how they work and when to apply

Trainee teachers can gain a degree through an apprenticeship, instead of through the traditional university route into the profession.

Degree apprenticeships are growing in popularity as they offer the chance for people to earn while they learn, and gain a degree without student debt.

Our new apprenticeship is offered alongside the university route, so aspirational teachers will be able to choose the path that works best for them.

What are Teacher Degree Apprenticeships?

Normally, teacher training courses require candidates to already have a degree to be eligible.

With a TDA, you’ll work in a school while you gain qualified teacher status (QTS), which you need in order to teach in most schools in England. At the same time, you’ll be studying for a degree.

It means trainees won’t take on student debt and will earn while they learn, supporting those who may not have the financial means to do a traditional university-based teacher training programme.

It will be available for people to train as both primary and secondary teachers.

How do I apply for a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship?

We expect applications to open from October 2024 for training to start in autumn 2025.

Who is eligible and what qualifications do I need?

The TDA will be available to those beginning their careers and those currently in employment interested in pursuing a career in teaching, including teaching assistants and career changers.

Candidates won’t need to already have a degree.

How much will trainees earn?

Trainees will start working in the classroom from day one. As they develop skills to become excellent teachers, they will gradually scale up their teaching practice.

Salaries will reflect trainee responsibilities at each stage of their course. Details of exact earnings will be announced at a later date.

On top of receiving a salary, their training and qualifications will be fully funded.

How is this different to other teaching qualifications?

Currently, except for fee-funded undergraduate initial teacher training, all routes into teaching require trainees to already have a degree or undertake full time, fee-funded study.

The TDA will be an exciting and unique route into teaching that builds on the existing Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) and will be the only route that provides a salary as well as the training to get both a degree and QTS.

Contact us now for more information