Teacher Apprenticeship
Teacher Apprenticeship
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Teacher Apprenticeship
Train to become a qualified teacher while you work
Overview
The Teacher Apprenticeship lets you earn a salary while training to become a qualified teacher. You’ll work in a school, study part-time with UEL, and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the end of the programme.
This route is designed for people who want to train on the job, including career changers and school staff ready to progress into teaching.
Who this apprenticeship is for
This apprenticeship is suitable if you:
- Are employed in a school or have the support of a school employer
- Want to train while earning a salary
- Prefer practical, workplace-based learning
- Are interested in primary or secondary teaching (subject dependent)
You apply with the support of a school, not as an independent student.
Delivery
This is a 13 to 18 month (tbc for 2025/26) apprenticeship (including the End Point Assessment (EPA) and subject to employment contract terms and conditions) is a mixed delivery model.
Entry requirements: Potential apprentices will need to be employed in the field of study (see occupational profile) and have GCSE in English and Mathematics at grade A to C, or grade 4 to 9. They need a relevant degree accepted by their employer to teach within the school environment. Primary school setting teachers also require a GCSE grade A to C or 4 to 9 in Science.
Fees per apprentice for the whole duration (paid every month and is an estimate):
Levy employer: £9,000
Non-levy employer: please email degreeapprenticeships@uel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)20 8223 2471 for more information. The apprentice will not be required to pay any fees.
Schools and academies embarking on the apprenticeship scheme may be eligible for bursaries which they can use towards apprentice wages. For more information see getintoteaching.education.gov.uk.
Progression: on completion, full-time employment and additional CPD as required.
Jake McMahon talks about being an apprentice at UEL.
Watch this video to see Jake McMahon talking about being an apprentice at UEL.
How the apprenticeship works
This is a work-based route into teaching.
- You are employed by a school and paid a salary
- You spend most of your time teaching and training in school
- A protected portion of your working time is spent on off-the-job training, including taught sessions, study and assessment
- UEL delivers the academic and professional training, alongside school-based mentoring
The programme combines academic study, classroom practice and assessment over the duration of the apprenticeship.
What qualification you gain
You’ll be supported throughout by:
- An experienced mentor in your school
- UEL tutors and academic staff
- Regular reviews to track progress and development
The programme is designed to support you in balancing teaching responsibilities with study and professional development.
Information for schools and employers
Schools play a central role in the apprenticeship.
As an employer, you will:
- Employ and support the apprentice teacher
- Provide mentoring and classroom experience
- Work with UEL to support training and assessment
Funding for training is covered through the apprenticeship levy or government funding, depending on eligibility.
How to apply
Applications are made with the support of a school employer.
If you are:
- An individual interested in the apprenticeship, contact UEL for guidance on the next steps
- A school interested in recruiting or upskilling staff, contact the apprenticeship team to discuss suitability and timelines
Contact us
degreeapprenticeships@uel.ac.uk
+44 (0)20 8223 2337
University of East London
Academic Partnerships Office
Docklands Campus, University Way
London E16 2RD
The information on this webpage reflects the course details as they are at the time of publication and is subject to change. The information is included as a guide to course content only.
Teacher Apprenticeship FAQs
Do I need to already be working in a school?
Yes. You must be employed by a school, or have a confirmed offer of employment, to start the apprenticeship.
Is this the same as a PGCE?
No. This is a different route, but it leads to the same professional outcome: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The apprenticeship is work-based and salaried, whereas a PGCE is usually full-time study.
How does studying fit around my job?
You will work in school while completing structured training and study as part of your paid role. A protected portion of your working time is set aside for learning and assessment.
Who pays the fees?
Training costs are covered through apprenticeship funding. Apprentices do not pay tuition fees in the same way as traditional students.
Who is this route best suited for?
This route suits people who want to train on the job, including career changers and school staff ready to progress into teaching, with the support of a school employer.