Applying for a School Onsite Training Programme

There are an additional 92 new School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) places available in 2025, with more places available in 2026. Funded spots are available for primary and secondary teacher trainees.

Application process – ITE providers and schools

ITE providers and associated schools who would like to be considered for a 2025 intake of students, need to complete the application form. All applications will be assessed against a set of criteria. 

Each answer is weighted and aligned to priorities agreed between the Minister of Education and the Ministry.  

Applications are now closed

Criteria matrix for place allocation

All applications will be assessed against the following criteria, based on priorities established between the Minister of Education and the Ministry. Answers provided will receive a score depending on how much they align with the priorities. Each score is then weighted to deliver a final outcome.

The Ministry will provide a copy of the assessment sheet used to assess your application when providing the outcome. This will provide transparency as to how the outcome was reached. 

Scoring

The programme criterion – 'schools have already been identified; can host number of places requested’ has a maximum score of 5:

• Yes = 5
• No = 0

The priorities criteria each have a maximum score of 5:

• 0-9% of total places = 0  
• 10-19% of total places = 1  
• 20-29% of total places = 2  
• 30-39% of total places = 3   
• 40-49% of total places = 4  
• 50+% of total places = 5  

Initial requirements (all must be met)

The programme to be delivered is:

• an approved 1-year ITE programme that will lead to teacher registration
• graduate or post-graduate level
• deliverable online/via distance learning
• primary or secondary education sector-focused.

Providers must also confirm that:

• trainees will be selected jointly by the host school and ITE provider
• trainees will be based in a host school for at least 3 days per week
• a mentor teacher is available to support each trainee
• a signed agreement between school(s) and provider will be established setting out the settings, requirements, and conditions of the programme.

Eligibility

The expansion of the School Onsite Training Programme 2025 is open to all schools.  

Places are available to all schools and kura but you need to have a relationship with an ITE provider, to be ready for accepting teacher trainees in 2025.

Applications are now closed

Timeframes

Applications are now closed

Schools with no existing relationship with an ITE provider 

If you are a school or kura who wants to be involved but doesn’t currently have a relationship with an ITE provider, then we’re here to support you.  

A link will be made available on 22 August 2024 to register your interest. We will provide you with more information as well as contact details for ITE providers to help you establish that relationship.

Schools interested in joining in 2026

We will grow the programme for the 2026 school year with additional providers and schools having the opportunity to join the SOTP.  

A link will be made available here on 22 August 2024 on how to register your interest, and be added to our mailing list to receive updates on the 2026 programme.

Selection of teacher trainees

Schools and ITE providers are responsible for selecting which trainees are involved in the programme. The role of the Ministry is to distribute the funded places only. The Ministry is not responsible for choosing which schools are involved. 

Contact us

If you have any questions, we're hear to help. Contact us at info.sotp@education.govt.nz.