Reimagining Teacher Training: Flexible Pathways for Aspiring Educators

As schools reopen for the autumn term, it’s not only the pupils who will be entering a new classroom for the first time – there’ll be quite a few trainee teachers too.  

In line with its drive to give thousands more people the chance to train to teach, the government cut the length of its level 6 postgraduate teaching degree apprenticeship (PGTA) from 12 months to nine months, as of August 5 2025.  

And it’s also introduced a new level 6 teaching degree apprenticeship for people who don’t already have a degree.  

The reason given for shortening the PGTA’s period to gateway is to attract an extra 6,500 teachers into the profession, train them more quickly and align their training with the school calendar. 

Previously this post graduate course ran from September to September, so apprentices faced months of waiting before they could get in front of a class and start teaching.  

Introducing the level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship  

The start of term also heralds the arrival of the new level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship, approved for delivery last month. (August 2025)  

This programme offers non-graduates the opportunity to work towards a bachelor's degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – both at the same time. To be accepted, apprentices must meet the entry requirements for initial teacher training (ITT) as set out by the Department for Education (DfE), typically holding Level 3 qualifications such as A levels or a T Level, and the equivalent of GCSEs Grade 4 in Maths and English. 

Attracting maximum funding of £27,000, this integrated degree apprenticeship usually takes around four years to gateway and is regulated by the DfE. 

There are currently nine training providers delivering the new course, eight of them universities, with some offering training on day release and others on a block release basis.  

The occupation standard for this apprenticeship and the PGTA (which has a ceiling funding of £9,000) applies to a range of different school settings teaching children and young people aged from three to 19 years. 

The Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) required by apprentice teachers will include how to:  

• Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils, establishing a safe and stimulating learning environment for them.  
• Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of how they learn. 
• Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge. 
• Plan and teach well-structured lessons, imparting knowledge and developing understanding through effective lesson time.  
• Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils. 
• Make accurate and productive use of assessment. 
• Manage pupil behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment. 
• Fulfil wider professional responsibilities, making a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school. 

Duties include lesson planning and teaching the classes they are assigned to teach within the context of the school’s plans, curriculum and schemes of work. Apprentice teachers will also be expected to promote safety and wellbeing, maintain good order and discipline, work with others on curriculum and pupil development and communicate with pupils, parents and carers.  

When they’ve successfully completed their apprenticeship, learners on the new integrated course will receive a BA or BSc degree that aligns to the occupational standard and leads to the award of Qualified Teaching Status. (QTS) Those on the PGTA course will gain QTS. 

Local authorities, schools, special schools, education partnerships and academy trusts were all involved in creating both occupation standards.  

Making the most of the apprenticeship levy with Onefile’s free guide   

Apprenticeships are a brilliant way for schools and academy trusts to train and upskill their staff, so it’s great to see them extended to even more teaching recruits via the new level 6 integrated course.  

For schools, there's never been a better time to invest in apprenticeships, but they need to act fast. The funds they pay into the apprenticeship levy will only stay in their NAS accounts for 24 months. After that the money will go back to the government for allocation to small and medium sized businesses.  

To find out how you can make the most of your apprenticeship levy, download Onefile’s free guide.