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What we ask for and why

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

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?
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
contact_details.address_line2
contact_details.address_line3
contact_details.address_line4
contact_details.postcode
contact_details.country (API docs)
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
work_experience.jobs[].end_date (API docs)
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
work_experience.jobs[].end_date (API docs)
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
work_experience.volunteering[].end_date (API docs)
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

  1. Giving details about disability

    Training with a disability and reasonable adjustments course choices.

  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. Equality monitoring

    First pass at asking for information for monitoring equality.