Train to Teach
How to Apply
Applying for teacher training is an exciting journey and a fantastic opportunity to embark on a rewarding career. We understand that the process can feel a bit overwhelming, so we’ve outlined the steps below to make it as smooth and clear as possible. We hope this guide helps you navigate each stage.
01
Entry Requirements
If you have a degree and meet the entry requirements listed below, the Dudley Academies Trust School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) Programme could be for you!
02
Choose a Programme
You will need to decide which programme you would like to study. For secondary, you will also need to decide which subject you would like to teach.
03
Apply via the DfE
Applications are through the Department for Education website. You will need our unique reference number and course code to apply (available soon).
The Application Process
Please be reminded that the following information provides an overview of the application process. To apply for a School Centred Initial Teacher Training Programme with Dudley Academies Trust, applications will need to be made via the Department for Education website. To apply you will also require our unique reference number and subject code for secondary. These details will be made available soon.
Entry Requirements
To apply for our School Centred Initial Teacher Training Programme, you will require the following:
An undergraduate degree, or equivalent.
The ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the subject you’re applying to teach, either through your degree qualification, your A-levels or relevant experience.
Grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths GCSEs, or equivalent qualification.
If applying to teach primary, Grade 4 (C) or above in one science GCSE or equivalent is also required.
We will not consider candidates with pending GCSEs. Functional and key skills qualifications are not equivalent to Maths and English GCSEs.
We accept most equivalency test providers. You will need to have passed your GCSE equivalency test before applying to our programme; we will not be able to process your application until you have passed.
Overseas qualifications will be reviewed by ENIC to ensure they meet programme requirements. You should obtain your own ENIC statement which will provide information on the comparability of your qualifications to the programme requirements, ideally prior to applying.
Visa requirements for overseas applicants
We can support applicants who have either:
Graduate Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, Youth Mobility Visa, Family Visa, Settled status or pre-settled status.
We are unable to sponsor Visas and we do not accept student Visas. Further information on Visa requirements can be found here.
DfE Application
You will need to complete the online application on DfE Apply. The application is split into the following sections, where you will need to include the following detail:
Personal Details
Contact Information
Qualifications
GCSE (English, Maths and Science)
A-Levels and other qualifications
Degree
Work Experience
Work history
Unpaid experience
Personal Statement
Equality and Diversity
References and safeguarding information will be required once your application has been processed.
Personal Statement
500-1000 words recommended. Try to answer the following in your statement:
Skills you have that are relevant to teaching .
Any experience working with young people .
For secondary teacher training: your interest in the subject you want to teach .
Your understanding of why teaching is important .
Your reasons for wanting to train to be a teacher .
Any activities you may have done that could be relevant to teaching, like first aid courses, sports coaching and volunteering.
Interview Process
You will be interviewed by our programme lead and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about our programmes. We will send you the interview questions in advance.
Fees and Financial Support
We understand that funding your training is important. The following information is provided as an overview. It is important to check the DfE website for complete accuracy in relation to fees and financial support: Teacher training advisers | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK (education.gov.uk). The following information is subject to change. Please refer to the Department for Education website for the latest financial information in relation to Initial Teacher Training.
Course Fees:
The cost of our programme is £9,250 (Oversee students fees: £10,950).
Student Loan:
Most trainees choose to fund the programme via students finance.
Student Finance England applications open from March. If this is your preferred option, we would advise you to apply as early as possible. You are also welcome to self-fund the programme if this is preferable.
Student finance calculator – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible for a bursary you must:
Be entitled to support under the student finance criteria.
Have the right to work in the UK.
Be training to teach an eligible subject (listed below).
Have achieved a BA(hons) 2:2 or higher, a PhD or Master’s.
Find out about funding for non-UK citizens.
DfE Funded Bursaries:
You do not need to apply for a bursary. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically receive it. In order to be eligible for a bursary you must:
Be entitled to support under the student finance criteria, have the right to work in the UK, be training to teach an eligible subject (listed below), have achieved a BA(hons) 2:2 or higher, a PhD or Master’s.
You cannot receive both a teaching bursary and a scholarship.
You must be eligible for student finance to receive bursary (unless you’re training to teach physics or languages).
Bursaries:
Biology – £25,000
Chemistry – £28,000
Computing – £28,000
English – £10,000
French – £25,000
Geography – £25,0000
Maths – £28,000
Music – £10,000
Physics – £28,000
Religious Education – £10,000
Spanish – £25,000 .
Click here to find out about Bursaries .
Scholarships:
Scholarships are also available for certain subjects but unlike bursaries, must be applied for separately. To be eligible for a scholarship, you’ll need at least one of the following:
Bachelor’s degree class 2:1 (honours) or higher.
Master’s degree.
PhD
In exceptional circumstances, if you achieved a 2:2 in your degree you may still be awarded a scholarship if you have significant relevant experience.
Postgraduate teaching scholarships are only available for the subjects listed below. You cannot receive both a teaching bursary and a scholarship.
You must be eligible for student finance to receive scholarship (unless you’re training to teach physics or languages).
Chemistry – £30,000
Computing – £30,000
Languages – £27,000 (French, Spanish, German)
Maths – £30,000
Physics – £30,000
Each scholarship body will have its own deadline for applications. You can find these on their individual websites. Click here to find out about Scholarships.
Maintenance Grants Loans:
You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan to help cover your living costs. The maximum amount you may be eligible to borrow is:
£8,610, if you live at home with your parents.
£10,227, if you live away from your parents, out of London.
£13,348, if you live away from your parents, in London.
£4,327, if you’re 60 years or over on the first day of the academic year of your course.
Extra Financial Support:
You may be entitled to further support:
If you are disabled.
If you are a Parent or Carer.
If you are a veteran.
As noted, please be reminded that all the above information is subject to change. Please refer to the Department for Education website for the latest financial information in relation to Initial Teacher Training.
Apply Now!
Applications for September 2025 will open soon via the Department for Education website.
Questions?
If you require further information regarding our School Centred Initial Teacher Training, you can register for an event with our Director of Teacher Training or book an appointment with one of our team using the buttons below. Alternatively, please refer to some helpful FAQs from our partner, Teach First.