You’ll need to apply for this course through your employer, with their support. Individuals cannot apply directly to the University.
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An exciting and inspiring place for trainee primary teachers to study
We’ve been rated as ‘Outstanding’ in training primary and secondary teachers, the highest possible grade a provider can receive.
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Recognised for our graduate success, we’re shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025.
Overview
Our apprenticeship route gives you the flexibility to choose the qualification pathway that suits your goals. You can follow the QTS‑only route or opt for the full PGCE programme, gaining 60 Master’s‑level credits alongside a recommendation for QTS. For those interested in specialist training, we also offer PGCE SENDI and PGCE PE pathways. (Please note: these pathways are only available as part of the PGCE programme, not as QTS‑only routes.)
When you’re not on placement, your University‑based training combines lectures, workshops and interactive subject sessions across the full range of National Curriculum subjects. In these sessions, tutors model effective teaching and classroom management techniques, demonstrating best practice. You will also benefit from specialist facilities, including our DT room, gymnasium, music studio and art space, designed to mirror real school environments.
A significant proportion of your training takes place in your employing school, where you’ll learn directly from experienced teachers and subject experts. You will also spend a minimum of five weeks in an alternative setting, giving you valuable experience of teaching in another key stage and broadening your understanding of different school contexts.
Whichever pathway you choose, you will receive high‑quality training that prepares you to succeed in the classroom and progress confidently into a rewarding teaching career.
Course content
You’ll study modules covering the whole primary curriculum to build your subject knowledge and teaching skills, and cover topics like behaviour management and inclusive practice.
All modules are mandatory to ensure you’re eligible for Qualified Teacher Status.
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Careers and employability
Most of our graduate apprentices go on to secure roles within their placement schools, stepping confidently into positions as qualified Primary Teachers.
As your career progresses, your classroom experience and specialist training can open the door to a wide range of leadership opportunities, including:
- Curriculum leader
- SENDI coordinator
- Key stage leader
- Deputy head teacher
- Head teacher
The PGCE is an internationally recognised teaching qualification and can widen your opportunities for a career overseas. You’ll be able to seek work in countries such as America, Australia, and Canada.
"Trainees benefit from an exceptional learning experience at the University of Worcester. This experience instils in them a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference to the lives of the children and young adults in the communities they serve."
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
You will be taught through a combination of interactive seminars, workshops, and lectures. In the seminars you’ll link educational theory to your placement experience, through reflection and evaluation.
You’ll have seminars in all National Curriculum subjects, allowing you to experience the full range of subjects you’ll be teaching in primary schools. A typical session will be interactive, with practical work, group discussions and the chance to ask questions. Practical subjects will be taught in specialist spaces such as DT rooms, gymnasiums, and dance studios.
There are no exams on this course. Instead, you’ll be assessed through a mix of written assignments, debates, presentations, and observations of your teaching.
Teaching and assessment contents
The Teacher Apprenticeship course enables all apprentices to become autonomous learners. The course is designed to support apprentices of varying experiences, needs and background; to develop key/transferable skills and to disseminate good practice in learning and teaching. To achieve this we closely monitor the quality of your experience while training.
You are taught through a combination of:
- School experience in your employing school and an alternative setting
- Studying all areas of learning and teaching across all EYFS and Primary National Curriculum subjects
- Explore 3 key areas of the ITT Core Content Framework
- Tutor-led workshops, lectures, seminars, fieldwork and guest lectures, primarily to introduce underpinning knowledge, theoretical argument, practical skills, central issues, key texts and inter-professional fields of study
- Participation in high level professional discussion, peer presentations and debate, to encourage you to actively engage with and critically challenge the field
- Directed studies and problem-solving tasks provide opportunities to develop approaches that will deepen levels of understanding and professional judgement; development of practice-based competence and skills of critical reflection through guided individual mentoring during placements
- One-to-one academic and personal tutorial support including access to our firstpoint services
In addition, there are regular opportunities throughout the year to meet with your personal tutor, where you will have the opportunity to talk about your academic progress, school experience, support with careers and applications.
Entry requirements
Honours degree normally (2:2) or higher from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification. Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or English Literature, Mathematics and Science, or equivalent qualifications. We do offer an equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please email apprenticeships@worc.ac.uk
Fees
Fees contents
Additional costs
Travel costs to university will vary depending on the location and your mode of transport. As an apprentice you may be able to claim expenses from your employer via the organisation’s travel and expenses policies. As an apprentice your employer will be responsible to pay the costs related to DBS and occupational health checks.
How to apply
How to apply contents
All applications are through your employer, and you must have the support of your employer. Please discuss the possibility of completing the apprenticeship with your line manager and/or HR department. Your employer can then contact the University to discuss applying to the programme.
Contact
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Apprenticeships team
apprenticeships@worc.ac.ukMore to explore
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