How to apply

Before applying to Ark Teacher Training, there are a few things you’ll want to check and tick off beforehand to ensure the application process is as smooth as possible.

Check Your Eligibility

Although previous experience working with young people or in a school is not a requirement to be eligible for the programme, it can strengthen your application.

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:

• Have a minimum grade C/4 in Maths and English GCSE or equivalent (and a Science subject if you are applying to teach Primary). If you hold high school grades from a country outside of the UK, please ensure your grades in maths, English (and science if teaching primary) meet our overseas eligibility criteria before applying.
• Hold (or will hold by the time you join us) an Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
• Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the programme.
• Not currently hold Qualified Teacher Status. 

Considerations for Non-UK Qualifications

To join any Initial Teacher Training programme in the UK, you must meet certain academic criteria set by the UK government. If you obtained your high school or degree results outside of the UK, you will need to provide us with the following:

• Evidence of your right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme.
• Please note: we are unfortunately unable to sponsor candidates.
• Confirmation from ENIC that your degree is equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree with Honours.
• Confirmation from ENIC that your school qualifications include grades equivalent to a C in GCSE Maths and English Language.
• You will also need grades equivalent to a C in a Science subject if you would like to teach Primary.
• Please be aware that we’re unfortunately unable to accept school qualifications that are equivalent to English as a second language at GCSE level.

What is ENIC?

The UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills for the United Kingdom (UK ENIC) is the UK’s agency for recognising international qualifications and skills. To prove that your qualifications meet the UK Initial Teacher Training academic criteria, you will need to get a UK ENIC ‘Statement of Comparability’.

To obtain a Statement of Comparability, please click here and follow the instructions.

Candidates who do not currently hold a minimum of grade C or 4 at GCSE level can complete a GCSE equivalency test through www.astarequivalency.co.uk or www.equivalencytesting.com. We can accept a pass in these tests as meeting the GCSE requirement.

You can demonstrate the six key competencies we look for in a great teacher trainee:

• Alignment with our ethos and values
• Passion for their subject or field
• Excellent communication
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn
• Self-awareness
• Resilience.

Confirm Your Subject Interests

Developed knowledge of and passion for your subject is fundamental as a teacher.

Your natural enthusiasm will shine in the classroom and instil excitement in your pupils for the subject too.

However, higher education and academic study can cover a broad range of subjects under one umbrella, meaning some applicants could be qualified to teach one of many subjects.

For example, having a degree in Engineering could mean you’re qualified to teach:

• Physics
• Computer Science
• Maths
• Primary

Having a flexible approach to the subjects you’re open to teaching will also improve your chances of gaining a place on the programme.

What’s more, you don’t need to have studied a subject you’re passionate about at degree level.

If you studied it at A-level or have a related degree or substantial experience in this field/subject, we welcome your application.

Find the Perfect Location and School for You

Ark Schools can be located in four areas across England:

• Birmingham
• Hastings
• London
• Portsmouth

To complete the application’s initial stage, you’ll need to tell us roughly the area you’re interested in training in.

During your interview, you’ll also be able to select specific schools in these areas if you think they’d be a great fit.

If you aren’t sure which school is best for you, the recruitment team will discuss this with you in your interview and will be able to guide you to find the best fit.