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Apprenticeships as a route into teaching is becoming increasingly common. More students accepted an offer on a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship for the year 2025/26 than we have seen since the scheme was introduced in 2018. 

Similarly, the new teacher degree apprenticeship route was taken up by more than 180 students in 2025/26, even with this being the first year it’s been offered. 

This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re exploring what makes apprenticeships different from other teacher training routes and the benefits of taking on an apprentice at your school. 

School apprenticeships as a route into teaching 

For school and trust leaders, recruitment problems and the ongoing teacher retention crisis have made innovative and cost-effective ways to train new teachers essential. 

Apprenticeships mean trainees receive a salary while they train. Many are government-funded for in-demand subjects, such as sciences and mathematics.  

Apprenticeships in these subjects are a great way for schools to nurture new talent in subjects that are becoming increasingly harder to fill. Similarly, government funding means schools can reap the benefits of an apprentice without adding financial pressure.

Common apprenticeships in education include: 

• Postgraduate teaching apprenticeship (PGTA): for trainees who already have a bachelor’s degree 

• Teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA): a new programme that combines the undergraduate degree and apprenticeship routes

Teaching apprenticeship benefits for schools

As apprenticeships are a newer route into teaching, many school and trust leaders are less familiar with them than more traditional ITT programmes – but schools reap a range of benefits from teaching apprenticeships. 

Inclusion and finding new talent 

Because apprentices earn a salary while they qualify, apprenticeships remove a financial barrier for people who otherwise might not be able to get into teaching. 

This means that not only can taking on an apprentice diversify your workforce – which in itself has proven benefits – but it also enables you to discover talent that you otherwise would not. 

Ultimately, this results in a better teaching experience for your students and improved outcomes for your school. 

Improving outcomes 

Apprentices undertake a combination of theoretical study, which provides the foundational knowledge for becoming a great teacher, and hands-on time working practically in a school. 

The combination of these two creates a strong foundation that is likely to result in high-quality teaching. 

Similarly, training your future staff within your own school means they get to know your school culture, ways of working, and build relationships with students, parents and colleagues – which also supports their teaching. 

More consistent and effective teaching means better outcomes for students and a stronger school culture. 

Retention and recruitment 

Teacher recruitment is tough in 2026 – and with , improving retention is a priority. 

School apprenticeships help you not only recruit but retain talented members of staff – especially in subject areas that can often be harder to fill, such as STEM subjects. 

In terms of retention, an early career teacher who has trained and built relationships at your school is more likely to stay to seek out progression. 

Similarly, offering existing staff a route to progress shows them their development matters to you and encourages them to stay at your school. 

The financial benefit 

Taking on a teaching apprentice is an incredibly financially sustainable option for schools. 

For a PGTA, the Department for Education (DfE) covers 100% of course fees for schools who pay the apprenticeship levy – and 95% of fees for schools who don't. Plus, funding is also available to study Functional Skills level 2 to meet the requirements in English and maths competency, if required. 

While the employing school is required to pay the apprentice’s salary for the full duration of the course, there are also  to cover an apprentice’s salary, based on which subject they teach – if an apprentice is training to teach a STEM subject, for example, you may be able to take them on at no cost to your school. 

This means you gain a valuable and committed member of staff at little to no cost.

Apprenticeships in education at ÌÇÐÄVlog Institute 

At ÌÇÐÄVlog Institute, we’ve worked with educators and schools for more than 100 years. We understand the challenges schools face today and have qualified more than 3,000 teachers to date. 

Get in touch with our team of experts to explore how we can support you to take on an apprentice in your school and improve recruitment, retention and student outcomes. 

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