Arranging your references

Choosing your referees

You'll need to supply contact details for 2 referees with your application form. This is a compulsory part of the application process and you will not be able to submit your application without them. 

Choose referees who’ll endorse your:

  • teaching passion and potential
  • suitability to work with children
  • academic abilities
  • reliability and professionalism

Suitable referees include:

  • your current line manager at work
  • previous employers
  • a teacher at a school where you work or volunteer
  • your university tutor or supervisor
  • a supplier or client you’ve worked with (if you’re self-employed)

Referees should not be family members, partners or friends. Training providers will only accept character references if there’s also an academic or professional reference. 

If you're applying for a School Direct (salaried) course, one of your references must be from an employer.

If you're struggling to find suitable referees, you can:

  • contact one of your chosen training providers for advice
  • register with us for support with your teacher training application

Apply for teacher training

You can apply for a training place via UCAS, or by using a new GOV.UK service called Apply for teacher training. We’ll help you choose the service that’s right for you.

Prepare for your interview

Interviews for teacher training vary from provider to provider but can take place over the course of a full day, and feature a variety of questions and assessments – so make sure you’re prepared with our helpful guide.

Need help with the application process?

Receive practical advice and guidance from our team of experienced teachers via our free Teacher Training Adviser service.

Upcoming events

View all events

Virtual Train to Teach Peterborough event

04 November 2020 - 16:30

Peterborough

This event, for anyone interested in training to teach in Peterborough, will give you the chance to ask experts about your teacher training options and what it’s like to teach.

Virtual Train to Teach Exeter event

05 November 2020 - 16:30

Exeter

This event, for anyone interested in training to teach in Exeter, will give you the chance to ask experts about your teacher training options and what it’s like to teach.

Virtual Train to Teach Liverpool event

10 November 2020 - 16:30

Liverpool

This event, for anyone interested in training to teach in Liverpool, will give you the chance to ask experts about your teacher training options and what it’s like to teach.

Virtual Train to Teach Bristol event

11 November 2020 - 16:30

Bristol

This event, for anyone interested in training to teach in Bristol, will give you the chance to ask experts about your teacher training options and what it’s like to teach.