Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA)
Your journey to being a qualified teacher could start right here! If you’re already working in a school, you could train to teach through the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship, earning a salary while working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). By registering your interest, you’ll receive information and guidance on your next steps straight to your inbox. Applications for our 2026 PGTA are now open.
What is the PGTA?
The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship is a 12-month, employment-based route into teaching that enables you to earn a salary while you train and work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a nationally recognised teaching apprenticeship.
You’ll be employed in a school from the start of the programme, gaining hands-on classroom experience alongside structured professional training. You can specialise in Primary (including SEND) or a secondary subject, depending on your background and school placement.
Our blended training model combines:
- In-school teaching and mentoring
- Centre-based training with expert tutors
- Protected off-the-job training time
This route is ideal if you’re already working in a school, or have the support of a school ready to employ you as you train.
Programme Overview
- Programme start: August 2026, with an optional Flying Start induction in July
- Initial training: Apprentices begin with a 3-day Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) from 25 August 2026
- In-school employment: Apprentices are based in school from September, working 4 days per week
- Teaching timetable: Apprentices teach a 60–80% timetable alongside structured training
- Weekly release: Apprentices are released every Thursday for centre-based training with National Institute of Teaching
- Initial Teacher Education: Apprentices complete a fully integrated Initial Teacher Education programme alongside employment
- Contrasting placement: Apprentices undertake several weeks in a second school during the spring term to broaden experience and meet statutory requirements
What is needed to study a PGTA?
A degree
A degree awarded by a UK higher education provider, or a recognised equivalent qualification
Experience
Apprentices must have 12 months experience in the classroom and be ready to undertake an immersive training programme to gain QTS.
GCSE's
Apprentices must have a GCSE in maths and Englis (and science for primary) at grade C/4 or above
Mariam Abbas Postgraduate Teaching Apprentice
"Perhaps I may one day lead a department, or maybe even work towards securing a senior leadership role in a secondary school. However, one thing I know for sure, is that the apprenticeship programme has secured me with a solid head start into any teaching opportunity that comes my way."PGTA SEND
We've developed a specialist programme for those wishing to specialise in SEND settings. This programme has been designed to support trainee teachers working with pupils in special school settings or provision units within mainstream schools.
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Costs
Earn a salary while you train, with apprenticeship funding covering your course and an optional PGCE available for an additional fee.
Qualifications gained
Understand what you’ll achieve by the end of the programme, including QTS and optional PGCE.
Subjects you can study
Find out which subjects and specialisms are available for you to train in.
Who can apply
Check whether you meet the criteria to join the apprenticeship and get nominated by your school.
Eligibility
See the qualifications, experience, and other requirements you need to be considered for the programme
How to be nominated
Find out how our regional recruitment team will guide you and your school through the nomination process.