What teaching admissions tutors want

Every year there are more applicants than places for initial teacher training (ITT) courses, but careful preparation will help you stand out. You’ll need to undertake some research and also some self-analysis, so that you can explain your motivation for becoming a teacher clearly and persuasively. You’ll also need to give concrete examples to back up what you have to say about yourself.

In applications forms and at interviews, admissions tutors will be looking out for evidence of honesty, professionalism, commitment, determination, stamina and realism about the challenges that the course will present. You don’t need to be an extrovert or have incredible charisma to be a teacher: self-confidence, excellent organisational skills and high expectations of your students are much more important.

Do your research

There are plenty of resources that will improve your understanding of the profession. Try to consider what the education system is aiming to achieve as you explore what teaching and learning is all about.

• Talk to teachers and trainee teachers about their experiences.
• Find out from any children you know what they think about school.
• Read the educational press to keep up to date with current issues, especially The Guardian on Tuesdays and the Times Educational Supplement.
• Investigate the curriculum of the age groups you want to teach and think about how your subject knowledge fits within the context of the curriculum and if there are any significant gaps. Information is available from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and the Department for Education.
• Familiarise yourself with the qualified teacher status (QTS) standards. Information is available from the TDA (Training and Development Agency for Schools).
• Read any material provided by the ITT provider you are applying to – for example on its website.

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Reflect on your work experience

The best way to be sure that teaching is right for you is to spend some time in schools. This will also greatly improve your chances of being accepted onto a course, as it will help you to convince admissions tutors that you are committed to teaching and have a realistic idea of what it involves. Even though it is increasingly hard to arrange work experience, it’s worth persisting, and ideally you should aim to spend time at more than one school, so you can compare. If you obtain an interview for a place on an ITT course be prepared to talk about what you observed during your placement.

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Top tips for flawless forms

Always supply all the information requested, whether it is your employment history, qualifications or views on current educational issues. If you are asked for details about your degree, specify which subjects you covered and how much time you spent on them. Similarly, if you are asked how you have built on your subject knowledge since leaving university, think about this carefully: the subject will certainly come up in your interview. Course providers might also be prepared to give you some guidance on what kind of evidence would be helpful in supporting your application. Make sure that your application is free of spelling and grammar mistakes and ask a trusted friend to proofread it.

Have a look at what to include in your form.

Some considerations before you apply

Pre-initial teacher training enhancement and extension courses are available in some subjects in England for those who need to develop their knowledge. If you are applying for a PGCE you can indicate on your application form that you are interested in doing a subject enhancement or extension course, but you do need to apply for an ITT course first so make sure you leave plenty of time. You may then be offered a conditional ITT place and referred to the appropriate course provider in your region.

You may also be able to take a subject knowledge booster course. Available in England only, these are aimed at candidates who have already applied for or started postgraduate initial teacher training, and consist of about two weeks’ study that can be undertaken either full or part time. In Wales you could take a ‘Prepare to Teach’ course, which will give you the opportunity to try out teaching while also boosting your subject knowledge.