Training for apprentices begins on Monday 6th September 2027 with our two-day Induction Conference. Apprentices start their placements in school in the first week in September, working a 60-80% timetable (of their 4 days in school), whilst completing the Exchange Teacher Training Initial Teacher Education programme.
All apprentices must be released for the following mandatory training :-
Apprentices will be recommended for QTS by early July 2028, and complete their end point assessment for the apprenticeship in the Autumn Term. All successful apprentices are invited to our graduation ceremony in July 2028.
Learn more about the ETT programme
There are two approaches to employing an apprentice:
In some schools and organisations, an existing member of staff has been identified for further training and development, which can be delivered through an apprenticeship.
The school or employer can contact Exchange Apprenticeships, and we can jointly complete the selection and initial assessment.
If the school or college has a post that can be filled by an apprentice during training but does not have a suitable current employee, Exchange Apprenticeships can advertise and complete the initial selection process, then present a shortlist to the school or employer for interview.
Following a successful interview, the initial assessment is conducted by Exchange Apprenticeships and the employer, as in the first scenario.
Apprentices will be recommended for QTS by early July 2028, and complete their end point assessment alongside the recommendation for QTS in the summer term. We strongly recommend that all apprentices undertake a PGCE but the fee of £1545 must be funded by the apprentice or by the school. PGCE is subject to validation by Sheffield Hallam University.
Grant funding is available to contribute to the costs of employing trainees on postgraduate teaching apprenticeship courses in shortage subjects:
The formal training is delivered by Exchange Teacher Training in conjunction with the employer. The training plan explains who is delivering what and how it links together. The apprentice will be assigned a dedicated mentor who is experienced enough to support the training and offer guidance to the apprentice. Mentor requirements for the Teacher Apprenticeship are the same as for our initial teacher training programme.
The apprenticeship programme defines the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours the apprentice acquires during training. These are supported and assessed by a Lead Mentor. They will visit the apprentice regularly in their place of work and speak to them and their mentor about their progress. They are also able to provide further training and resolve any issues that may arise.
End Point Assessment (EPA) of the apprenticeship will be completed along side assessment for QTS to evaluate Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours against those defined in the apprenticeship standard. The judgements for both EPA and awarding of QTS will be externally moderated and verified.
I’m a school leader and want to nominate an apprentice, what’s the next step?
Please complete our employer expression of interest form, and we’ll get back to you.
I work in a school and want to remain there as an apprentice, what's the next step?
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.