INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING
Routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Postgraduate Initial Teacher Training
We offer teacher training programmes in Primary (5-11) and Secondary (11-16) with enrichment opportunities in SEND, post-16 and alternative provision.
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The postgraduate ITT route to QTS is suitable for anyone, university leavers, career changers or for those currently working in schools in other roles.
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Trainees are based in our partner schools four days per week and attend training one day per week, either online or face-to-face at our training centre at Sirius Academy West.
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Trainee teachers on this route will be supported by their subject specific lead mentor, an in-school mentor and our pastoral mentor. Trainee teachers will be supported in each lesson by their host teacher and overall responsibility for the classes' achievement, wellbeing and behaviour remains with the host teacher.
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Trainees are required to fund the training themselves. However, tuition fee loans are available to cover the costs of the training, as well as maintenance loans and bursaries for eligible applicants.
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Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship
The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is an alternative to traditional university-based teacher training. Trainee teachers are employed by a school while learning on the job.
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The apprenticeship route to QTS is suitable for those with experience working in schools as teaching assistants, unqualified teachers or in other support roles.
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Applicants must be employed in a school prior to applying and the school must be prepared to employ the apprentice for the duration of their apprenticeship.
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The fees for this route to QTS are funded by the employing school's apprenticeship levy. There is no cost for the apprentice or the school.
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This route is not suitable for those without experience of working in schools. Teaching apprentices have a higher teaching load than postgraduate ITT trainees and they are solely responsible for their classes' achievement, wellbeing and behaviour.
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Teaching apprentices are supported by subject mentor, pastoral mentor and in-school mentor through weekly mentor meetings.
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Teaching apprentices are employees and therefore not eligible for student finance or bursaries.
Assessment Only Route
The Assessment Only route to QTS is for participants who have significant practical teaching experience.
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Participants need to demonstrate that they meet all the standards for QTS without teacher training. This is done by completing a series of assessments, including lessons observations and a portfolio of evidence.
The Assessment Only programme takes up to 12 weeks (excluding school holidays) and participants need to be employed in a school in England during the assessment period.
The cost of the Assessment Only route is £3000. This can be funded by the participant or by the employing school.
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To be eligible for the Assessment Only route you need to meet all of these conditions:
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be able to show you meet the teacher's standards without any more training
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have worked in 2 or more schools
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have a degree
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have GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths (and Science if you want to teach primary)
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Teaching assistants are unlikely to have the required experience for this route. In exceptional circumstances HLTAs who have worked at least 2 years independently teaching classes may be eligible.
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For more information please email admin@yhtt.ac.uk. ​​
What are we looking for in our trainee teachers?
The basics
You will have an undergraduate degree of at least lower second class honours or be studying towards one. Ideally your degree will be related to the subject you wish to train in. If your degree is not related to your subject you must have a UK A Level of grade C or above in that subject.
You will also have GCSEs in English and Maths of grade 4/C or above for all courses and also a GCSE in Science of grade 4/C or above if you wish to train as a primary school teacher.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Teachers work with people all day, every day – so being able to communicate clearly and build positive relationships is vital. We’re looking for future teachers who can listen, speak with confidence, and connect with others in a supportive and respectful way. These skills help you create a strong learning environment where pupils feel valued and understood.
Passion
We are looking for applicants who are passionate about working with young people and passionate about their subject or phase. Strong subject knowledge helps you build confidence in the classroom and we will support you to develop this further as you train.
Readiness
Training to teach is an exciting, challenging journey – and we’re looking for people who are ready to embrace it with energy and openness. You don’t need to know everything before you start, but a willingness to learn, adapt and grow is essential. Great teachers are made, not born, and having the right mindset from day one sets you up for success on your teacher training course.
Reflective, Responsive and Proactive
No two days are the same in teaching, and being able to reflect and adapt is a huge strength. We are looking for trainees who are open to feedback, ready to learn from their experiences, and keen to keep improving. Taking responsibility for your own progress, while seeking support and guidance, shows a proactive attitude that will serve you well throughout your teacher training year and beyond.​​
AT A GLANCE
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Postgraduate Initial Teacher Training
Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship
Assessment Only
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Course Length
11 months
11 months
12 weeks
Qualification
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) & PGCE
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
In-school placement
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4 days a week
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4 days a week
Applicant must have taught in 2 schools
Training
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1 day a week, either online or centre based
1 day a week, either online or centre based
No further training necessary
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Support
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Lead Mentor Visits
In-school Mentor
Host Teachers
Pastoral Mentor
Lead Mentor Visits
In-school Mentor
Pastoral Mentor​
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Assessor
In-school Mentor
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Study mode
Full Time
Full Time
Full Time or part time
Tuition Fee
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£9535 - funded by the trainee either privately or through a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England
£9,000 - funded by Apprenticeship Levy
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£2500 funded either privately by the participant or by the employing schol
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Entry Requirements
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Bachelors Degree (2:2 or above or equivalent)
GCSE grade 4/C in English, Maths and Science (or equivalent)
Bachelors Degree (2:2 or above or equivalent)
GCSE grade 4/C in English, Maths and Science (or equivalent)​
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Bachelors Degree (2:2 or above or equivalent)
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GCSE grade 4/C in English, Maths and Science (or equivalent)
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Must have worked in at least 2 schools
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Must meet the teaching standards without further training
Financial Support
Support via Student Finance England
Bursaries
Apprentices are classed as employees and need to be on at least unqualified teacher 1. Financial support is available via Universal Credit.
The employer will receive a salary grant for employing the apprentice.
There is no financial support for undertaking the Assessment Only Route
School Experience
We welcome potential applicants to complete school experience in any of our primary or secondary schools. Initially this will be one day of school experience where you will shadow teachers in your chosen phase or subject.
During your experience you will:
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observe lessons
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see how teachers manage a classroom
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find out how specific subjects are taught
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speak to teachers and interact with pupils
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learn more about teacher training - including the application and interview process