Salaried ITT Information for Schools
The National Institute of Teaching’s Salaried Initial Teacher Training (ITT) route is a one-year, employment-based programme that enables trainees to work in school while training towards qualified teacher status (QTS).
We designed the programme to support schools to address teacher supply challenges by recruiting trainees who can contribute to teaching from the outset, particularly in subjects where recruitment is most difficult.
The programme combines school-based experience with centre-based training through a structured, evidence-informed curriculum.
How the programme works
- The programme is structured to balance time in school with focused training and development.
- Training begins in July with an initial induction, followed by intensive training and practice in late August. Trainees continue their training throughout the academic year.
- Trainees are based in school for four days each week. They attend training on Thursdays, along with five additional training days across the year.
- Teaching responsibility increases over time. Trainees begin by teaching around 30% of a timetable, building to around 80% by the end of the programme.
- All trainees complete a four-week contrasting placement in a different school during the spring term.
- The programme can be completed on a part-time basis where appropriate.
Benefits for schools
Immediate support, long-term investment
The salaried route supports schools to respond to immediate staffing needs while investing in future workforce development.
Fill hard-to-recruit roles
Schools can recruit into hard-to-fill roles and strengthen their approach to succession planning. Trainees contribute to teaching from early in the programme, helping to cover timetable gaps while they train.
Build mentoring and expertise
The programme also enables schools to develop mentoring expertise within their staff and engage with a research-informed approach to teacher development.
Recruitment and selection
We manage recruitment in partnership with schools.
The national institute completes the initial application review and interview. Schools then carry out a second interview to assess the candidate’s suitability for their context.
This approach helps ensure that trainees are both ready for the programme and a strong fit for the school.
Costs and funding
Trainees are employed by the school and are usually paid on the unqualified teacher pay scale.
Schools may be eligible for a Department for Education salary grant to contribute towards salary and training costs. Grant funding varies by subject:
- £29,000 for chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics
- £20,000 for design and technology and languages
- £5,000 for biology and geography
Tuition fees are covered through the salary grant.
Independent schools are not eligible for salary grant funding.
Who is the salaried route for?
The salaried route is suitable for candidates who are ready to take on classroom responsibility while completing their training.
Typically, candidates will have a relevant degree and at least six months’ experience working in a school. They will also hold GCSEs in English and mathematics at grade 4/C or above.
Where candidates have less experience, schools may wish to consider the postgraduate teaching apprenticeship as an alternative route.
Programme features
- Employment-based route leading to qualified teacher status
- Blended training model combining school-based practice and centre-based training
- Structured increase in teaching responsibility across the year
- Contrasting school placement
- Option to complete the programme part-time
- Structured mentoring and support for trainees and schools
Next steps
Schools interested in the salaried route can register their interest with the National Institute of Teaching.
We will work with you to understand your staffing needs, identify suitable candidates and support the recruitment process.
Interested in recruiting a salaried trainee teacher?
Contact our team to discuss your schools needs