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 your application form. After you click 'Apply online now' on the job description, it'll direct you to the Department for Education website. Simply select ‘Ark Teacher Training (1CS)’ as the provider, and the relevant course code that denotes your subject and funding route of interest. 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 our Application+ form

Once you have submitted your Department for Education application, you’ll be asked to complete our Application+ form, which will be emailed to you directly. 

Once we receive your application, 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.

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:

• Commitment to train.
• Strong communication skills.
• Work readiness.
• 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 over 80 partner schools located across Birmingham, Hastings, London, Portsmouth and Southampton, 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.

Our Stance on using AI to Apply

If we don’t feel there is sufficient original thought in your statement, we will likely down-mark you for communication, so please think carefully about how you want to come across to our recruiters.

However, DO use an AI tool to…

• …better organise and clarify your thoughts for a statement or interview.
  • Example:
    • Your draft: “I have had a positive impact on young people in my current role”.
    • AI prompt: “Help me to think of how to quantify the impact I have had.”
• …research public information on Ark Teacher Training.
  • AI prompt: “What are the core qualities that Ark Teacher Training values in its trainees, based on the public information about the Ark network?”
• …support you with adjustments for additional needs; ask our recruiters if you feel this would help.