Teacher reference number (TRN)
Find out what a teacher reference number (TRN) is and how to find or request one.
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
You’ll need a TRN to:
- access your teaching qualifications to check they’re 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.
If you do not have a TRN, 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
If you cannot find your TRN
If you cannot find or you’ve forgotten your TRN, you can:
- check your payslip or pension statement
- use theÂ
If you need help, email teaching.status@education.gov.uk.
Request a TRN
If you’re registering for an NPQ
You can find or request your TRN when you .
You’ll need your National Insurance number (if you have one) and proof of your identity, such as 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
Email mentor.trnrequest@education.gov.uk with ‘Mentor TRN request’ in the subject line.
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
- school’s name and unique reference number (URN)
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proof of identity – attach a photo or scanned copy of either your:
- passport
- driving licence
- birth certificate
- UK work permit
Updates to this page
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Added the "If you cannot find your TRN" section and updated contact email addresses.
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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.