This field holds the reference number allocated to each student prior to course completion for the training of teachers.

Optional - if available.

This field is identical to the Instance.TREFNO field in the Student record.

This number will stay with the teacher throughout their career within the teaching profession.

For providers in England the reference number required is the Teacher Reference Number (formerly known as a DfES number). The number is allocated by the NCTL when details of a trainee are entered onto their system and the trainee’s record created. The number allocated is a seven digit number. Some trainees may have previously been issued with a number, in these cases you are required to submit the TRN.

Teacher Reference Numbers (TRNs) will be fed back to providers from the NCTL through the HESA data collection system. HESA will receive a copy of the TRN (TREFNO) from the NCTL following allocation and providers will be able to download these from the data submission system and incorporate them into local systems. Record contacts will be notified by email when the TRNs are available and will be able to access the file through the data submission system.

To link with teaching career information; used by the NCTL.