Teacher reference number (TRN)
Find out what a teacher reference number (TRN) is and how to find or request a TRN.
Applies to England
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
Your TRN will be needed to:
- access your teaching qualifications to check they 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, you may not have one but 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
How to find your TRN
If you’ve forgotten your TRN, you can:
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check your payslip or pension statement
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use the Find a lost TRN service to check if you have a TRN or to find your TRN
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, for example a:
- passport
- driving licence
- birth certificate
- UK work permit
If you’re a mentor for a trainee or early career teacher
You’ll need to send an email to mentor.trnrequest@education.gov.uk.
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
- employer’s name
- 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.
Updates to this page
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Updated TRN request information for mentors.
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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.