About this qualification
Delivered by our partners at the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).
Our PGCE with QTS Apprenticeship (also known as a Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship) is a nationally recognised work-based route into teaching and is available at primary and secondary level in England. The qualification is an alternative route to traditional initial teacher training and offers a postgraduate-level qualification leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), no tuition fees, and the opportunity to earn while you learn. The qualification is funded through a school’s Apprenticeship levy.
Entry Requirements
You will have achieved the following minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for our QTS Apprenticeship Route plus PGCE:
GCSE
Have achieved a standard equivalent to a Grade-4 (C grade) GCSE in English and Mathematics. For those training to teach pupils aged 3-11, a Grade-4 (C grade) in a Science subject is also required.
Higher Education
Hold a UK undergraduate degree or equivalent.
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.
Qualification information
- Unlike a year of a PGCE you will earn a competitive salary and be comfortable in the knowledge that your salary is yours to do what you wish.
- If you have school-based experience already we can provide you access to the next intake. If you are a career changer or graduate, we provide you with valuable school-based experience prior to starting your PGCE with QTS in September, January or April.
- Most of your time will be spent in a classroom where you will gain priceless practical experience; preparing you for your career as a teacher.
- You will gain first-class teacher training with a leading university. At the end of the programme, you will achieve PGCE with QTS.
Career Path
You will be awarded a PGCE with QTS and will be ready to start your career. Hopefully, you will secure a role in your host school, or we can work with you to secure a permanent/temporary position.
Units Covered
The qualification includes a PGCE with 60 Masters level credits, and you will work towards achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
How you’ll be taught
- The qualification can be studied full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months).
- 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.
We regularly review our qualification content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, qualification modules may be updated.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment is varied and designed to aid learning. It includes lesson observations, case study research, oral presentations and written assignments. You will also receive visits to your school from a University Assessor, who will observe your teaching and provide feedback on your progress.
A Practical Teaching Practice module runs throughout the qualification, and regular feedback helps you to develop your skills. At the end of the qualification, a final assessment is made on whether you meet the Teachers’ Standards.
As with all Apprenticeship programmes, you will also complete an end point assessment (EPA) after the qualification is completed, which is an opportunity for you to demonstrate the learning acquired throughout the qualification.
Fees & Funding
Student
Full-time
Part-time
UK
Apprenticeship levy funded
Apprenticeship levy funded