Guidance

Subject knowledge enhancement: guidance for ITT providers

Guidance on support available for initial teacher training (ITT) applicants to improve their subject knowledge.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 10 November 2014
• Last updated: 30 March 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 30 March 2026

     Removed the reference to chemistry in 'Subject knowledge enhancement: guidance for ITT providers' to reflect a major change to the SKE subject package for the remainder of the 2025 to 2026 academic year. Updated the number of subjects that DfE currently funds accordingly.

  2. 7 October 2025

     Updated the guidance for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. Updated the requirements on the degree which applicants need to be eligible to get a bursary. Updated details on the checks which ITT providers should complete when they refer applicants. Removed references to Schools Direct lead schools. Reformatted the content to make it easier to use.

  3. 10 November 2014

     First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Subject knowledge enhancement: guidance for ITT providers

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Details

This guidance is for initial teacher training (ITT) providers.

It is also relevant to subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) providers.

It explains:

• what SKE courses are
• which subjects the Department for Education funds courses in
• who is eligible
• when and how to refer an ITT applicant for a course
• how courses are provided
• funding and bursary rules

If you’re applying to an ITT course, visit our Get into teaching SKE page.

Use the course directory to find a suitable provider.