they meet the basic eligibility criteria, candidates will want to decide which age range (key stage) to teach. The key stages are: Early Years/Foundation (ages 3-5), Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7), Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11), Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14), Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16) and post-16.

Every teacher trains to work with at least two consecutive key stages and spending time with pupils in school is a good way to find out which key stages to choose. Click here to find out more about visits to schools.

Fitness to teach

Applicants to initial teacher training (ITT) will be asked to complete a self-disclosure questionnaire to confirm their physical and mental fitness to teach. If a candidate has a disability that could affect this fitness to teach, ITT providers will see whether it is possible to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate him or her.

All candidates are subject by law to a criminal records check and will need to disclose any criminal convictions when they submit their applications.

Application forms

On their application form, candidates record relevant information including their achievements to date. They provide a personal statement describing their reasons for wanting to teach, their experience of working with young people and the contribution they can make to school life. They must also provide a referee. The application form is a chance to convince providers to offer an interview, so care should be taken to provide the relevant information and to get details such as spelling and grammar right.

Interviews

Interviews usually take place over a full day and are intended to let both the candidate and interviewers find out whether a teaching course is appropriate. Candidates will be asked about their experience of working with young people, their commitment to teaching, and relevant knowledge and skills. As well as an individual interview with one person or a small panel, the selection process may include teaching a mini-lesson, being part of a group discussion or making a presentation.

For primary courses, candidates may be given a written test to assess their knowledge of English, mathematics and information and communications technology. For secondary courses they may be asked to bring a portfolio showing their achievements in their subject. For the Graduate Teacher Programme and Registered Teacher Programme, candidates would also need to discuss their individual training needs.