Program Overview

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Primary Teacher Apprenticeship (QTS)

Why study this course

Study with subject experts in a program that goes beyond minimum requirements, with extra opportunities to build your teaching confidence and skills.

Earn a salary while gaining classroom experience and working toward QTS.

The blended approach combines campus visits with adaptable "Off the Job" training that works for schools and distance learners.

Course overview

If you already have a degree, you can achieve Qualified Teacher Status in just 16 months with BGU's Primary Teacher Apprenticeship program. This flexible pathway combines practical classroom experience with expert-led training, allowing you to develop essential teaching skills while learning through a mix of online sessions and occasional campus visits.

Key facts

• Duration: 16 months
• Mode of study: Full-time blended
• Start date: September
• Awarding Institution: Bishop Grosseteste University

About this apprenticeship

The Primary Teacher Apprenticeship at Bishop Grosseteste University offers a 16-month route to Qualified Teacher Status for those with a relevant degree. This apprenticeship combines workplace learning with structured training, following the DfE's Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework. Students work in primary schools while receiving support to complete their 'Off the job' training requirements.

Our ADEPT curriculum goes beyond minimum teaching standards, providing enrichment opportunities that help you become a reflective and confident teacher. The programme uses a flexible, blended learning approach with limited campus visits, making it accessible regardless of your location. You'll learn from and be supported by our expert teaching team throughout your journey to QTS.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

• A UK bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) - this must comprise 300 higher education credit points with at least 60 credits at level 6
• GCSE grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics, and Science.

Please note that a grade 4 in either English Language or English Literature GCSE satisfies the English requirement.

If you have a foundation degree, you'll need to have completed additional study totalling at least 60 credits at level 6 to meet the degree requirement.

Additional Requirements

• Complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Meet all current statutory safeguarding requirements
• Meet any additional requirements specified by your employing school

These entry requirements comply with the Department for Education's Initial Teacher Training criteria for the award of Qualified Teacher Status. Should national requirements change, our admission criteria will be updated accordingly.

How you will be taught

You’ll experience a dynamic and flexible apprenticeship designed to blend the best of both in-person and online learning. Our comprehensive approach combines face-to-face learning, including lectures, seminars, and personalized tutorials, alongside engaging online sessions for maximum flexibility and accessibility.

This blended learning method ensures an immersive, interactive, and adaptable experience, allowing you to learn at your own pace while staying connected with instructors and peers.

The apprenticeship also includes substantial placement blocks, a key component of the course. You’ll have the opportunity to observe experienced practitioners, participate in hands-on tasks, and teach individuals, small groups, and entire classes. With ongoing support and professional development from school-based mentors, you’ll gain valuable real-world experience that will empower you to excel in your future career.

How You’ll Be Assessed

This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in your teaching career. While it does not carry academic credits, your progress and development are carefully guided through structured assessments to ensure you’re fully prepared for success.

As an apprentice, you will complete a statutory integrated End-Point Assessment (EPA) a crucial milestone in your journey. This assessment aligns with industry standards and follows the same rigorous process as other entry routes into teaching.

Fees & funding

Costs may be covered by government funding and/or your employer – employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay fees directly through the levy contribution.

Alternatively, businesses who do not pay the Levy may be able to claim 95% of the cost of tuition fees from the Government.

FAQs

• What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that are designed to help employers train people for specific job roles. At the same time, apprentices have the benefit of earning whilst they learn, training towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard.

• Who can do a teaching apprenticeship?

To apply for the Primary Teacher Apprenticeship, you must hold a first degree (minimum 300 credit points with 60 at level 6) from a UK higher education institution or equivalent qualification. You'll also need GCSE grade C/4 or above in Mathematics, English, and Science to meet national requirements for Qualified Teacher Status. Either English language or English literature GCSE fulfils the English requirement. All applicants must undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfy statutory safeguarding requirements. If you have a foundation degree, you'll need to supplement it with at least 60 credits at level 6 to meet the degree criteria.

• How is the learning delivered?

We currently use a blended approach for delivering teaching and learning, with some sessions delivered on campus and others remotely. The learning on the apprenticeship will be broken down into individual modules or units.

• How am I assessed?

Progress of students will be assessed through a variety of formative assessment strategies throughout the course. These will take the form of a 500-word reflective piece of writing and will be delivered and reviewed by the ITE team, University Based Mentors, School Based Mentors and their Apprenticeship Officer.

This apprenticeship has a statutory integrated End-point assessment (EPA). The EPA will use the assessment arrangements in use for other entry routes into this occupation and will be completed simultaneously.

Apprentices will be assessed against KSBs and Teacher Standards and recommended for QTS at the end of the course.

• What is off the job training?

Off the job training is an ESFA requirement. Essentially 20% of your working week should be dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, skills and behaviours covered in your apprenticeship standard. Activities can include: • Attending learning sessions • Assignment completion • Subject reading • Research • Pod casts, webinars or conferences • Shadowing or mentoring a colleague • Review meetings with your manager • Training sessions • Observations

• Will I need to record my off-the-job training (OJT) hours?

Yes. Bishop Grosseteste University will provide you with an OJT logbook so you can record all the training hours and a brief description of the activities you have undertaken.

• Do I need a mentor?

Yes. A mentor is an essential part of your apprenticeship journey. They will provide support throughout your learning journey and signpost learning opportunities with your job role and organisation.

• Who should my mentor be?

Your mentor might be your line manager, but this is not necessarily always the case. Ideally your mentor should have some knowledge and experience of the learning outcomes in the apprenticeship standard and have good understanding of your job role. They should be able to support you through a variety of ways across the apprenticeship, by attending review meetings with you and the Apprenticeship Development Officer, provide clear honest feedback, set clear targets, discuss project ideas, and provide witness testimonies which highlight your knowledge, skills and behaviours in the workplace setting.