Qualified teachers who are employed in maintained schools in England must, by law, have completed an induction period after their initial training. The induction period usually lasts for three terms.

The Teaching Agency collects induction starter data and results from appropriate bodies and records the information on the database of qualified teachers. Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) who pass induction are issued with an induction certificate.

Any NQT wishing to confirm that their correct contact details are held for the issue of their induction certificate can call or email us.

Data collection

The Teaching Agency’s induction team contacts all appropriate bodies three times a year to undertake an induction data collection exercise. These exercises normally take place during January, May and September.

Data quality

The Teaching Agency processes all results and starter information electronically and it is important that any data submitted includes all of the following information:

  • teacher reference number (TRN)
  • date of birth
  • full name
  • correct dates.

Any record which cannot be electronically matched, due to missing or inaccurate information, will be returned to the appropriate body.

Each year incorrect induction data is submitted by appropriate bodies for teachers who are ineligible to either commence or complete an induction period. The most common issues concern:

  • NQTs who start induction without having qualified teacher status (QTS)
  • start dates that predate the award of QTS
  • teachers who start an induction period even though they are exempt from the statutory requirement to undertake an induction period.

Appropriate bodies can verify an NQT’s QTS date and induction status by checking their records on the Teaching Agency’s online employer access service.

Data security

The Teaching Agency aims to comply with best practice in regard to data security.

If you have any queries about the process of collecting induction data and issuing certificates call or email us. 

Contact details

National College for Teaching and Leadership
7th Floor, 53-55 Butts Road
Earlsdon Park
Coventry
CV1 3BH

Telephone: 0300 7900225
Email: qts.enquiries@education.gsi.gov.uk