Teacher reference number (TRN)
Find out what a teacher reference number (TRN) is and how to find or request a TRN.
Applies to England
What is a teacher reference number (TRN)
A TRN is a 7-digit number that uniquely identifies you in the education sector in England.
You’ll have a TRN if you:
- hold qualified teacher status (QTS) in England or Wales
- hold early years teacher status (EYTS) in England
- hold a national professional qualification (NPQ)
- are working towards QTS, EYTS or a national professional qualification (NPQ)
- contribute to the Teachers’ Pensions scheme in England or Wales
- have a relevant restriction in relation to teaching in England
You only have one TRN. It stays with you throughout your career.
You’ll need your TRN to:
- access your teaching qualifications to check it’s accurate and download professional certificates
- contact Teachers’ Pensions
- give to employers so they can complete mandatory teacher status checks
- start early career teacher training
- do an NPQ
Your TRN is personal to you. Only disclose your TRN to your employer or an official.
How to find your TRN
If you’ve forgotten your TRN, you can:
1. Check your payslip or pension statement.
2. Use Find a lost TRN to check if you have a TRN or find your TRN.
Request a TRN if you’re an early years professional or mentor for an early career teacher
Most people eligible for a TRN will be given one automatically.
However, you may not have one but need one to:
- do an NPQ (for example, if you’re an early years professional you may not have a TRN)
- be a mentor for an early career teacher
To request a TRN you’ll need to send a secure email to DfE using the email platform Galaxkey. You must include your:
- full legal name, and any previous names if applicable
- date of birth
- National Insurance number, if you have one
- address, if you live outside of the UK
- NPQ provider, if you’re requesting a TRN for an NPQ
- proof of identity – attach a photo or scanned copy of either your:
- passport
- driving licence (full or provisional)
- certificate of residence
- birth certificate
To send your email securely through Galaxkey to QTS.Enquiries@education.gov.uk, you’ll need to create a Galaxkey email account (this will open in the same window – to open in a new window right click on the link) with an email address that you’ll not lose access to, such as a personal email address. Please add ‘Request TRN‘ as the subject of your email.
DfE will respond by email with your TRN within 5 working days.
If you have any problems requesting a TRN, email DfE at QTS.Enquiries@education.gov.uk. Never include all your personal details and proof of identity unless you’re sending a secure email to DfE via Galaxkey.
Last updated 25 October 2023 + show all updates
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Details about how to request a teacher reference number have been added.
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New find a lost TRN service added.
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First published.