Your Application
We know that applying for Initial Teacher Training is a big deal. Here’s everything you need to know to help with your application.

Applications for September 2026 are now open!
Eligibility criteria

National criteria
To join any Initial Teacher Training Programme in the UK, candidates must satisfy the below criteria as set out by the Department for Education (DfE). You must:

Lift Schools Teacher Training Criteria
All teacher training programmes vary, as do their requirements and assessment of suitable candidates. We want to ensure that our pupils are taught by the by the best and brightest teachers possible to give them an outstanding education and start in life. With that in mind, we look for these qualifications and characteristics in potential candidates:


Your application and the use of AI

Be original. Be you.

Classrooms move fast and so will you. As a trainee teacher, you'll need to think on your feet, adapt quickly and communicate clearly with students, families and colleagues.

We’re excited about the potential of AI and how it’s shaping the future of education. It’s fine to use AI tools to help shape your application, but your personal voice matters most.

Your statement should reflect who you are: your experiences and personal motivations. We read thousands of applications each year, and we can always spot when something’s been copied and pasted.

Use AI to support your thinking, not replace it. We want to hear from you.

Apply now