The Application Process

• A Bachelor's degree in any subject, class 2:2 or above (or equivalent). A third class degree may be considered in certain circumstances. For secondary courses you will need to have good knowledge of the subject you are applying to teach. This could be through having a degree in the subject, or having:
  • an A level in the subject
  • a degree related to but not in the subject
  • an unrelated degree but relevant professional experience.

(Subject Knowledge Enhancement Programmes are available if you do not have a degree in the subject your are training for, or you completed your degree more than 5 years ago. SKE courses currently available are: Chemistry, Computing, Languages, Mathematics, Physics.)

• You will need to have GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent. A GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in Science is also required for Primary trainees. If you do not meet the GCSE criteria you will 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). 

Applications open in October 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 application window ends in August of the year you wish to start or when courses are full.

You can select one of our Lead Partners as your training provider with ourselves as the accredited training provider.  If you choose to submit more than one application, please note that you are essentially 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 before you start the programme. 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 highlight your strengths and how you can bring these to teaching. Explain 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 interact well with young people.

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

We aim to review your application as quickly as possible.  There may be a delay in 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 most 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 you suitability to teach:

1. A written task
2. A mini-teach, which will relate to the phase/subject you have chosen
3. An interview which will include questions around your suitability, safeguarding, interpersonal skills and subject knowledge.

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