Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA)
Gain QTS in just one year, pay no tuition fees, and get expert support from Teach First – all while training in a local school.
Start your teaching career with structure, support and a salary
The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) is a new, one-year, full-time programme for graduates who want a practical, local and fully funded way to become a teacher - grounded in Teach First’s 20-plus years of experience tackling educational inequality.
Train on the job from your very first day. You'll teach in a local secondary school four days a week and spend one day a week in expert-led training. Throughout, you’ll be guided by an experienced in-school mentor and Teach First Development Leads.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have:
- Qualified teacher status (QTS)
- Level 6 Teaching Apprenticeship qualification
- Lead your own classes as a salaried teacher
Currently available:
Biology and Maths in the East Midlands
Train to teach one of these high-demand subjects in a local secondary school – with expert support from day one.
Why choose the PGTA?
A salaried, school-based route with real classroom experience and expert support.
- Earn while you learn: You’ll be employed and salaried from the start
- No tuition fees: The programme is funded through the apprenticeship levy
- Immersed in school from day one: Lead lessons in a real classroom, four days a week
- Expert support: Receive guidance from your school mentor and Teach First
- Optional PGCE: Gain academic credit, if you choose
- Local placement, local impact: Train in a school close to home and make a difference in your community
Is the PGTA right for you?
This is a full-time programme. You’ll be employed full time in a school while completing your training.
You’re eligible if you have:
- A UK bachelor’s degree (2:2 or above) or international equivalent
- GCSE grade C/4 or above in maths and English
- Demonstrable subject knowledge or experience in biology or mathematics
What can you teach and where?
The PGTA is currently available in the following subjects:
- Biology
- Mathematics
You’ll be placed in a secondary school in the East Midlands, matched as locally as possible.
Have more questions? Find your answers in the FAQs.
Train to teach with support, salary and no fees
Apply for the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship and start changing lives today.
What your training year looks like
The PGTA is a full-time, school-based programme that combines hands-on teaching experience with structured, high-quality training – so you're never learning in isolation. You’ll be part of a supportive team, growing your skills and confidence where it matters most: in the classroom.
Each week includes:
- 4 days in school – leading lessons and learning from experienced colleagues, supported by a dedicated mentor
- 1 day of training – through live seminars, self-directed study and subject-specific sessions
- Regular progress reviews – aligned with the apprenticeship standard and QTS requirements, helping you stay on track
You’ll also receive:
- A dedicated school-based mentor who supports your day-to-day development
- Teach First Development Leads – offering expert guidance throughout your training year
- Feedback, coaching and resources tailored to your subject and teaching context
- 4 weeks of Intensive Training and Practice to accelerate your teaching and learning skills
- 1 week experience, in another school
You’ll be supported every step of the way as you develop the knowledge, resilience and presence to succeed as a confident early career teacher – and by the end of the programme you’ll qualify with QTS, a Level 6 Apprenticeship, and the option to add a PGCE.
We’ve built this programme to balance classroom experience with expert-led training – so you grow into the role with confidence.
Get paid to train – with no tuition fees
As a PGTA trainee, you’ll be employed full-time by your placement school and paid as an unqualified teacher.
- No tuition fees – funded through the apprenticeship levy
- Optional PGCE – available for an additional fee, paid to Teach First’s university partner (TBC)
- Salary – from day one, you will be paid inline with the unqualified teacher pay scale, scale 3 - minimum £27,784
How to apply
Applications open: 7 October 2025
Apply through the Department for Education’s Apply service. Places are limited and filled on a rolling basis — early application is recommended.
Key dates:
- Open: 7 October 2025
- Close: Spring 2026 (TBC)
- Programme starts: September 2026
Register your interest before 7 October.
Your questions, answered
Eligibility
- What qualifications do I need?
You need a UK bachelor’s degree (2:2 or above) or international equivalent and GCSE grade C/4 or above in maths and English.
We are not able to consider candidates with pending GCSEs. Functional skills qualifications are not equivalent to mathematics and English GCSEs. We accept most equivalency test providers. You will need to pass your GCSE equivalency test before you apply to our programme. We will not process your application until you have passed.
- Do you accept overseas qualifications?
Yes. All overseas qualifications must be verified by UK ENIC to ensure they meet programme requirements.
- Do I need teaching experience to apply?
You do not need school experience to apply for the PGTA, but it is strongly recommended to strengthen your application and consolidate your commitment to making an impact in the classroom.
- Can I apply in my final year of university?
Yes. You’re welcome to apply in your final year, as long as your degree has been awarded by the time the programme starts.
Qualifications
- What qualifications will I receive?
You’ll gain QTS and a Level 6 Teaching Apprenticeship. A PGCE can also be completed (at additional cost).
Subject knowledge
- What level of subject knowledge is required?
You’ll need sufficient subject knowledge to lead lessons and deliver the curriculum confidently. This can come from your degree, A-levels, or relevant professional experience.
Experience could include:
- Teaching or supporting in schools (e.g. as a TA, academic mentor or unqualified teacher)
- Subject-related work experience (e.g. as a lab technician)
If you're unsure about your subject knowledge, get in touch with our team.
- Can you support me with subject knowledge before joining?
If you’re successful in the application process, we’ll advise whether you’re eligible for a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course. However, SKEs do not replace the need to demonstrate subject knowledge at the application stage.
Programme structure
- When does the programme start?
You’ll start your programme in September 2026 and finish the training in July 2027.
- Is this a full-time programme?
Yes, you’ll be employed full-time in a school while completing your training.
- How will I be assessed?
You'll complete six progress reviews including a QTS assessment to gain QTS and a final end-point assessment (EPA) to gain your apprenticeship qualification.
Application process
- Can I apply with overseas qualifications?
Yes, overseas qualifications must be verified by UK ENIC. You’ll also need the legal right to work in the UK for the full programme duration. Please be advised that Teach First cannot sponsor visas.
Support and development
- How will I be supported during the programme?
The PGTA is designed and delivered by Teach First and apprentices will be employed in a partner school. You will be part of a supportive team including experienced colleagues, a school-based mentor and a Teach First Development Leads.
Why Teach First?
We’ve been training teachers and developing leaders since 2003 so that children facing the toughest challenges unlock their full potential. As the country’s largest provider of teacher training, all our programmes are rated outstanding by Ofsted – so you’ll be in expert hands from day one.
Train to teach with the PGTA - earn while you learn
Have further questions? Get in touch here.