The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is a school-based route into teaching, designed for experienced school staff ready to take the next step in their career and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while continuing to work in their current school.

CTTC offers the Apprenticeship route for both Primary and Secondary phases.

What the Apprenticeship Offers

Apprentices benefit from:

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on successful completion
  • A Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship Qualification
  • The opportunity to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with 60 Master’s-level credits
  • A salary of at least £22,601 while training
  • A starting salary of £32,916 to £40,317 once qualified (depending on location)

Training costs are covered by the school’s Apprenticeship Levy, meaning this is a salaried route into teaching with no tuition fee debt.

A Practical, Immersive Training Experience

As an apprentice, you’ll be in the classroom from day one, taking an active role in teaching and school life. You will:

  • Be employed full-time by your school for the academic year
  • Teach up to 80% of a 4-day timetable, gradually increasing responsibility
  • Take full responsibility for planning, teaching and assessing pupils’ learning

Because of the high level of responsibility from the outset, this route is best suited to those with substantial prior experience working in a school environment.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, you must have:

  • A UK degree (or a recognised equivalent qualification)
  • GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in:
    • English and Maths (for all applicants)
    • Science (for Primary applicants only)

Is This Route Right for You?

The apprenticeship route is ideal for those already working in schools who are ready to step into a teaching role with the support of expert mentors and a structured training programme.

If you’re looking to earn while you train and already have classroom experience, this could be the perfect next step in your teaching career.

For prospective trainees:

To apply via the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship route, you must first secure employment with a school that is happy to support your training. Once this is confirmed, please contact CTTC for guidance on the next steps. Apprenticeship places are limited and highly competitive, so we encourage candidates to start speaking to schools early in the academic year. If you do not yet have an employing school, the Tuition Fee route may be a more appropriate starting point.

For schools:

If you’re a school looking to support an apprentice trainee, we’d be delighted to work with you. Please contact CTTC to discuss how we can help you plan and deliver a high-quality training year for your prospective teacher.

Further information about employing an apprentice trainee can be found here.