Application process
How to apply for our Training Programme and what to expect from our Development Centre.
We’re looking for people with the attributes to become great teachers and our selection process is structured to find out if you’ve got what it takes.
We’re searching for potential—not the finished product.
Whether you get a place on our Training Programme or not, your development is important to us. That’s why we’ve created a process that builds your skills and experience.
Here’s how it works:
1. Complete our application form
Start by completing the online application form.
It asks for your degree and academic qualifications achieved before your degree, as well as information about yourself and any preferences you may have in terms of where and what Key Stage you teach.
Before starting your application, please make sure to read our eligibility requirements first.
2. Screening your application
Your application will be screened by two trained assessors who won’t have access to any of your personal details, to make sure it’s a bias-free process. You’ll hear the outcome of this within fifteen working days. If you are successful, you will be invited to take part in a Development Centre which will either be virtual or at our Head Office in London. You will be able to state your preference in your application.
3. The Development Centre
The Development Centre involves:
- a competency-based interview
- a group case study
- conducting a teaching episode
- two self-evaluation exercises.
You’ll get more details on these when we invite you to attend. Seven days before your Development Centre we’ll send you a list of teaching topics - you’ll select one to base your teaching episode on.
You will also be invited to a Development Centre workshop so you're fully prepared and know what to expect. We'll then give you another call, giving you chance to ask any further questions you have.
Although it’s tempting to spend lots of time planning your teaching episode, it’s important to remember each part of the day carries equal weight. So don’t overlook preparing for your interview. Think about how you’ll demonstrate the competencies we think make a great teacher.
4. You’ll hear from us within three weeks
If you’re successful you’ll receive a conditional offer which includes the curriculum area you’ll teach and the region you’ll be based in. It’ll also include information about the tasks you need to complete to confirm your offer, including:
- filling in your Personal Information Form and accepting your offer
- sending reference details covering the past two years
- completing a subject knowledge assessment.
As part of this, you'll develop a development plan to get your knowledge up to speed for the subjects you’ll teach. This will be assessed by a tutor from one of our partner universities. If you’re not successful you’ll get a chance to discuss feedback on your performance and what attributes you can work on, over the phone.
5. Getting your offer
Once you’ve successfully completed everything we need, we’ll confirm our offer and you can begin preparations to join the programme! We have put together a helpful list of all the tasks that need to be completed before Summer Institute.
Ready to apply?
Applications to join our 2025 Training Programme are open.