Learn more about the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship with our frequently asked questions on:
- eligibility and entry requirements
- programme structure and content
- placements and support
- routes and application processes.
Eligibility and entry requirements
Can I enrol on the programme while completing a GCSE course, and what deadlines or requirements would apply?
No, you can’t undertake the apprenticeship at the same time as a GCSE course.
As part of the , you must have already passed GCSE English and mathematics (and science for primary phase apprentices) before full enrolment onto the programme.
If you have not passed these at the time of application, they will be part of your conditions of offer.
If I already hold a 2:1 bachelor’s degree, do I still need to take GCSE English?
Yes, GCSE English language or literature is still required.
What additional advice is available to ensure I am eligible for the bursary?
The is the best source of information regarding grant funding and bursaries. When you apply you will be sent an online form to assess your programme eligibility, for example confirming you meet the age, residency and academic criteria and do not already hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Regarding immigration rules, do I need to have been a resident in the UK for three consecutive years to qualify?
You can find information about residency eligibility criteria in the . The 2025/2026 rules state that candidates must have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous three years on the first day of the apprenticeship.
There are specific rules for UK and non-UK nationals so you should look carefully at the guidance.
Do I need to meet any other requirements?
Apprentices are subject to the same qualification, background and suitability checks set out by the DfE as all other candidates for initial teacher training. This includes Disclosure and Barring Service checks, health checks and academic qualifications.
Programme structure and content
Will the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship run in September 2026?
Yes, we currently start the programme in early September each academic year. Apprentice contracts with their employer typically start on 1 September of that academic year.
What will the course involve? For example, will apprentices need to have their own class, or will they share a class and shadow a teacher?
Employing schools can deploy their apprentices in a range of ways, provided that they are employed full time (a minimum of 30 hours per week) and receive a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.
In primary schools, apprentices often have a class teaching responsibility for their own class during part of the week. In secondary schools, apprentices will be deployed to teach their subject as part of the school timetable.
Apprentices do not need to be supernumerary, which means that although they will receive extensive supervision and support they will not typically have a qualified teacher in class with them.
Will I just be based in one school?
As well as your main employing school, you will undertake a placement in a contrasting school for a minimum of four weeks. This ensures that you teach children from different backgrounds and gain expertise of different approaches to teaching and to school organisation and management.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the apprenticeship route?
As an apprentice you will receive a full-time unqualified teacher pay scale (minimum point 1) salary. You also benefit from being fully embedded in a school community, working alongside expert teachers and learning while you earn.
Training with the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø means you receive expert input from a proven outstanding provider, highly experienced in successful teacher training.
Apprentices should be aware that employment-based routes into teaching can be demanding and fast paced. They suit people who are independent, well-organised, good at managing their time, reflective and quick to take feedback on board.
Placements and support
Will I be supported in finding a school to employ me during the course, or will this be my responsibility?
It is your responsibility to find an employing school for your apprenticeship. Often, apprentices have previously been members of the school community, for example holding a teaching assistant or higher level teaching assistant position.
Do you have a list of schools in specific areas that are open to apprentices?
As well as approaching schools directly, you can look on our website for schools who may have the capacity to employ an apprentice in a specific phase, sector or subject.
What support will I get in school?
You will receive a minimum of 1.5 hours of mentor support throughout your apprenticeship. Your mentor will regularly observe and meet with you to discuss your progress and set targets towards the apprenticeship standard and QTS.
What support does the University provide?
You will have a named apprenticeship tutor who will visit you regularly throughout your apprenticeship to quality assure your training, provide support and guidance, and ensure you are on track.
You will also have an academic tutor who will reach out to you regularly to provide support and ensure that any personal circumstances or additional needs are met.
What off-the-job training will I receive?
Your university-led training will take place throughout the year, led by subject- and phase-specific experts.
As well as learning about subject- and phase-specific teaching and learning strategies, how children learn and evidence-informed teaching, you will receive Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) on key areas of practice. These include managing behaviour, effective modelling, adapting teaching for children with additional needs, and working with parents or carers and other adults.
In school, as well as putting your learning from university-led training into practice, you will have extensive opportunities to observe other teachers, practice your teaching skills, and attend staff meetings and in-service training.
Will I need to attend university?
Yes, some central training takes place at the University on our purpose-built London Road campus. This is supplemented by online training, directed tasks and independent study within your off-the-job training hours, ensuring that you benefit from outstanding teaching alongside managing your workload and wellbeing.
Routes and application processes
What does the application process for apprenticeships involve?
When you apply, after ensuring you meet the initial application criteria (academic qualifications and suitability), you will complete a form so that we can assess your eligibility against the Apprenticeship Funding Rules. Provided this assessment is positive, you will then be called for interview.
What different routes do you offer?
Through the primary route you can apply for the 3–7, general primary (5–11) or SEND pathway. The SEND pathway is for those employed to work in a special school and setting, and may involve working with children in Key Stages 3 and 4 as well as the Early Years, KS1 or KS2, depending upon the stage of development of the class and curriculum covered.
For the secondary age-range we cover a range of subjects.
Will I also get an academic award?
A benefit of doing your teacher apprenticeship through the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø is that you will gain an academic award alongside your apprenticeship and QTS.
All successful apprentices gain a minimum of Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (level 6), or you can choose to apply for the level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Education, which requires paying an additional £1,540.
Please note these academic awards are not part of the funded apprenticeship, so your study for the PGCE is not counted within your off-the-job training hours and cannot be paid for by levy funds.
What should I do if I have further questions?
Please email pgta@reading.ac.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.