General FAQs
Qualifications
What qualification will I receive at the end of the training programme?
Our initial teacher training courses lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), worth 60 Master’s-level credits. QTS is awarded through Ambition Institute, and the PGCE is awarded by Liverpool Hope University.
Can I take the PGCE without QTS and qualify to teach?
No. The PGCE does not qualify you to teach on its own. You will need to complete the programme and gain QTS to become a qualified teacher. The PGCE is an additional academic qualification focused on the theory of education.
Courses
How long does the training programme last?
One academic year. Courses for the 2027/28 recruitment cycle begin in September 2027 and finish in July 2028.
Is the course full-time or part-time?
North West London offers full-time courses only.
What phases and subjects does North West London offer?
Subject availability depends on the needs of our placement schools. For the 2027/28 recruitment cycle, North West London offers the following courses:
- Art & Design
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- French
- Spanish
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Primary
How is the course structured? What does it look like on a weekly basis?
Trainees spend four days a week in school and one day a week engaging in professional learning with North West London. PGCE trainees also complete additional assessments throughout the year. The PGCE is an academic qualification, but it is not a requirement for becoming a teacher.
Entry requirements
What qualifications do I need to apply?
By the time the course begins, you must have:
- A UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Applicants with international qualifications must provide a UK ENIC statement of comparability.
- GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in English Language and Maths, or equivalent. Certificates for UK and international qualifications will be required.
- For Primary applicants, a GCSE at grade 4/C or above in a Science subject, or equivalent. Certificates for UK and international qualifications will be required.
Applicants who need to take a GCSE equivalency test are advised to contact North West London to check that their chosen provider will be accepted. Applicants are responsible for the test fees, which are approximately £150–£350 depending on the provider.
My qualifications are not from the UK. Can I still apply? Do I need to do anything before applying?
Applicants with international qualifications must apply to UK ENIC for certificates of equivalence for their undergraduate degree and any required GCSE qualifications (Maths, English Language and, for Primary applicants, Science). North West London will check these against the government’s requirements for entry to initial teacher training. You will need to provide your original certificates and are responsible for the UK ENIC fees.
I have not got an undergraduate degree. Can I still apply?
No. All applicants must hold a UK degree or equivalent. If you are currently studying for an undergraduate degree, you must complete it before the initial teacher training programme begins in September 2027.
I do not have GCSEs, but I have Level 2 Functional Skills. Is this the same as a GCSE?
No. Functional Skills do not cover the same breadth of study as a GCSE. Applicants with Functional Skills will need to take an equivalency test.
Do I need to have experience of working in a UK school?
School experience is not a mandatory requirement, but it is desirable, particularly for applicants interested in a salaried route. We recommend gaining as much classroom experience as possible before applying. This can strengthen your application, help prepare you for interview and give you a clearer sense of whether teaching is the right career for you. Find out more at Get school experience – GOV.UK.
I want to train as a secondary teacher, but I do not have a degree in the subject I would like to teach. Is that okay?
If your degree is not closely related to your chosen subject, we will normally require at least a strong A-level, or equivalent, in that subject. We will also consider other evidence that demonstrates your potential to become an excellent teacher in your chosen subject.
What is an SKE?
SKE stands for Subject Knowledge Enhancement. It is specialist training that some Secondary applicants may complete before joining the programme to strengthen their subject knowledge. We will discuss whether an SKE is needed and its duration based on your individual circumstances. Where your degree is not closely related to your chosen subject, we will normally require a 12-week SKE.
- 8-week SKE (Accelerated GCSE) = 200 hours
- 12-week SKE (Enhanced GCSE) = 300 hours
- 16-week SKE (Accelerated A Level) = 400 hours
- 20-week SKE (Enhanced A Level) = 500 hours
- 24-week SKE (Accelerated GCSE & A Level) = 600 hours
- 28-week SKE (Enhanced GCSE & A Level) = 700 hours
Further information is available on the GOV.UK website. We will discuss SKE requirements at interview and take individual circumstances into account. Any agreed SKE must be completed after accepting an offer and before the programme starts in September 2027.
I already work in a school as a Teaching Assistant, and my school will sponsor me by paying my salary and fees. Can I train with you?
Yes. When you apply, please also email itt@northwestlondontsh.org.uk to explain your circumstances. We will link this information to your application.
I do not have GCSE grade 4 or above in one of the required subjects. Can I qualify through an equivalency test instead?
Yes. If you have already taken an equivalency test and have a certificate, we can accept it if it can be verified. If you need to take a test, we recommend these providers:
You may choose another provider, but your certificate will need to be verified in the same way. Equivalency tests are at the candidate’s own cost. You must obtain results equivalent to grade 4 or above in the required subject by 31 August 2027 to join the programme.
For support and advice, contact Ambition Institute.
Applications
How do I apply to North West London?
Applications for our initial teacher training courses must be submitted through Apply for teacher training – GOV.UK. Applications cannot be made by sending a CV and letter directly to a school or to North West London.
I live outside the UK. Can I still apply?
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to train with North West London. Some schools may be willing to sponsor applicants interested in a salaried route in Physics. Please email itt@northwestlondontsh.org.uk to enquire before applying.
I am having issues submitting my initial teacher training application through GOV.UK (DfE Apply). What can I do?
Unfortunately, we are unable to help with technical issues with DfE Apply. Please contact the service directly on 0800 389 2500.
I have submitted my application, but I have not heard back from you. What should I do?
After applying, you will receive a welcome email from GOV.UK within 48 hours. We aim to respond to applicants within 25 working days of receiving their application. If we invite you to interview, it will usually take place within this period.
Placements
Which school will I be placed in?
North West London will coordinate school placements and match each applicant to a placement school. Shortlisted applicants will be asked whether they have a preferred school.
How long will I be at my placement school?
You will be based at your placement school for most of the academic year, apart from specialist placement days and a second school placement. Specialist placement days take place during the autumn and spring terms and may include visits to alternative settings, such as a pupil referral unit (PRU), a special school, a forest school or an early years foundation stage (EYFS) classroom. The second school placement takes place in the spring or summer term and lasts up to 10 days.
Fees and payments
How much does it cost to train with North West London?
Course fees for the 2027/28 recruitment cycle will be confirmed by North West London. Please contact itt@northwestlondontsh.org.uk for the latest information.
Will I get paid to train?
There are two routes into teaching:
- Salaried route: Trainees receive a salary based on the unqualified teacher pay scale and teach in the classroom from the start of the programme. Schools usually offer this route when they have a specific subject need and vacancy.
- Unsalaried route: Trainees do not receive a salary. Training is gradual and supported, with teaching responsibilities building over the year.
If you have questions about pursuing a career in teaching or would like to know more about our programme, email itt@northwestlondontsh.org.uk or call North West London on 020 8385 4802.
