How to Apply

Here you’ll find key information to help you through the application process.

We will be with you throughout the process, and any help or support you need is just an email away…

Entry Requirements

All courses

Applications are likely to open in October 2023 for Initial Teacher Training courses starting in September 2024. We will update this website to give further details once they have been announced.

You can apply for up to 4 different providers in your first application.

Primary Undergraduate route only

If you are applying for the primary undergraduate route you need to have (or be predicted) a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points. For example, BBB (A-Level), DDM (BTEC), Merit (T Level), Access to HE Diploma, minimum of 45 Level 3 credits at Merit grade or above. All other requirements are the same as for the post-graduate course.

  • GCSE English Language Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
  • GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
  • If you want to teach primary age children you will need to have GCSE science Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
  • You do not need to obtain these qualifications before you apply but you do need to have gained the appropriate qualifications before you start the course. If you do not have a GCSE in English and Maths or Science then we will accept the results of equivalency tests taken through the Equivalency Testing website.
  • Please note that Level 2 Adult Numeracy and Literacy are not accepted as equivalents
  • A UK first degree (or equivalent)
  • For our Primary SCITT and Primary School Direct courses you will need an Honours Degree, normally 2.2 or better (or equiv. 360 CAT points)
  • For Secondary SCITT and Secondary School Direct courses a First degree, normally 2.2 or better (or equiv. 360 CAT points)
  • If your qualifications were not gained in the UK, you can visit the UK ENIC – The National Information Centre website to find out whether your qualifications are considered to be equivalent to UK GCSEs and degrees
  • Please note that the onus is on you to prove that your qualifications are equivalent and you must include a UK ENIC statement with your application verifying this.


Excellent subject knowledge is an important element of being a qualified teacher

  • We expect applicants to Secondary SCITT courses to have knowledge of the subject they wish to teach
  • If you wish to teach primary age children and have yet to start your degree, whilst a specialist subject is not required, consider taking one in Education, Early Childhood Studies, or a National Curriculum core subject – English, Mathematics or Science
  • We also expect good and accurate use of spoken and written English.
  • As an ITT provider, we have to assess your competency in literacy and numeracy.
  • A Recruitment and Selection Day will inform you of the arrangements we have made to assess the level of literacy and numeracy skills and also if needed, we will provide guidance about how they can be improved.
  • The Disclosure and Barring Service has taken the place of the CRB check and it is a condition of all ITT courses that trainees must have a satisfactory enhanced DBS check before commencing training
  • In the case of School Direct Salaried, the employing school will arrange this with trainees
  • For those on student based courses, arrangements for completing DBS check applications will be explained as part of the selection and induction process
  • If you have spent more than three months overseas in the past five years you will need to obtain a certificate of good conduct from each country you have resided in. Details of how to obtain this can be found here: Overseas checks
  • Online searches may form part of our selection and recruitment process
  • References will be requested from your chosen referees as part of your conditional offer
  • Whilst it is not a legal requirement, you may find it helpful to gain school experience in order to prepare for your application and/or interview to one of our programmes
  • Please note that any experience of working with children in a voluntary context or in any out of school activities e.g. sports coaching or clubs etc can also be very valuable
  • The Department of Education’s website will also provide you with more information and guidance about how to write an application and you can also find more information about the different phases e.g. primary or secondary that are of interest to you.

What Personal Qualities is NESTT Looking For?

We are looking for a wide range of personal qualities including, but not limited to…

The Application Form

When you apply you’ll need to give details about…

What else?

You can also share whether you need any adjustments during the application process or on the course – for example, if you have a disability.

You’ll be encouraged to declare any potential safeguarding issues such as criminal convictions. Training providers can advise you whether it’ll affect your application.

More information on these areas can be found on the Gov. website by clicking here.

 

You can also share whether you need any adjustments during the application process or on the course – for example, if you have a disability.

More information can be found on the Department for Education website by clicking here.

You’ll be encouraged to declare any potential safeguarding issues such as criminal convictions. We can advise you whether it’ll affect your application.

Writing your Personal Statement

Your teacher training personal statement explains why you want to be a teacher. It’s your chance to show your motivation, commitment and teaching potential. It’s a crucial part of your application – so it’s worth taking your time on it.

Personal statements are split into 2 sections. In total they are usually around 1,000 words.

It’s your opportunity to show your enthusiasm for teaching a particular subject. It’s also the place to say why you feel passionate about teaching either primary or secondary.

  • Your teacher training personal statement explains why you want to be a teacher. It’s your chance to show your motivation, commitment and teaching potential. It’s a crucial part of your application - so it’s worth taking your time on it.
  • Personal statements are split into 2 sections. In total they are usually around 1,000 words.

  • It’s your opportunity to show your enthusiasm for teaching a particular subject. It’s also the place to say why you feel passionate about teaching either primary or secondary.

This is the place to talk about why you think you would make a great teacher. You can include:

  • What inspired you to choose teaching
  • Your understanding of the demands and rewards of teaching
  • The personal qualities that will make you a good teacher
  • Your contribution to the life of a school outside the classroom – for example, running extra-curricular activities and clubs
  • Details of any paid or unpaid work experience you have working with young people and what you learnt
  • Your thoughts on children’s wellbeing and the education system

(Up to 600 words)

If you’re writing a personal statement for secondary teacher training, use this section to describe your knowledge of the subjects you’ve chosen.

If you’re writing a personal statement for primary teacher training, say why you’d like to teach this age group.

You could talk about:

  • Any relevant work or unpaid experience
  • Your degree and degree modules
  • Your other relevant qualifications, such as A levels
  • Any relevant skills, interests or achievements
  • Your understanding of the national curriculum


(Up to 400 words)

You need to provide the details of 2 people who can give you a reference when you apply.

  • They will not be contacted until you accept a place on a course.
  • Unlike a standard work reference, your references for teacher training need to be from named individuals rather than (for example) a human resources team or academic department. They’ll confirm how they know you and if they know any reason why you should not work with children.

You’ll need different kinds of references depending on your circumstances. If you:

  • Are still studying or graduated in the last 5 years, you’ll need an academic reference
  • Already work in a school, you’ll need a reference from your headteacher

You can give a character reference, such as from a mentor or someone you know through volunteering, as a second reference. You should not ask a family member, partner or friend for a reference.

If you’re concerned about your subject knowledge, do not worry - you may be able to do a ‘subject knowledge enhancement’ course as part of your training.

Click the button below to visit the government 'Enhancement Course' website