How to apply

Applications for the academic year 2025-2026 are now open

Applications for all Astra PGCE/ QTS courses are made through Apply, with the exception of the Assessment Only (AO) route, which is available only to those already working as an unqualified teacher.

You can decide whether you apply to our Amersham or Aylesbury recruitment hubs. We recommend selecting the one nearest your home address. The application and selection process is identical.

Whether you are still studying at university and finishing your degree or switching career, early application is always strongly advised and gives you a greater chance of acceptance on to the course, with more of our partner schools able to host trainees.

From application to acceptance on to the course can take up to eight weeks, and there are significant administrative tasks to be completed once you have been accepted so save yourself stress and apply early!

Applications usually close by late June or early July, though courses will be removed from Apply before this time if all places have been filled or we are no longer able to offer a placement in a local partner school.

Check your qualifications

We are looking for well qualified applicants. There are also statutory requirements about qualifications that are required. Further details of our entry criteria are here.

Have up to date knowledge

While each year thousands of recent graduates train to teach nationally, it is also the case that career switchers - graduates who have had a career elsehwere - increasingly enter teaching.

Make sure you have an up to date understanding of your particular phase in education.

Primary trainees are advised to read up on the National Curriculum.

We advise secondary trainees to be familiar with the National Curriculum for their subject in Key Stages 3 and 4, and also to look at GCSE and A level specifications for their subject. (Note there is no National Curriculum for Business Studies and Economics. Dance is covered in the PE National Curriculum and Drama is part of the English National Curriculum.)

Many applicants find it helpful to visit a local school for a few days before applying. You'll learn much! Contact a local school or Astra if we can help in this way. This is not a requirement, but it can be a very helpful experience.

Career switchers will also find Now Teach a helpful source of advice and support at all stages of the process of training to teach, from application through to employment.

Start your application

Your application must be submitted via Apply, the Department for Education portal for applications to teacher training.

You will need to register and set up an account.

The good news is you can save your application as you go along, so no need to worry about completing it all in one go!

Make a strong application

Spend time on your application and get it right.

Entering teaching as a profession requires a carefully completed application, which is well written and gives a full, true picture of yourself.

Your application has more chances of success if you:

Give full details of all qualifications, work experience and previous employment, including accurate and full dates - there should be no gaps in your work history. Any breaks (e.g. unemployment, travelling abroad) should be specified.
Write your personal statement carefully (above all, make it yours - don't use AI which creates generic statements that say little about your experiences)
Check your whole application form for obvious errors

We cannot stress too highly the importance of a factually accurate, complete and truthful application. You will be required to provide certificates for all qualifications and references will be checked.