The Application Process

• An Honours Degree is a pre-requisite for any teacher training course.  (For secondary programmes the degree should be related to the subject you wish to teach. Subject Knowledge Enhancement Programmes may be available in certain subjects.)
• You will need to have GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics. A GCSE Grade C/4 in Science is also required for Primary trainees. If you do not meet the GCSE criteria you may be asked to sit a GCSE or equivalency test.

If you are an non-uk citizen you will be asked for a comparability statement from the UK European Network of Information Centres (UK ENIC). The Get into Teaching service can help you with a free digital e-statement of comparability, once you have submitted your application.  

Applications open each year via DfE Apply, you can access this portal by clicking HERE.

When applying you will be asked to select your chosen provider (We can be found by searching Bishop Challoner Training School Alliance - code 1K2). The DfE apply portal also includes a separate section to provide details of any school and work experience. You should provide your full work history. Remember, your personal statement is the core of the application, so it is important to take the time and effort on this section.

The application window for a September start open the previous October and ends July of the year you wish to start or when courses are full.

You can select one of our Lead Partners as your training provider and ourselves as the acredited training provider.  If you choose to submit more than one application, please note that you are essentillay applying for the same programme and we will try to interview you once rather than several times.

Like any application, it's important to be prepared and showcase your strengths.

Firstly, please ensure that you have all your original qualification certificates.  You will be asked to evidence the qualifications that you list on your application form, if you can't find them you will be able to request a copy from the relevant exam board.

Secondly, please ensure that you detail a full work history.  If you have any gaps in your employment that are not accounted for this could delay any interview process.

Your Personal Statement is a key section within your application.  Spend time ensuring that you highlighed your strengths and how you can bring these to teaching. Explains your reasons for wanting to teach and the qualities you have which will make you a good teacher.  Make reference to any school experience or experience working with young people. If you are a career changer tell us about the transferable skills that you have.

We are looking for trainees to demonstrate a passion for teaching and the ability to intreract well with young people.

If you are invited to interview we will also require some form of Photo ID (Driving License/Passport)

We aim to review your application as quickly as possible.  There may be a delay on this process during any holiday period. 

Initially we will check your eligibility to train and will contact you with any questions or request further information. 

Once we have established this, we will advise you of whether you have progressed to the interview stage, based on the quality of your application.  Currently all of our interviews are online and will consist of an interview panel of at least 2 people.  

We will inform you of any interview via e-mail and the DfE Apply portal.  The process has 3 key elements, all of which are designed to support you to showcase:

• your suitability to teach
• your interpersonal and communication skills
• your Subject knowledge and awareness of what constitutes high quality teaching and learning
• your awareness of the demands of a teacher

Our interview process, like everything we do is supportive and nuturing.