Recruiting trainee teachers: recruitment cycle dates
Updated 23 June 2026
Applies to England
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You must follow set dates and deadlines in the recruitment cycle if you work in an organisation offering teacher training. The cycle runs from October to September each year.
These dates apply to all training providers. This includes those who do not use Department for Education services to publish courses and manage applications.
2025 to 2026 recruitment cycle
| Date and time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 30 September 2025 at 9am UK time | Candidates can find courses for the 2025 to 2026 recruitment cycle on GOV.UK and begin preparing their applications |
| 7 October 2025 at 9am UK time | Start of 2025 to 2026 recruitment cycle. Candidates can begin applying for courses |
| 15 September 2026 at 6pm UK time | Candidates must submit their applications by this time |
| 23 September 2026 at 11:59pm UK time | Applications for courses starting by the end of September will be rejected if no provider decision has been made. This includes applications at interview stage |
| 27 September 2026 at 11:59pm UK time | End of 2025 to 2026 recruitment cycle. Offers for courses starting by the end of September will be declined if no candidate decision has been made |
2026 to 2027 recruitment cycle
| Date and time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 29 September 2026 at 9am UK time | Candidates can find courses for the 2026 to 2027 recruitment cycle on GOV.UK and begin preparing their applications |
| 6 October 2026 at 9am UK time | Start of 2026 to 2027 recruitment cycle. Candidates can begin applying for courses |
| 20 January 2027 at 11:59pm UK time | Applications for courses starting by the end of January will be rejected if no provider decision has been made. This includes applications at interview stage |
| 24 January 2027 at 11:59pm UK time | Offers for courses starting by the end of January will be declined if no candidate decision has been made |
| 21 September 2027 at 6pm UK time | Candidates must submit their applications by this time |
| 29 September 2027 at 11:59pm UK time | Applications for courses starting by the end of September will be rejected if no provider decision has been made. This includes applications at interview stage |
| 3 October 2027 at 11:59pm UK time | End of 2026 to 2027 recruitment cycle. Offers for courses starting by the end of September will be declined if no candidate decision has been made |