Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship

Course Overview

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships are available for prospective primary and secondary school teachers in England. They combine study with practical on-the-job training and a salary. There are no tuition fees for Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships, this is full-time employment-based route into teaching.

You will work towards the Apprenticeship Standard which sets out the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours required of the Apprentice Teacher and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Apprentice Teachers split their time between school and university study. You’ll receive practical, school-led training alongside experienced staff, and spend at least 20% of your time off-timetable to learn how to teach.

In the first two months of the course the the Apprentice Teacher will be enrolled on a module ‘Embarking on a teaching career’, this is an opportunity to be immersed in school life getting familiar with school policies and procedures and carrying out a range of 'off the job’ training. During this time a detailed training plan will be established between the employing school and Plymouth Marjon University to start in September. Over the course of the next academic year the Apprentice Teacher works towards Qualified Teacher Status, compiling a portfolio of evidence throughout their initial teacher training. Regular review points will track the trainees’ progress and a dedicated mentor in the school will support the trainees in developing relevant targets against their training plan. In July the following year the trainees will complete their QTS assessment at the same time as the ‘end point assessment’ for the apprenticeship scheme.

How will you be taught?

Apprentice Teachers must complete a minimum of 120 days in a school and must have taught in at least two schools. During the course 20% of time is devoted to off-the job-training delivered via workshops, seminars, observations, educational visits and lectures.

How will you be assessed?

Assessment is based on the way you will be assessed when you are a qualified teacher and includes: teaching portfolios, presentations, observed teaching and discussions. All apprentices will be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards, for the awarding of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).