Guidance

Recruiting postgraduate trainee teachers: recruitment cycle dates

Updated 11 September 2023

Applies to England

You must follow certain dates and deadlines if you work in an organisation offering postgraduate teacher training. These make up a ‘recruitment cycle’ which runs from October to September.

All training providers must follow the dates of the recruitment cycle. This applies even if you do not use the Department for Education services to publish teacher training courses and manage teacher training applications.

In the 2023 to 2024 recruitment cycle, training providers will have more time to make decisions on applications. Candidates will be able to apply for up to 4 courses. If they do not receive a decision on an application within 30 working days, they’ll be able to apply for another course. Training providers will still be able to make a decision after 30 working days on all applications.

2023 to 2024 recruitment cycle

Date and time What happens
3 October 2023 at 9am Candidates can find courses for the 2023 to 2024 recruitment cycle on GOV.UK.
10 October 2023 at 9am Start of 2023 to 2024 recruitment cycle. Candidates can apply for courses.
17 September 2024 at 6pm The last day for candidates to apply for courses.
25 September 2024 at 11:59pm End of 2023 to 2024 recruitment cycle. Applications awaiting decisions are rejected.

2024 to 2025 recruitment cycle

Date and time What happens
1 October 2024 at 9am Candidates can find courses for the 2024 to 2025 recruitment cycle on GOV.UK.
8 October 2024 at 9am Start of 2024 to 2025 recruitment cycle. Candidates can apply for courses.
16 September 2025 at 6pm The last day for candidates to apply for courses.
24 September 2025 at 11:59pm End of 2024 to 2025 recruitment cycle. Applications awaiting decisions are rejected.