Guidance

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鈥檒l 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鈥 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鈥檒l need a TRN for

You鈥檒l need a TRN to:

  • access your teaching qualifications to check they鈥檙e accurate and download professional certificates
  • contact Teachers鈥 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鈥檝e 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鈥檙e 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鈥檝e forgotten your聽TRN, you can:

  • check your payslip or pension statement
  • use the聽

If you need help, email teaching.status@education.gov.uk.

Request a TRN

If you鈥檙e registering for an NPQ

You can find or request your TRN when you .

You鈥檒l 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鈥檙e a mentor for a trainee or early career teacher

Email mentor.trnrequest@education.gov.uk with 鈥楳entor TRN request鈥 in the subject line.

You must include your:

  • full legal name 鈥 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鈥檚 name
  • school鈥檚 name and unique reference number (URN)
  • proof of identity 鈥 attach a photo or scanned copy of either your:

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

Updates to this page

Published 21 December 2020
Last updated 18 June 2025 show all updates
  1. Added the "If you cannot find your TRN" section and updated contact email addresses.

  2. Updated TRN request information for mentors.

  3. Details about how to request a teacher reference number have been added.

  4. New find a lost TRN service added.

  5. First published.

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