How Can Schools Utilise Apprenticeship Funding?

With National Apprenticeship Week taking place from 9th to 15th February, it’s an ideal moment to ensure your school is making full use of the Apprenticeship Levy before any unspent funds expire. Alongside the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, we offer a wide range of apprenticeships suitable for staff across all roles in schools including:

• NPQ Apprenticeships
• Coaching in Education Apprenticeships
• Early Years Apprenticeships
• Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA)

Follow this link for more information.

Q & A with an Apprentice student teacher 

For more information, read the Teacher Apprenticeship Case Study

A closer look at the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship:

The Education People, in partnership with Best Practice Network (BPN), deliver the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) across Kent. Schools are home to many talented support staff who already make a significant impact on pupils’ learning and wellbeing. For those who hold a degree, the PGTA provides a structured and fully funded route into teaching. This pathway enables staff to gain qualified teacher status while continuing to contribute to your school community, helping you grow your own workforce and invest in long-term capacity.

What Is the PGTA?

The PGTA is designed for staff already working in schools who hold a degree. It allows them to train as teachers while earning a salary and gaining classroom experience.

Key features include:

• Earn while you train: Student teachers receive an unqualified teacher salary, paid by the school.
• No tuition fees: Costs are covered through the school’s Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment.
• Salary expectations: Apprentices must be paid between £21,000–£27,000 (or more depending on location/experience) on the unqualified teacher pay scale.

Apprenticeship Grants

To help support salaries, schools may receive grant funding from the DfE (subject to eligibility), paid via Best Practice Network. Grants are available per student teacher. For 2026–2027:

Programme Structure

The PGTA is a 10-month programme blending classroom practice with academic study:

• Term 1 (Sept–Dec): 4 days in the classroom at your school (School A), Fridays for training.
• Term 2 (Jan–Apr): 6-week contrasting placement at another school (School B), then return to School A.
• Term 3 (May–Jul): Back at School A, consolidating learning and preparing for QTS.
• Term 4: End-Point Assessment leading to a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship Qualification and Qualified Teacher Status.

What Schools Need to Provide

• A school-based mentor (minimum 3 years’ teaching experience).
• Release time for apprentices to attend training and intensive training and practice ITaP weeks.
• Collaboration with a dedicated BPN Personal Tutor.
• Employment and salary for the apprentice during training.

Why It Matters for Schools

• Grow your own teachers: Develop staff who already know your pupils and culture.
• Boost retention: Career progression helps keep talented staff in your school.
• Save recruitment costs: Apprenticeships reduce reliance on agencies.
• Strengthen workforce stability: Supported apprentices are more likely to stay.
• Access a full development pathway: From ITT to ECF and NPQs.
• Personalised support: Dedicated tutors ensure apprentices align with your school’s values.
• Address teacher shortages: A cost-effective way to recruit and train new teachers.

The Education People also offer several other apprenticeships suitable for staff across all roles in schools. Follow this link for more information.

To hear first hand about the apprenticeship experience, read An Inside Guide To How An Apprenticeship Works. For other ideas on how to develop yourself or your staff visit our Career Hub.