Thinking about becoming a teacher but unsure which route to take? The PGCE with QTS Apprenticeship, also known as a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship, offers a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience while earning your teaching qualification.
Designed for those who want to train on the job, this pathway combines academic study with practical classroom experience, all while being paid. Whether you’re a career changer or a recent graduate, this guide will break down everything you need to know about this rewarding route into teaching.
What is a PGCE with QTS Apprenticeship for Achieving Qualified Teacher Status?
The PGCE with QTS Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised, work-based route into teaching at both primary and secondary level in England. It offers a postgraduate-level qualification leading to achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as an alternative to traditional initial teacher training.
Fully funded through a school’s Apprenticeship Levy, this pathway comes with no tuition fees, making it a cost-effective option. Delivered by a UK higher education provider in partnership with schools, it blends academic learning with practical classroom experience, preparing you for a successful teaching career.
In addition to these academic qualifications, you must also:
Demonstrate you hold the right to work and study in the UK and/or have been resident in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years.
Not already be on a programme which is Government funded.
Have experience as a teaching assistant, which can provide valuable support and collaborative experience in a teaching program.
Qualification Information
Unlike a traditional PGCE, where you study for a year without income, this apprenticeship allows you to earn a competitive salary while you train. We welcome candidates from various backgrounds, offering immediate intake for those with school experience, while career changers and graduates gain valuable classroom experience before starting their PGCE with QTS in September, January, or April.
Most of your training takes place in the classroom, giving you essential hands-on experience. You’ll also receive expert training from a leading university, with tutors working alongside school colleagues to support your development. This structured approach ensures you meet assessment standards and successfully achieve your PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
How the Apprenticeship Works
The programme blends hands-on experience with academic study, where you’ll spend just 20% of your time on ‘off-the-job’ training through a mix of online and face-to-face sessions. The school’s apprenticeship levy funds this program, making it a valuable alternative to traditional teacher training by allowing you to gain a postgraduate qualification while earning a salary. Don’t worry about going it alone you’ll have support every step of the way from both a university tutor and a school mentor.
Once you’ve finished your qualification, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) to showcase what you’ve learned. It’s the perfect way to gain qualifications whilst getting real workplace experience!
Benefits and Career Path
The PGCE with QTS Apprenticeship equips you with a postgraduate qualification and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), essential for teaching in the UK. This opens doors to roles in primary and secondary schools, including state, academy, and independent settings. You can specialise in specific subjects or age groups and, with experience, advance to leadership positions or careers in education policy, research, or consultancy.
Why Choose a Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship?
support throughout your journey from both your university tutor and mentors in your school. In just 12 months, you’ll gain your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), developing all the essential skills and knowledge you need to become a confident, qualified teacher. It’s a brilliant opportunity to launch your teaching career at both primary and secondary level whilst earning a salary!
Information for Schools
If your business pays into the school’s apprenticeship levy, you can use up to £9,000 from your apprenticeship service account to cover the costs of training and assessing an apprentice. However, if you don’t pay the levy or your funds are insufficient, there is still support available.
The government will cover 95% of the training and assessment costs, leaving you to contribute just 5%, up to a maximum of £450. This makes apprenticeships an affordable way to invest in new talent and develop the skills your business needs.
Support for Apprentice Teachers
As an apprentice teacher on the PGCE with QTS Apprenticeship, you’ll receive dedicated support from your university tutor and school mentor. Your tutor will guide you through academic aspects like module content, assignments, and research, while your mentor will help with practical teaching skills, including lesson planning, classroom management, and pupil assessment.
Beyond individual support, you’ll have access to online learning platforms, libraries, and teaching facilities. You’ll also join a community of apprentice teachers, providing opportunities to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other.
How you’ll be taught
The qualification can be studied full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months). University tutors play a crucial role in this process, providing guidance and support for formative assessments during practical training in schools. You can start the qualification in July, November or February.
Whilst these start-dates may seem strange, they allow for an introductory element of the qualification to be studied prior to the start of a new school term.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment is varied to support your learning, including lesson observations, case studies, presentations, and written assignments. A University Assessor will also visit your school to observe your teaching and provide feedback.
The Practical Teaching Practice module runs throughout the course, with regular feedback to help you develop. At the end, a final assessment determines if you meet the Teachers’ Standards, essential for achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
As with all apprenticeships, you’ll also complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) after the qualification, giving you the chance to showcase your learning.
Successful completion of the apprenticeship leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a postgraduate-level qualification. Progress in your teaching career, with opportunities for further development. Receive support to find a permanent/temporary position or secure a role in your host school.
If you would like any more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at [email protected] or call us on 0330 390 0529.
Don’t forget to check out our FREE webinars, you can register on Eventbrite.
