How do primary teaching apprenticeships work?

The structure of a primary teaching apprenticeship

A primary teaching apprenticeship typically combines:

• Paid employment in a primary school

• University-led academic study

• Structured mentoring and classroom observation

• Gradually increasing teaching responsibility
   

You are immersed in school life from day one. Over time, you move from supporting lessons to planning, delivering and assessing learning more independently.

Most programmes last between three and four years, depending on the provider and structure.

What qualifications do you gain?

A Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship leads to:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Often a PGCE qualification
   

These are the same professional outcomes achieved through traditional university-led teacher training routes.

By the end of the apprenticeship, you are fully qualified to work as a primary school teacher in state-maintained schools in England.

How does funding and salary work?

As a teaching apprentice, you are employed and paid throughout your training. Tuition fees are covered through apprenticeship funding, meaning you do not personally pay university fees.

Your salary is paid by your employing school or trust. This allows you to gain four years of professional experience while earning and building your career.

How the Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship works at Catalyst Academies Trust

Catalyst Academies Trust delivers a 36-month Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship in partnership with Brighton University, designed for aspiring primary teachers in Essex.

Apprentices are employed within one of our primary schools in Thurrock, including Grays, South Ockendon and Aveley, earning £24,000 per year with no tuition fees to pay.

The programme structure includes:

• Monday to Thursday in school, gaining practical teaching experience from the outset
   

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

• Three weeks of university-based training in Brighton each year
   

• Dedicated support from a school mentor, Brighton University tutor visits and a Trust ITT manager
   

Teaching responsibility increases gradually across the four years, ensuring you develop into a confident and capable classroom teacher. In Year 2, you complete a six-week placement in a contrasting school within the Trust to broaden your experience.

Entry requirements include:

• 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

The programme is also suitable for career changers and individuals already working in schools who hold a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent.

Is a primary teaching apprenticeship right for you?

This route can be ideal if you:

• Prefer learning through practical experience

• Want to avoid full-time university study

• Need to earn while you train

• Are changing careers into teaching

• Are already working in a school and want to progress
   

It provides a structured, supportive pathway into primary teaching with clear progression and professional development.

Taking the next step

Primary teaching apprenticeships combine employment, academic study and professional training into one structured pathway. You gain a degree, QTS and classroom experience while earning a salary.

If you are considering becoming a primary school teacher in Essex, the Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship with Catalyst Academies Trust offers a clear, supported and employment-based route into the profession.