The Application Process

There are four simple steps to apply, ensuring a smooth and supportive process every step of the way.

Step 1 - Submit Your Online Application

The first step is to complete our online application, where we’ll assess your eligibility for the programme. This includes reviewing your qualifications and making sure you meet the legal requirements for teaching in the UK.

To be eligible for Ark Teacher Training, you must:

• Hold an undergraduate degree (2:2 or higher).
• Have a GCSE grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths. If you’re applying to teach primary, you’ll also need a GCSE in Science.
• Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the programme.
• Not already hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Previous experience working with young people is not required but is highly valued and can strengthen your application.

Step 2 - Complete the Situational Judgment Assessment

Once we’ve reviewed your application and confirmed that you’re eligible, we want to get to know you better. You’ll be asked to complete a short online task called a Situational Judgment Assessment (SJA).

This assessment includes 20 multiple-choice questions based on real-life situations you might encounter during teacher training. It’s designed to help us understand your approach to the challenges and opportunities you’ll face in the classroom.

If you show great potential but don’t quite meet all the initial criteria, we may invite you to answer additional video questions so that we can better assess your application.

Step 3 - Attend the Virtual Competency-Based Interview

The first round assessment is a virtual interview where we’ll evaluate your communication skills and your alignment with the core competencies we seek in trainee teachers.

In this competency-based interview, we’ll look for the five key traits that are crucial for success in teaching:

• Alignment with Ark’s ethos and values.
• Strong communication skills.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn.
• Self-awareness.
• Resilience.

This interview also allows us to match you with one of our partner schools based on your preferences and location.

Step 4 - Take Part in the School-Based Assessment

Following the virtual interview, the next step is a school-based assessment at one of our 39 partner schools located across Birmingham, Hastings, London, Portsmouth, Pontefract (Wakefield), Milton Keynes, and Tunbridge Wells (Kent).

During this in-person assessment, you’ll:

• Tour the school and meet key members of staff.
• Participate in a short task with students, allowing you to demonstrate your interaction with young people.
• Have an interview with senior leaders, giving you a chance to discuss your goals and aspirations as a teacher.

This process is designed not just to assess you, but also to give you a feel for the school environment, the staff you’ll work with, and the students you’ll teach. It ensures a good fit between you and the school, making your training experience more successful and enjoyable.