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Primary Teaching Apprenticeship in Essex

✔ Get a degree and qualify as a primary school teacher

✔ Earn a salary of £24,000 per year 

✔ No Tuition fees to pay

Catalyst Academies Trust are offering an opportunity to qualify as a primary school teacher through an employment-based apprenticeship within Essex. This 36-month programme allows you to gain a degree in Primary Education, achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and complete a PGCE, all while working in one of our Essex-based primary schools and earning a full-time salary. 

You will be fully immersed in classroom life from day one, developing the skills, experience and confidence required to set you up for a successful career in teaching.

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Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship

Our Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Brighton University who will provide much of your study contact time. You will be employed by the Catalyst Academies Trust and placed within one of our primary schools in Thurrock, Essex (with schools in Grays, South Ockendon and Aveley). 

Throughout the programme, you will:

  • Gain a BA (Hons) in Primary Education

  • Achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

  • Complete a PGCE qualification

  • Train in line with the national Core Content Framework

You will learn through high-quality mentoring, structured classroom practice and university study. The programme is carefully phased to gradually increase your teaching responsibilities as you progress through the apprenticeship.

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Programme Structure

  • Monday - Thursday working in a Catalyst Academies Trust primary school, building practical teaching experience from the outset

  • University-directed study every Friday. 75% delivered online and 25% face to face.

  • 3 weeks of university-based training at Brighton University

  • Visits from a dedicated mentor at Brighton University 

  • An ITT manager providing consistent support throughout the 45-month apprenticeship

In Year 2, you will complete a six-week placement in a contrasting school within the Trust to broaden your experience and strengthen your professional development. There will also be subject-specific training tailored to your individual needs.

Entry Requirements

  • Aged 18 or over

  • Grade 4 or equivalent in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science

  • Minimum Grade C or above in three A levels (candidates with lower grades will still be considered if they have relevant school experience) 

  • Applicants who gain an equivalency using the A Star equivalency test will be considered

  • Applicants with approved BTEC courses can apply

We are open to career changers looking to transition into teaching who are passionate about working with children and making a difference in primary education.

How to Apply

If you are ready to begin your journey into primary teaching, apply directly through the link below. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview at one of our schools in Thurrock, Essex.

Apply Now

Additional Pathways to Become a Primary School Teacher

Catalyst Academies Trust offer multiple routes to get into teaching, all of which involve hands-on experience at one of our schools based in the Essex area. Click to find out more about our Initial Teacher Training programmes and our Teaching Assistant training courses.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you become a primary school teacher without a degree?

You do not need a university degree to apply for our primary teaching apprenticeship. Our apprenticeship allows you to earn your degree while training and working in a school.

Can I get paid to train as a primary school teacher?

Catalyst Academies Trust's primary apprenticeship programme offers a yearly salary of £24,000 with no tuition fees. You are employed throughout the programme, gaining hands-on experience while earning.

How long does the Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship take?

The apprenticeship lasts 36 months. Over this time, your teaching responsibilities and exposure to a primary school teacher role increase gradually as your skills and confidence grow.

Where are your primary schools located?

All Catalyst Academies Trust schools are based in Thurrock, including Grays, South Ockendon and Aveley. They are easily accessible from the A13, M25 and local public transport links. Click here to view our schools. 

What qualification will I achieve at the end of the programme?

You will graduate with a degree in Primary Education, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE qualification, enabling you to work as a qualified primary school teacher.

 

Further information

For further details, to find out about our schools, or to express your interest in applying, please email contactus@catrust.org.uk or call us on 01708 852128 (option 5).

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