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 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 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 and it stays with you throughout your career.
What you’ll need a TRN for
You’ll need your TRN to:
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access your teaching qualifications to:
- check they are accurate
- 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 a person acting in an official capacity.
How to find your TRN
If you have previously had a TRN but have forgotten it, you can:
1. use Find a lost TRN to check if you have a TRN or find your TRN
2. check your payslip or pension statement
If you’ve never received a TRN
Most people eligible for a TRN will be given one automatically.
However, you may not have one but need to request one to:
- do 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
Request a TRN
To request a TRN you’ll need to send a secure email to the Department for Education (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
- proof of identity – attach a photo or scanned copy of either your:
- passport
- driving licence (full or provisional)
- certificate of residence
- birth certificate
Create a Galaxkey email account (to open in a new tab right click the link) and use it to send your email securely to QTS.Enquiries@education.gov.uk. You must use an email account that you’ll not lose access to, such as a personal email address. Add ‘Request TRN‘ as the subject of your email.
DfE will respond by email with your TRN within 5 working days. Look out for replies from DfE, including your spam folder, as we may need to check some of your details before allocating you a TRN.
Get help
If you have any problems requesting a TRN, email DfE at QTS.Enquiries@education.gov.uk. Never include 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.