Below is a snapshot of the questions we ask (or intended to ask) candidates for the initial launch of the pilot. From the service manual page about structuring forms:
Only add a question if you know:
- that you need the information to deliver the service
- why you need the information
- what you’ll do with it
- which users need to give you the information
- how you’ll check the information is accurate
- how to keep the information up to date and secure
This list is called a ‘question protocol’ - it’s different from the form itself because it’s about how you’ll use the answers.
✘ = removed from MVP
Contents
- Eligibility for pilot
- Course choices (maximum of three)
- Personal details
- Contact details
- Work history
- Volunteering with children and young people
- Training with a disability
- Degrees
- Maths GCSE or equivalent
- English GCSE or equivalent
- Science GCSE or equivalent
- Other relevant qualification(s)
- Personal statement
- Interview preferences
- Referees (two required)
- Submit
- Equality monitoring
Eligibility for pilot
Candidate has UK, EU or EEA citizenship
- Question on form
- Are you a citizen of the UK, EU or EEA?
- Required?
- Yes (prior to accessing the service)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service only accepts candidates that are citizens of the UK and EEA. Apart from reducing the scope, there was a concern that SCITT’s are not well equipped to make decisions about international candidates
- What do we do with it?
-
- Candidate’s not meeting this requirement are asked to apply via UCAS
- Notes
- Question to be removed once the pilot has been expanded to allow candidates with complex residency statuses
Candidate has qualifications required for ITT awarded by UK institutions
- Question on form
- Did you gain all your qualifications at institutions based in the UK?
- Required?
- Yes (prior to accessing the service)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service only accepts candidates with the qualifications needed for eligibility for ITT that have been awarded by UK institutions. Apart from reducing scope, there was a concern that SCITT’s are not well equipped to make decisions about international qualifications
- What do we do with it?
-
- Candidate’s not meeting this requirement are asked to apply via UCAS
- Notes
- Question to be removed once the pilot has been expanded to allow candidates with international qualifications
Course choices (maximum of three)
Candidates can update course choices before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application. They can withdraw from a given choice at any time after that.
Candidate knows which provider and course they want to apply to
- Question on form
- Have you chosen a course to apply to?
- Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this to direct candidates to the Find postgraduate teacher training service to find a course to apply to if they haven’t done so yet
- What do we do with it?
-
- Answer not submitted as part of application
Training provider
- Question on form
- Which training provider are you applying to?
- Parameter in API
-
course.provider_code
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this to know which provider to send the completed application
- HESA requires this to identify source of student record
- DfE uses this for reporting
- What do we do with it?
-
- Retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Candidates can only choose from a pre-populated list of providers which is driven by data from the Find service. Provider names are occasionally updated via Publish, they must update here too
Course
- Question on form
- Which course are you applying to?
- Parameter in API
-
course.course_code
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider uses this to know which course is being applied to, and to determine funding
- HESA requires this to “identify the subject of the ITT course”
- DfE uses this for reporting
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Candidates can only choose from a pre-populated list of courses which is driven by data from the Find service
Training location
- Question on form
- Which location are you applying to?
- Parameter in API
-
course.site_code
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate uses this to indicate their preferred training location
- Provider may use the course and location code to generate a unique identifier (which then triggers a different workflow within a student record system)
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Candidates can only choose from a pre-populated list of training locations which is driven by data from the Find service. Only training locations that have vacancies will be shown.
Personal details
Candidates can update these answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
Given (first) name
- Question on form
- First name
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.first_name
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider uses this to verify a candidate’s identity. If offered a place, it’s used when making a DBS check
- ProviderDfE use a combination of this and other values to identify individual candidates and for record matching
- HESA requires this to facilitate “checking data with providers and for Statutory Customers to link student records collected by HESA for statistical purposes”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers ask for proof of identification
- Notes
- Ideally this field would be combined with family name into a single field. It’s recorded separately to support legacy student record systems.
Family (last) name
- Question on form
- Last name
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.last_name
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider uses this to verify a candidate’s identity. If offered a place, it is then used when making a DBS check
- ProviderDfE use a combination of this and other values to identify individual candidates and for record matching
- HESA requires this to facilitate “checking data with providers and for Statutory Customers to link student records collected by HESA for statistical purposes.”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers ask for proof of identification
- Notes
-
- Ideally this field would be combined with family name into a single field. It’s recorded separately to support legacy student record systems.
- HESA also ask for ‘Immediately prior surname’ to “allow matching of records where a student has changed surname” but we don’t capture this information.
- Should we allow changes post-submission?
Date of birth
- Question on form
- Date of birth
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.date_of_birth
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider use this when performing a DBS check
- HESA needs this to be in the format YYYY-MM-DD in order to link to other records, and across higher education (wider than just ITT)
- DfE uses this for record matching and statistical analysis, for example looking at application rates of over 35 year olds (something the minister has historically been interested in)
- What do we do with it?
-
- Retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers ask for proof of identification
- Notes
- We need to collect year, but do we need to show it to providers? And if so, at what point? (We currenty don’t show date of birth in the provider interface).
Nationality
- Question on form
- Nationality
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.nationality[]
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider may use this to assess if a candidate is eligibile for student finance
- HESA requires this “to respond to Parliamentary Questions, Written Questions, FOI requests on complex citizenship/nationality issues. To be able to perform analysis on trainee demographics at the start of an academic year.”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers ask for proof of identification
- Notes
-
- Candidates may have multiple nationalities (2 or more). We currently account for this in a subsequent question
- A candidate may have no nationality (stateless, refugee). We don’t currently account for this.
- A candidate may also have an unknown nationality.
Second nationality
- Question on form
- Add another nationality → Second nationality
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.nationality[]
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- Notes
- We don’t need to ask for additional nationalities; dual nationals can enter their British or EEA-derived nationality. We currently offer no guidance around this.
✘ Residency status
- Question on form
- What is your residence status?
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.uk_residency_status
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if country of nationality is not within the UK or EEA)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider may use this field to assess if a candidate is eligibile for student finance
- HESA requires domicile to “distinguish between home and overseas students and to disaggregate students by origin. To obtain the numbers of students domiciled in particular EC countries and elsewhere abroad, and hence calculate participation rates. To forecast the demand for student allowances and grants. To record cross-border flows.”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers ask for documentation
- Notes
- In addition to status, do we also need to ask for the date they entered the country? This might be relevant if an applicant has a Tier 5 Visa (from Australia or New Zealand, where people can work for up to 2 years in the UK). Date they entered the country can also impact funding.
Main language spoken
- Question on form
- Is English your main language?
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.english_main_language
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Unknown Further research required
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- Notes
- Does having an English language GCSE (or equivalent) mean we need to ask this question? Does an English GCSE indicate fluency?
English language skills/qualifications
- Question on form
- Please tell us about your English language qualifications (including grades or scores)
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.english_language_qualifications
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if candidate’s main language is not English)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Unknown Further research required
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- Notes
- Does having an English language GCSE (or equivalent) mean we need to ask this question? Does an English GCSE indicate fluency?
Other languages spoken
- Question on form
- If you are bilingual or very familiar with languages other than English, you can tell us about them here
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.other_languages
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate may want to demonstrate language skills, especially if looking to teach a modern language subject or teach in school with children whose main language isn’t English
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Assessed at interview
- Notes
- SCITTs/SDs we’ve recently spoken to haven’t expressed a need for this, but it’s something candidates sometimes like to mention
Contact details
A candidate can update these details at any point during the application process.
Email address
- Question on form
- Enter your email address
- Parameter in API
-
contact_details.email
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service requires this to send candidates a ‘magic link’ to sign back in, and to send updates about their application
- Provider requires this to contact candidates to arrange interviews and send communications relevant to their application
- HESA requires this as the “DfE requires this to communicate with newly qualified teachers”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Address format is validated
- Service requires a verified email address to sign in
Phone number
- Question on form
- Phone number
- Parameter in API
-
contact_details.phone_number
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service may use this to contact a candidate for user research
- Provider may use this to contact a candidate
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- We validate the number format
- Notes
-
- Do providers actually need a phone number? Some candidates might not want to be contacted this way.
- Number validation could be improved; we currently allow international numbers without their country code.
Address
- Question on form
- What is your address?
- Parameter in API
-
contact_details.address_line1
(API docs)
contact_details.address_line2
contact_details.address_line3
contact_details.address_line4
contact_details.postcode
contact_details.country - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider may use this to write to candidates
- Provider may use this to advise candidates on travel and suitability of different campuses
- Provider may use this to determine the seriousness of an application (given the candidate’s proximity to the training location) and to advise candidates on travel and suitability of different campuses
- DfE uses this for demographic reporting
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- We validate the postcode format
- In the future we can use a postcode look-up database to fill in UK addresses
- Notes
-
- Do providers actually need an address (and might some candidates not want to be contacted this way)?
- A DBS check requires a five year address history, which we don’t currently ask for
Work history
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
Candidate has 5-year employment history
- Question on form
- How long have you been working?
- Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service needs to offer guidance about completing this section and enable branching; if no employment history we need to capture that reason rather than ask for details of employment
- What do we do with it?
-
- Answer not submitted as part of application
Reason for being out of work
- Question on form
- Tell us why you’ve been out of the workplace
- Parameter in API
-
—
- Required?
- Yes (if candidate has no employment history)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider wants to see 5 years of work history as part of their safeguarding responsibilities
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface
- How do we check accuracy?
- May be assessed at interview
- Notes
- There is currently no field in the API to capture this information
Job - Title
- Question on form
- Job title
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.jobs[].role
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this label to distinguish between different jobs when reviewing answers
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- We don’t directly, but a reference from an employer may collaborate some of this information
Job - Employer
- Question on form
- Name of employer
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.jobs[].organisation_name
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this label to distinguish between different jobs when reviewing answers
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- We don’t directly, but a reference from an employer may collaborate some of this information
- Notes
- The guidance around this question doesn’t account for being self-employed.
Job - Time commitment
- Question on form
- Was this job full time or part time?
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.jobs[].commitment
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- We don’t directly, but a reference from an employer may collaborate some of this information
- Notes
- Feedback from HEIs has suggested hours per week is more useful (this is what UCAS asks). We might extend to include details of working pattern for part time jobs.
Job - Period of employment
- Question on form
-
Start date
End date - Parameter in API
-
work_experience.jobs[].start_date
(API docs)
work_experience.jobs[].end_date - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this to calculate any gaps in work history
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- We don’t directly, but a reference from an employer may collaborate some of this information
Job - Skills and experience
- Question on form
- Skills and experience relevant to teaching you gained in this role
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.jobs[].description
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate may use this to demonstrate subject knowledge gained in the workplace
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- We don’t directly, but a reference from an employer may collaborate some of this information
Job - Role involved working with children
- Question on form
- Did this job involve working in a school or with children?
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.jobs[].start_date
(API docs)
work_experience.jobs[].end_date - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate may use this to indicate experience working with children
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s suitability
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- We don’t directly, but a reference from an employer may collaborate some of this information
Break - Duration
- Question on form
-
Start date
End date - Parameter in API
-
work_experience.work_history_break_explanation
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if any gaps appear in work history)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this to calculate any gaps in work history
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background, and answer questions about any gaps in work history
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- We don’t directly, but a reference from an employer may collaborate some of this information
- Notes
- For v1 of the API, any information about breaks will be appended to the above named parameter. When we start collecting date information around breaks, we’ll include those in the text field too.
Break - Reason for work break
- Question on form
- Enter reasons for break in work history
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.work_history_break_explanation
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if any gaps appear in work history)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background, and answer questions about gaps in employment history
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Assessed at interview
- Notes
- For v1 of the API, any information about breaks will be appended to the above named parameter. When we start collecting date information around breaks, we’ll include those in the text field too.
Volunteering with children and young people
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
Candidate has school experience
- Question on form
- Do you have experience volunteering with young people or in school?
- Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service needs to offer guidance about completing this section and enable branching; if no experience of volunteering with young people or in school, we direct candidates to the Get school experience service
- What do we do with it?
-
- Answer not submitted as part of application
Role - Title
- Question on form
- Your role
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.volunteering[].role
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this label to distinguish between different roles
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s experience
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Reference from an employer may collaborate some degree of information
Role - Organisation
- Question on form
- Organisation where you gained experience or volunteered
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.volunteering[].organisation_name
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this label to distinguish between different roles
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Reference may collaborate some of this information
Role - Dates of volunteering
- Question on form
-
Start date
End date - Parameter in API
-
work_experience.volunteering[].start_date
(API docs)
work_experience.volunteering[].end_date - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Reference may collaborate some of this information
- Notes
- We currently only ask for month and year; should we also be asking for day, given periods can be quite short?
Role - Time commitment and responsibilities
- Question on form
- Enter details of your time commitment and responsibilities
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.volunteering[].description
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate can use this to demonstrate what they learnt during their unpaid experience
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s background
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Reference may collaborate some of this information
Role - Role involved working with children
- Question on form
- Did this job involve working in a school or with children?
- Parameter in API
-
work_experience.volunteering[].working_with_children
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate may use this to indicate experience working with children
- Provider uses this to build a picture of a candidate’s suitability
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Reference may collaborate some of this information
- Notes
- We’ve allowed people to include volunteering roles that don’t involve kids – this needs to be clearer.
Training with a disability
This question in the form, as described below, was removed from the initial pilot for launch. It will return once additional research in this area has been completed.
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
✘ Candidate wants to disclose a disability
- Question on form
- Do you want to disclose a disability?
- Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses the answer to show/hide textarea
- What do we do with it?
-
- Yes/no answer appears in provider-facing interface
✘ Disability disclosure
- Question on form
- Tell us about your disability
- Parameter in API
-
candidate.disability_disclosure
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider may use this to support the candidate at interview (and training if accepted onto course)
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Provides will probably speak to candidate to discuss their individual needs prior to interview
- Notes
- Does a provider or someone else look at this and make any reasonable adjustments? Is there a process to work out what adjustments can be made or not? Research currently being undertaken.
- Related design history
-
-
Giving details about disability
Training with a disability and reasonable adjustments course choices.
-
Giving details about disability (iteration)
An iteration of the disability section.
-
Degrees
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
This question is required to assess entry criteria:
All accredited ITT providers must ensure that, in the case of graduate programmes of ITT, all entrants hold a first degree of a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification.
Qualification - type
- Question on form
- Type of degree
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.degrees[].qualification_type
(API docs) - Required?
-
First degree: Yes
Additional degree(s): No - Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to ensure candidate holds a first degree of a UK higher education institution or equivalent qualification
- Provider wants to see that candidate can demonstrate subject and curriculum knowledge at a sufficient level
- HESA requires this to enable “to create the student’s DfE record”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
Qualification - subject
- Question on form
- Subject of degree
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.degrees[].subject
(API docs) - Required?
-
First degree: Yes
Additional degree(s): No - Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider wants to see that a candidate can demonstrate subject and curriculum knowledge
- HESA requires this to “provide data on the qualifications of teachers.”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
Qualification - grade
- Question on form
- Enter your degree grade
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.degrees[].grade
(API docs) - Required?
-
First degree: Yes
Additional degree(s): No - Why do we ask for this?
-
- HESA requires this to “provide data on the qualifications of teachers.”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
- Not all postgraduate degrees have grades, for example a PhD
Qualification - year
- Question on form
- What year did you graduate?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.degrees[].award_year
(API docs) - Required?
-
First degree: Yes
Additional degree(s): No - Why do we ask for this?
-
- HESA requires this to “create the student’s DfE record.”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
Qualification - institution
- Question on form
- Institution where you studied
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.degrees[].institution_details
(API docs) - Required?
-
First degree: Yes
Additional degree(s): No - Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider may be interested in calibre of the institution studied at
- HESA requires this to “create the student’s DfE record.”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
-
- This may be a want, more than a need.
- However, a dance provider mentioned they’d use this information to make sure they didn’t send a trainee teacher to one of the schools they had previously trained at.
- Not currently shown to providers.
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) country
- Question on form
- Country (if outside UK)
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.degrees[].awarding_body
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if degree not awarded in UK)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider uses this to perform a NARIC check (they need confirmation from a the institution that they’ve actually obtained the degree they say they have)
- HESA requires this to “create the student’s DfE record.”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) equivalency
- Question on form
- Do you know what UK degree your degree is equivalent to?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.degrees[].equivalency_details
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if degree not awarded in UK)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to a UK degree
- Candidate needs to provide evidence that their international qualification demonstrates a similar level and breadth as the equivalent UK qualification
- Candidate may already have a statement of comparability from NARIC
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
- Candidates can request a statement of comparability from NARIC, or speak to a TTA who can certify equivalence
Maths GCSE or equivalent
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
This question is required to assess entry criteria:
All accredited ITT providers must ensure that all entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (see note 2) in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics.
Qualification - type
- Question on form
- Type of qualification
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].qualification_type
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to ensure candidates for primary and secondary courses have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in GCSE Maths
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
Qualification - grade
- Question on form
- What grade is your maths qualification?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].grade
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to ensure candidates have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in GCSE Maths
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
Qualification - year
- Question on form
- When was your maths qualification awarded?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].award_year
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service may use this to validate qualification with LRS
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) awarding body
- Question on form
- What was the awarding organisation?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].awarding_body
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) country
- Question on form
- In which country did you gain this qualification?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].awarding_body
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
- If we are able to use structured data, do we then need to capture information about the country of the awarding body?
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) equivalency
- Question on form
- Do you know what UK qualification your maths qualification is equivalent to?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].equivalency_details
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate needs to provide evidence that their international qualification demonstrates a similar level and breadth as the equivalent UK qualification
- Candidate may already have a statement of comparability from NARIC
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
- Candidates can request a statement of comparability from NARIC, or speak to a TTA who can certify equivalence
English GCSE or equivalent
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
This question is required to assess entry criteria:
All accredited ITT providers must ensure that all entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (see note 2) in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics.
Providers should look for further evidence of a breadth of achievement in English where applicants have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above in English literature only
. We don’t currently make this distinction in the service.
Qualification - type
- Question on form
- Type of qualification
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].qualification_type
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to ensure candidates have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in GCSE English
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
Qualification - grade
- Question on form
- What grade is your English qualification?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].grade
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to ensure candidates have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in GCSE English
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
Qualification - year
- Question on form
- When was your English qualification awarded?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].award_year
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service may use this to validate qualification with LRS
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) awarding body
- Question on form
- What was the awarding organisation?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].awarding_body
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) country
- Question on form
- In which country did you gain this qualification?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].awarding_body
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
- If we are able to use structured data, do we then need to capture information about the country of the awarding body?
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) equivalency
- Question on form
- Do you know what UK qualification your English qualification is equivalent to?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].equivalency_details
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate needs to provide evidence that their international qualification demonstrates a similar level and breadth as the equivalent UK qualification
- Candidate may already have a statement of comparability from NARIC
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
- Candidates can request a statement of comparability from NARIC, or speak to a TTA who can certify equivalence
Science GCSE or equivalent
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
This question is required to assess entry criteria:
All accredited ITT providers must ensure that all entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (see note 2) in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics and that all who intend to train to teach pupils aged 3-11 additionally have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in the GCSE examination in a science subject.
This means this question is only required for candidates applying to a Primary course.
Qualification - type
- Question on form
- Type of qualification
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].qualification_type
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if applying for a Primary course)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to ensure candidates have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in a GCSE science subject
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
Qualification - grade
- Question on form
- What grade is your English qualification?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].grade
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if applying for a Primary course)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to ensure candidates have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in a GCSE science subject
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
- Notes
- Do candidates need to specify which subjects they obtained each grade in? (double or triple award science, for example)? Some HEI providers have asked to have information not only about the overall grade, but in which science subjects, too
Qualification - year
- Question on form
- When was your English qualification awarded?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].award_year
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if applying for a Primary course)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service may use this to validate qualification with LRS
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) awarding body
- Question on form
- What was the awarding organisation?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].awarding_body
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if applying for a Primary course with non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) country
- Question on form
- In which country did you gain this qualification?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].awarding_body
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if applying for a Primary course with non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
- If we are able to use structured data, do we then need to capture information about the country of the awarding body?
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) equivalency
- Question on form
- Do you know what UK qualification your English qualification is equivalent to?
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.gcses[].equivalency_details
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes (if applying for a Primary course with non-UK qualification)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate needs to provide evidence that their international qualification demonstrates a similar level and breadth as the equivalent UK qualification
- Candidate may already have a statement of comparability from NARIC
- Provider needs to look for evidence that a qualification is of a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4, not only in terms of its level, but also in terms of its breadth. Details of qualification can help determine if equivalent to GCSE
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Providers will ask to see hard copies for any qualifications awarded
- Notes
- Candidates can request a statement of comparability from NARIC, or speak to a TTA who can certify equivalence
Other relevant qualification(s)
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
Qualification - type
- Question on form
- Type of qualification
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.other_qualifications[].qualification_type
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider wants to see that a candidate can demonstrate subject and curriculum knowledge at a sufficient level
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service.
Qualification - subject
- Question on form
- Subject
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.other_qualifications[].subject
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider wants to see that a candidate can demonstrate subject and curriculum knowledge
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service.
Qualification - grade
- Question on form
- Grade
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.other_qualifications[].grade
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider want to see that a candidate can demonstrate subject and curriculum knowledge at a sufficient level
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service.
Qualification - year
- Question on form
- Year qualification was awarded
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.other_qualifications[].award_year
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Unknown
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service.
Qualification - institution
- Question on form
- Institution where you studied
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.other_qualifications[].institution_details
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider may be interested in calibre of the institution studied at
- What do we do with it?
-
- Retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- In the future we can check any post-14 qualifications (awarded after 2006 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) against the Learning Records Service.
- Notes
-
- This may be a want, more than a need.
- Not currently shown to providers
✘ Qualification - (non-UK) country
- Question on form
- Country (if outside UK)
- Parameter in API
-
qualifications.other_qualifications[].institution_details
(API docs) - Required?
- No (removed from MVP)
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider may be interested in calibre of the institution studied at
- What do we do with it?
-
- Retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- N/A
- Notes
- If we are able to use structured data, do we then need to capture information about the country of the awarding body?
Personal statement
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
Vocation
- Question on form
- Why do you want to be a teacher?
- Parameter in API
-
personal_statement
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate needs to demonstrate the distinct qualities that will make them an amazing teacher
- Provider needs to assess a candidate’s suitability, commitment and motivation for teaching
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- In the future we may be able to check for plagiarism, fraud and similarity (UCAS do this currently)
Subject knowledge
- Question on form
- Enter your subject knowledge
- Parameter in API
-
personal_statement
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate applying to a primary course needs an opportunity to showcase their broader subject knowledge
- Provider needs to assess a candidate’s suitability for the training in a particular subject. This is critical if a candidate is applying to teach a subject different to their degree
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- In the future we may be able to check for plagiarism, fraud and similarity (UCAS do this currently)
Interview preferences
Candidate has interview preferences
- Question on form
- Do you have any preferences for your interview?
- Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses the answer to show/hide textarea
- What do we do with it?
-
- Answer not submitted as part of application
Interview preferences
- Question on form
- What are your interview preferences?
- Parameter in API
-
interview_preferences
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate needs to ensure providers are aware of any dates or circumstances that should be considered when scheduling an interview
- Provider may need to know whether a candidate has any additional interview requirements, so they can meet their needs
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- N/A
- Notes
- Some providers have indicated that they don’t want arranging interviews complicated by candidate’s needs/lives. That said, if there are dates the candidate absolutely can’t make, what sense is there in offering them an interview? If we continue to ask this question, we should set expectations that providers may ignore any date requests.
Referees (two required)
The reference process is a point of differentiation with UCAS, and requires more research to fully understand candidate and provider needs.
Candidates can update their answers before submitting, but not after. If a referee declines to give a reference, or fails to respond, they can submit details of a new referee.
✘ Reference type
- Question on form
- What kind of reference is this?
- Parameter in API
-
N/A
- Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this to determine which questions we ask a referee
- What do we do with it?
-
- Answer not submitted as part of application
Referee - name
- Question on form
- Full name
- Parameter in API
-
referees[].name
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this to address referee in email correspondence
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in support interface. If the referee provides a reference, appears in the provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- Not checked. We could offer referees the ability to correct this information, but that might raise concerns about the true identity of the referee
Referee - email address
- Question on form
- Email address
- Parameter in API
-
referees[].email
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses this to contact a referee and request a reference
- Provider use this to validate that a reference is from an official work source (with the domain name used as a proxy)
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in support interface. If the referee provides a reference, appears in the provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
-
- Address format is validated
- If email to the nominated referee bounces, we can request correct details from the candidate
- Notes
- Should providers be assessing based on this information? We don’t surface to candidates that they need to submit professional email addresses. How do we accommodate candidates (career changers, people returning to the workplace, etc.) who may struggle to provide such information?
Referee - relationship to candidate
- Question on form
- Relationship to referee
- Parameter in API
-
referees[].relationship
(API docs) - Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Provider uses this to validate that reference is from a suitable source
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in support interface. If the referee provides a reference, appears in the provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- A referee might be able corroborate (though we don’t currently show this information to referees)
Submit
Candidates can update their answers before (and 5 working days after) submitting their application.
Candidate has something else to add
- Question on form
- Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your application?
- Required?
- Yes
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Service uses the answer to show/hide textarea
- What do we do with it?
-
- Answer not submitted as part of application
Further information
- Question on form
- Enter further information
- Parameter in API
-
further_information
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- Candidate may want to disclose a disability or request a reasonable adjustment. With ‘training with a disability’ section removed, this is the only place in the application this information can be given
- Candidate may want to voluntarily disclose a criminal conviction.
What do we do with it?
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API
- How do we check accuracy?
- N/A
- Notes
-
- Some HEIs really wanted to see that candidates had clearly stated they didn’t have any criminal convictions, especially if interviews take place at a school. Others do not undertake safeguarding obligations for interview, but prior to placement.
- Trello card - DBS guidance and criminal records checks
Equality monitoring
Candidates can update their answers before submitting. We don’t ask these questions again if a candidate returns to edit their application within 5 working day amendment period.
Sex
- Question on form
- What is your sex?
- Parameter in API
-
hesa_itt_data.sex
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- HESA requires this to “monitor equal opportunities issues in the higher education sector and support higher education providers (HEPs) in meeting their obligations under the Equality Act 2010”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API only once the application status has changed to ‘enrolled’
- How do we check accuracy?
- N/A
- Related design history
-
-
Equality monitoring
First pass at asking for information for monitoring equality.
-
Disability
- Question on form
-
Are you disabled?
Please select all that apply to you - Parameter in API
-
hesa_itt_data.disability
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- HESA requires this to “permit disability-based analysis; for monitoring levels and trends in participation by particular groups of people; to permit analysis based on type of disability”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API only once the application status has changed to ‘enrolled’
- How do we check accuracy?
- N/A
- Related design history
-
-
Equality monitoring
First pass at asking for information for monitoring equality.
-
Ethnicity
- Question on form
-
What is your ethnic group?
Which of the following best describes your [group] background? - Parameter in API
-
hesa_itt_data.ethnicity
(API docs) - Required?
- No
- Why do we ask for this?
-
- HESA requires this to “monitor equal opportunities issues in the higher education sector and support higher education providers (HEPs) in meeting their obligations under the Equality Act 2010”
- What do we do with it?
-
- Appears in provider-facing interface and retrievable via API only once the application status has changed to ‘enrolled’
- How do we check accuracy?
- N/A
- Notes
- GOV.UK Design System has guidance on asking users for their ethnic group
- Related design history
-
-
Equality monitoring
First pass at asking for information for monitoring equality.
-