The experience and perspective of a diverse workforce is valued in school culture.
If you’re disabled, have a mental health condition or educational needs, you can get support to become a teacher.
Most non-UK citizens without indefinite leave to remain in the UK(opens in new window) will not be eligible for this financial support (unless you’ve applied to the Afghan or Ukraine resettlement schemes). You will still be entitled to adjustments to help you train. Find out about the financial support available for non-UK citizens.
Disabled Students’ Allowance and other support
You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)(opens in new window) to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
You’ll get confirmation of whether your application has been successful within 6 weeks.
It can take up to 14 weeks to get your DSA support, so you should take this into consideration if you need the support in place for the start of your course.
If you do paid training you may also be eligible for support(opens in new window).
AbilityNet(opens in new window) or Disability Rights UK(opens in new window) may also be able to help you identify technology or other adjustments to help you study.
Adjustments to help you train
Teacher training providers can make adjustments so that you can attend an interview or do the training. For example, they could:
- organise equipment like a hearing loop or an adapted keyboard
- put you in touch with support staff if you have a mental health condition
- make sure classrooms are wheelchair accessible
Sharing that you’re disabled when you apply for teacher training(opens in new window) can help providers make adjustments. You should contact your provider to discuss any adjustments you may need.
Your rights
Providers must not discriminate against you. They cannot:
- ask disability or health questions if they’re not relevant to your ability to become a teacher
- reject your application because you’re disabled
Anyone who’s offered a place on a teacher training course is asked to complete a fitness questionnaire before starting training. Training providers should only ask relevant questions to make sure you’re able to teach.
Find out more about your rights under the Equality Act 2010(opens in new window) and how it protects different characteristics.