Schools employ apprentices in a wide range of roles, from direct student support (like Teaching Assistants for mainstream, SEND, or literacy) to business functions (like Business Administration, HR, Finance, IT Support, Marketing), and even for teaching itself via postgraduate teacher apprenticeships, covering roles from Early Years to management, all combining paid work with formal training.
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you’ll:
- be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
Apprenticeships can take from 8 months to 6 years to complete, depending on the type and level of the apprenticeship.
Levels of apprenticeship
Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.
| Level | Equivalent educational level | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation and Intermediate | 2 | GCSE |
| Advanced | 3 | A level |
| Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above |
| Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.
Who can start an apprenticeship
To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:
- 16 or over
- living in England
- not in full-time education
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.
If you have relevant experience
You could spend less time training or qualify earlier if you have relevant experience. This includes having:
- qualifications, such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in a relevant subject
- industry or sector experience
- completed training, such as an IT course
You can agree this with your training provider and employer when you start your apprenticeship.
- Early Years Apprenticeships
- Teacher degree apprenticeships (TDAs)
- Search your area and see what schools are offering apprenticeships or see below what apprentiships roles are live on our website.
Explore apprenticeships in education
Interested in starting an apprenticeship in a Catholic school or college? Visit a Catholic Recruitment Education Careers Fair to learn about apprenticeship routes in education and speak directly with schools and training providers offering work‑based pathways.
👉 Find a Catholic Recruitment Fair near you
https://catholicrecruitment.co.uk/cr-fairs2026-27/
School Apprenticeships: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a school apprenticeship?
It is a paid job where you gain hands-on experience in a school while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. You typically spend 80% of your time working in the classroom and 20% “off-the-job” for study and training.
Do I get paid?
Yes. As of April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices has increased. All apprentices under 19 (or those 19+ in their first year) earn at least £8.00 per hour, though many schools pay more to attract top talent. You are also entitled to paid holidays and sick pay.
What levels are available?
There are several pathways depending on your current qualifications:
- Level 3 (Teaching Assistant): Equivalent to A-Levels. Great for school leavers or career changers.
- Level 6 (Teacher Degree Apprenticeship – TDA): A new route for 2026 that allows you to earn a full Bachelor’s degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) simultaneously over 3–4 years, with no tuition fees.
- Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship: For those who already have a degree and want a salaried route to QTS.
Can I become a teacher without a degree?
Yes! Starting in Autumn 2026, the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) is widely available. It is specifically designed for people like Teaching Assistants or school leavers who want to qualify as a teacher while staying employed.
What are the entry requirements?
Most school apprenticeships require:
- GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths (and Science for Primary roles).
- For the Degree Apprenticeship (TDA), you will also typically need A-Levels or equivalent UCAS points.
- A valid DBS check (the school will usually arrange this).
Current Apprenticeship Vacancies on our website
