First Steps
Do your research. This is a big step and you need to be sure you are taking the best route for you.
Visit the website of the National College for Teaching and Leadership https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-college-for-teaching-and-leadership
You can register to receive personalised support to help you through the application process.
Check that you have the necessary qualifications (Honours degree 2.2 or above, GCSE Maths and English at least grade C). If your qualifications are not from the UK you will need to contact NARIC www.naric.org.uk to get advice about whether your qualifications meet the requirements in the UK.
Organise your visits to schools. Get into as many different types of schools as you can. You need at least 5 days but 10 are preferable. Some applicants work in schools as Teaching Assistants or Cover Supervisors to gain experience.
If you are applying for Maths, Physics, Chemistry, MFL or Technology you could contact the School Experience Programme to organise your school visits. http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/school-experience/sep
They will organise visits on your behalf. Schools are very busy places and it is sometimes difficult to get observation time organised unless you have a contact. The experience does not need to be at one of our partnership schools and you can divide your days between different schools. This can be a positive thing as all schools are different and you will broaden your knowledge of schools in this way
Book your Professional Skills Tests as soon as you can. These have to be passed in Numeracy and Literacy before you can commence training. They are computerised tests and therefore you have to visit a test centre. The first attempt is free of charge in each skill area. If you don’t pass in 3 attempts you will have to wait 24 months before you can resit. There are practice materials on the website. Make sure you prepare yourself. Lots of people get caught out! In order to register for the tests you will need proof that you have applied for teacher training. The nearest test centres are in Slough or Harrow. Tests are booked through Learn Direct. Their help line is 0300 303 9613