Application Workshop
Applying for teacher training can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. This page is here to guide you through your application, especially your personal statement, so you can feel confident and ready.
What to include in your personal statement
Your personal statement is your opportunity to show us why you want to teach, the experiences that have shaped you, and the skills you’ll bring to the classroom. To help, we’ve broken it down into simple steps with prompts you can use to start planning.
1
Why do you want to teach?
Think about what has inspired you to become a teacher. Was it an experience at school, a role model, or time spent with children? Share your story and let your enthusiasm for teaching and working with children come through.
2
What experience do you have?
This isn't about having years of classroom experience. What we're looking for is that you recognise how your work and volunteering experience will support you in a career in teaching.
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Have you worked in customer service? Your people skills will transfer well into communicating with parents and colleagues. Do you have experience coaching a football club? You'll already be using behaviour management techniques and you might not know it!
3
What skills will you bring?
This ties back to your experience; we don't just want to know what you have done, but we want to know how it will help you in the classroom.
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Teachers use a wide range of skills every day: communication, organisation, resilience, empathy, teamwork. Think about how your experiences, whether in education, work, or life, have helped you develop these.
4
What have you learned from your experiences?
Don’t just describe what you’ve done, reflect on what it taught you. For example, did helping a child with reading show you how patience makes a difference? Did leading a group activity show you how to plan and adapt?
5
Why Primary teaching?
When you submit your application, you may be applying to multiple providers at once. This means you need to be confident in your chosen age phase - applying for primary and secondary at the same time won't cut it.
Using AI in your Application
There is nothing wrong with using AI to help you write your personal statement. However, it should be used as a supportive tool, not as an application generator.
Over the last 12 months, we have witnessed a significant increase in the use of AI in personal statements. AI can help you refine your language, identify errors, and help you get your message across clearer in your writing.
However, we have a zero-tolerance policy on applications we suspect are generated by AI. These applications are generally vague, use Americanised spellings, and don't actually provide any meaningful insight into why you want to teach and what skills you possess. Additionally, our interview tasks are designed to complement your application, and we cross-reference your writing carefully to ensure it represents you.
If you're stuck on how to use AI to enhance your application, read our free guide on how to make best use of this tool in preparation for teacher training!
The Small Things Matter
Your application is more than just your personal statement. From the moment your application is received, you're making an impression, and it needs to be a good one! Before submitting your application, make sure you check the following.
Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar
This is important in your whole application, not just your personal statement. Make sure your name is capitalised, along with your address and any employment history. Small details like this show care and professionalism, and help your application make the best impression.
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Work History
You will need to provide a complete work history from when you left school or college right up to the present day. Any gaps should be fully explained so your application is clear and accurate. Common examples might include being in full-time education, parental leave, or periods when you were seeking employment.​
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References​
A condition of any offer for teacher training is the satisfactory receipt of two references. You will need to provide the full name of each referee and explain how you know them when completing your application.
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Who to choose as your referees
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Your current/most recent employer
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An academic reference (tutor or lecturer
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Your last/previous employer (within 5 years)
Character references can be accepted; however, this is only when there are no other alternatives available.​
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Once you accept an offer on the DfE Apply system, your referees will be contacted automatically. Make sure you let them know in advance so they are ready to respond quickly. Getting your referees right at the point of application will help avoid delays and keep your application moving smoothly.
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