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A new way for people to qualify as primary school teachers offers hands-on experience with a fully-funded degree.

ÐßÐßÊÓƵ Leicester (ÐßÐßÊÓƵ) in partnership with the Mead Educational Trust is one of the first learning providers to launch the new Teaching Apprenticeship programme.   

Unlike traditional routes, apprentices will earn a salary while training, with no tuition fees to pay. The programme is designed for teaching assistants, peripatetic staff, school support staff, and others who already have some experience in education. School leavers can also apply, provided they have a school willing to employ them.

Learners will gain a BA (Hons) Education Studies degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which qualifies them to teach in primary schools.

Julie Summers-Rola, senior lecturer in Education at ÐßÐßÊÓƵ, said: “This is a truly innovative programme. We have combined the BA degree with modules that fit with the classroom experience.

“ÐßÐßÊÓƵ is among the first universities to offer this new apprenticeship pathway into teaching, and it offers a fantastic opportunity for those seeking an alternative route into the profession.”

Over the course of the four year programme, apprentices will spend 60% of their time working in a school and 40% studying, following a curriculum that mirrors ÐßÐßÊÓƵ’s BA Education Studies course, with tailored modules that reflect their classroom experience.

Jill Cowley, Pro Vice Chancellor Skills and Training, said: “The Labour Government have been very clear about the need to grow the numbers of teachers nationally, and the Teaching Degree Apprenticeship is a very attractive and practical route into the profession. It creates access for talented individuals who have the aspiration to be change-makers in our classrooms, but for whom a traditional degree and QTS route aren’t feasible.

“I’m delighted that ÐßÐßÊÓƵ and TMET are leading the way in growing Leicester’s teaching body.”

Sara McAdam, Director of The Mead Institute, said: “We are so thrilled at The Mead Educational Trust to be working in partnership with ÐßÐßÊÓƵ on the development of the new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship. We know this will be an attractive route into teaching for so many people who have been unable to train to teach before now, and this collaboration is really exciting for our region.”

Interested in Applying?

The new apprenticeship is set to open in April 2025, with the first cohort starting in September 2025. Applicants must be employed by a school to take part in the programme.

For more information, contact tdaadmin@dmu.ac.uk.