Ranked 1st in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

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 12 months with BGU's Secondary 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. 

All of our Secondary Teacher Apprentices work with both a university subject specialist and school-based mentor throughout the program. This dual expertise in your teaching subject is just one way we ensure you develop strong subject knowledge alongside practical classroom skills.

Key facts

Duration

12 months

Mode of study

Full-time blended

Start date

September

Awarding Institution

Bishop Grosseteste University

If you are interested in our Secondary Teacher Apprenticeship either as an apprentice or employer, please fill in the form here and a member of the team will be in touch.

About this apprenticeship

The Secondary Teacher Apprenticeship at Bishop Grosseteste University offers a 12-month route to Qualified Teacher Status for those with a relevant degree. This apprenticeship program 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 program 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

To join our Secondary Teacher Apprenticeship program, you will need:

  • 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 and Mathematics.

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

All applicants must:

  • 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.

Speak to us today

If you'd like to find out how we can support you in recruiting an apprentice into your business, please email us at apprenticeships@bishopg.ac.uk or call 01522 563872 for more information.

FAQs

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.

To apply for the Secondary 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.

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.

Throughout the apprenticeship you are required to complete an assessment for each module or unit. Module assessments include written assignments, presentations, or reports. At the end of your on-programme learning duration of the apprenticeship, you will be required to complete your End Point Assessment (EPA). The format of the EPA varies depending on the apprenticeship you study. EPA assessment methods can include professional discussions, projects, presentations and a portfolio of evidence.

To be recommended for QTS, you will need to meet all the current requirements.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Further details can be found at:

Apprenticeship funding rules - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)