Non-academic requirements
As teaching involves working with children on a daily basis, there are some non-academic requirements you'll need to meet to make sure teaching’s the right job for you.
1. School experience
If you can spend some time observing and helping out with lessons in a local school before you apply, it will help to strengthen your application. You can use the experience in your personal statement, showing what you’ve gained from it and how it’s increased your motivation to be a teacher. There are several ways you can get school experience:
2. Medical fitness
When you accept a place on a training programme, your training provider may send you a health questionnaire to find out about your medical fitness.
- Some applicants may be asked to have a medical examination.
- If you have a disability, it’s helpful if you give us full details on your application, so training providers can try to make any adjustments you may need.
3. Declaration of criminal convictions
If you have a criminal record, it won’t necessarily prevent you becoming a teacher. You’ll need to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, or bind-overs that are not filtered, and you’ll need to agree to an enhanced criminal record check. We also advise you to discuss your circumstances with training providers before you apply.
4. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
This is the Government scheme that replaced the Criminal Records Bureau. This enables training providers to identify people who are barred from working with children and vulnerable adults. Check with the DBS to see what you need to do to comply with these arrangements.
Overseas graduates
If you're a graduate from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you may need to apply for a visa before starting your teacher training programme. For more information,
visit Get Into Teaching.