Teacher reference number (TRN)

A teacher reference number (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 an NPQ
• contribute to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme in England or Wales
• have a relevant restriction in relation to teaching in England

You only have one TRN and it stays with you throughout your career.

What you’ll need a TRN for

YourYou’ll need a TRN will be needed to:

• access your teaching qualifications to check theythey’re are accurate and download professional certificates
• contact Teachers’ Pensions
• give to employers so they can complete mandatory teacher status checks
• start early career teacher training
• register for a national professional qualification (NPQ)

Your TRN is personal to you. Only disclose your TRN to your employer or a person acting in an official capacity.

If you’ve never received a TRN

Most people eligible for a TRN are given one automatically.

However,If you maydo not have onea butTRN, you may need to request one to:

• register for an NPQ (for example, if you’re an early years professional you may not have a TRN)
• be a mentor for a trainee teacher or early career teacher

HowIf toyou cannot find your TRN

If you cannot find or you’ve forgotten your your TRN, you can:

• check your payslip or pension statement

• use the the Findfind a lost lost TRN service service

If to check if you haveneed ahelp, TRNemail or to find your TRNteaching.status@education.gov.uk.

Request a TRN

If you’re registering for an NPQ

You can find or request your TRN when you register for an NPQ.

You’ll need your National Insurance number (if you have one) and proof of your identity, forsuch exampleas a:your:

• passport
• driving licence
• birth certificate
• UK work permit

If you need help, email npq.trnrequest@education.gov.uk.

If you’re a mentor for a trainee or early career teacher

You’llEmail needmentor.trnrequest@education.gov.uk towith send‘Mentor anTRN emailrequest’ toin mentor.trnrequest@education.gov.uk.the subject line.

You must include your:

• full legal name,name – and any previous namesnames, if applicable
• date of birth
• National Insurance number, if you have one
• address, if you live outside of the UK
• employer’s name
• school’s name and unique reference number (URN)

• proof of identity – attach a photo or scanned copy of either your:

  • passport
  • driving licence
  • birth certificate
  • UK work permit

Get help

If you have any problems requesting a TRN, email DfE at teaching.status@education.gov.uk.