Frequently Asked Questions

• The apprenticeship cost is £9000, paid from the apprenticeship levy – there is no cost to your school or the apprentice.
• Your school is responsible for paying the apprentice’s salary and associated employment oncosts. Apprentices are paid on the unqualified teacher scale (at least at UNQ1) and are employed full time for the duration of their training contract (July 2025 – 31st August 2026).
• Candidates undertaking a PGCE must pay an additional £1,545. PGCE is subject to validation by Sheffield Hallam University.
• There are no payments made directly to the school for the placements as this would breach the funding rules for apprenticeships.

We’ll be accepting applications from internal candidates in the first instance. This means candidates who are currently working in the school they wish to train to teach in. They might be teaching assistants, HLTAs, or those who’ve entered the role though pastoral or SEND provision and have not had the chance to gain QTS. Candidates should only be nominated if your school is able to offer an apprenticeship role.

If your school is looking to fill a vacancy with an apprentice, Exchange Apprenticeships can work with schools to support you in recruiting an apprentice, who can then be assessed for eligibility to join our ITT programme. This process will open in 2025.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing
• Drama*
• English
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• MFL (French/Spanish)
• Music
• Physics
• Physical Education
• Primary 3-7
• Primary 5-11

*Subject to approval by Sheffield Hallam University

Yes, we require potential apprentices to have the following:

• A degree awarded by a UK higher education provider, or a recognised equivalent qualification with supporting ENIC certificate.
• A standard equivalent to grade C/4, or above, in the GCSE examinations in English and Mathematics.
• To teach pupils aged three to 11 (early years and primary), a standard equivalent to a grade C/4, or above, in a GCSE science subject examination.
• If a GCSE equivalence examination is taken in English and/or mathematics, additionally Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications are required to meet the apprenticeship gateway criteria.
• To teach at secondary level, a degree in the subject the apprentice wishes to teach although A-level subjects may be considered, and Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses are also available.
• Classroom experience of at least 12 months – length and roles may vary depending on the experience of each individual. This does not necessarily need to be 12 months in their current school.
• All apprentices must meet the ESFA Apprenticeship eligibility criteria.

Please complete our employer expression of interest form, and we’ll get back to you.

Firstly, you’ll need to confirm with your school that they would like to take you on as an apprentice and can agree to the terms listed above. Please direct them to this webpage.