Funding for teacher training and development
The Apprenticeship Levy is a tax paid by large employers in England. Levy funds can be accessed to spend on apprenticeship training and assessment.
The levy cannot be used to cover wages or employment costs and apprentices must be employed by the school throughout the programme.
Why should your school use apprenticeships?
By using the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme, your school can provide free, high-quality initial teacher training and professional development opportunities to its staff. It can impact on the following:
- Training budgets: Apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to invest in staff development and succession. Your school can access funding from £4,000 to £27,000 for our apprenticeship courses.
- Initial teacher training: The Apprenticeship Levy will cover fees to provide an accessible salaried route for eligible staff to gain Qualified Teacher Status through the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship or Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.
- Leadership development: Apprenticeships can be used as part of your school's strategic workforce planning, to promote a diverse and inclusive school leadership.
- Staff Retention: Apprenticeships boost staff retention by providing teachers and leaders with career development opportunities. This benefits your school with greater stability and reduced recruitment costs.
- Recruitment: Your school can recruit into apprenticeships and use them to attract new staff to shortage subjects or address skills gaps.
How can my school access the apprenticeship levy?
All English schools can access Apprenticeship Levy funding. Access details vary by school status.
Why choose NITE?
We are an established provider of apprenticeships that combine school-based, on-the-job learning with engaging and flexible online courses. To date, NITE has worked with over 400 schools, local authorities and multi-academy trusts across England to provide apprenticeships for their staff.
Our apprenticeships
Teacher Degree Apprenticeship: Primary Education
Provides a fee-free, salaried route for those without a degree to gain a degree and qualified teacher status (QTS).
Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship plus PGCE
Provides a fee-free, salaried route for graduates to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with a PGCE at no extra cost.
Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship: PGCE SEND
Provides a fee-free, salaried route for graduates to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in SEND schools and settings.
Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Offers professional development for staff in support roles and can be a step towards a teacher training.
Recent changes to levy funded courses
Among the changes announced by the Government in March 2026 was the defunding of the Level 5 Operations Manager and Level 5 Coaching Professional. Sadly, this means we can no longer offer these courses. Contact us if you would like to receive news of new developments.
Contact us
Frequently asked questions
More apprenticeship options
Other apprenticeships relevant to the wider school workforce are offered through Coventry University’s Better Futures.
Find out more
The apprenticeship team was exceptional in communication and offered support when preparing for the End Point Assessment. The apprentice found the communication reassuring, as it reflected the support that was available to them. Feedback was always taken on board and acted upon promptly.
Neelam Raju, Student Success Lead Practitioner, Coventry University, 2024
