Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship

Archway Learning Trust (MAT) based in Nottingham City, with both primary and secondary schools serving Nottingham(shire) and Derby(shire), as well as a well-established accredited teacher training provision; Bluecoat SCITT Alliance; operational since 2015 (two Good Ofsted Inspections) specialising in Postgraduate Teacher Training (PGTT) in primary (5-11) and secondary (11-16, 14-19) age ranges.  Bluecoat SCITT has consistently provided the local region with quality teachers during this time. Apprenticeship (PGTA) training involves working in the employer’s school alongside expert colleagues in the classroom, as well as ITT specialists and subject leads for off the job training. The benefit of learning whilst earning is that apprentices will have the opportunity to implement and reflect on learning immediately after developing the knowledge and skills.  Apprentices should be paid as Unqualified Teachers (UQT1). Employers paying the Levy can use this to pay for the course. In addition, grant funding is available in certain subjects.

School Checklist (read with candidate checklist)

1.  Employment & Contract

■ Full-time employment (minimum 30 hours/week)

■ Paid on unqualified teacher scale minimum UQT1

■ Programme duration minimum 9 months

2.  Off-the-Job Training (Mandatory 20%)

■ Minimum 20% of paid hours protected for training (approx. 278 hours)

■ Apprentice released from teaching timetable for training

■ Training takes place during working hours

■ Training hours logged and evidenced – Includes: weekly training day, ITT sessions, mentoring, observations, CPD

3.  On-the-Job Training (In-School Role)

■ Reduced teaching timetable (approx. 60–80%)

■ Gradual increase in teaching responsibility

■ Allocated trained mentor

■ Experience across at least two key stages and a range of pupil ages

4.  Time Out of School / Placements

■ Minimum 4-week contrasting school placement arranged

■ Apprentice released from school during placement for ITAP 4 weeks across the year

■ Attendance at university and central training

5.  Timetable & Workload Protections

■ Minimum 10% PPA time (in addition to training)

■ Timetable allows for training, mentoring, and study

■ Apprentice not expected to complete training in own time

6.  Programme Delivery & Quality

■ Training plan agreed with ITT provider

■ Support towards Teachers’ Standards and QTS

■ Support for assessment and end-point assessment (EPA)

Reference Documents

Postgraduate teaching apprenticeship funding manual: 2026 to 2027 academic year – GOV.UK

Candidate Checklist (read with school checklist)

1. Entry Criteria

GCSE standard equivalent¹

All

English² and Maths GCSE (or a standard equivalent⁴) grade 4 (C)

Primary (3-11)

Science subject GCSE (or a standard equivalent⁴) grade 4 (C)

Degree

Hold a first degree⁵ from a UK HEI or equivalent qualification

Fundamental English and mathematics skills³

To be assured by ITT provider before the award of QTS

Suitability to Teach & Safer Recruitment Checks

Candidates undergo a rigorous recruitment & selection process and associated pre-employment checks

*PGCE optional for the PGTA

Footnotes

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships (PGTAs) | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK