There are some teacher training courses that come with a salary.
This means you’ll be paid a salary while you train to get qualified teacher status (QTS). You’ll need QTS to teach in many primary, secondary and special schools in England.
Some salaried teacher training courses may also come with fees. Check with individual providers for more information.
The postgraduate salaried courses are:
- School Direct salaried
- postgraduate teaching apprenticeships (PGTA)
- Teach First teacher training
All salaried courses are broadly the same, but the course length and qualifications you work towards may vary.
These courses are in high demand and very competitive, so it’s important to apply as soon as you can if you’re eligible.
Am I eligible for a postgraduate salaried teacher training course?
For some salaried courses, teacher training providers may want you to have significant teaching or school experience, for example, if you’re already working as an unqualified teacher or teaching assistant.
Some providers will also want you to have already arranged a school to work in while you train. Speak to the teacher training provider to find out what their requirements are.
You can also find out more about the qualifications you need to train to teach.
Or talk to a teacher training adviser who can help you understand which courses you could be eligible for.
If you do not have a degree
If you do not already have a degree, you may be eligible for a teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA). A TDA is an undergraduate teacher training course where you’ll work in a school and earn a salary while getting a degree and QTS.
How much will I be paid on a salaried course?
You’ll receive an unqualified teacher’s salary. The exact amount will vary depending on the school you work in.
It’s worth checking if there is a bursary or scholarship available for your subject before you apply for a salaried course.
If you do a salaried course, you will not be eligible for a bursary, scholarship or student finance. You’ll also be taxed on your income, whereas you will not be taxed on a bursary or scholarship.
If you’re eligible for a bursary or scholarship, you could receive more money on a non-salaried course than on a salaried one.
How does salaried teacher training work?
Salaried teacher training is usually similar to non-salaried teacher training. You’ll spend most of your time in school placements, with some theoretical learning.
From the outset I was working within the school, learning and training in the classroom whilst being supported by qualified teachers and mentors. This gave me valuable experience of school life and a real feel for school.
You will not perform more than 90% of a full-time teacher’s duties on most salaried teacher training courses. If you’re doing a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship, you’ll perform no more than 80% of a full-time teacher’s duties.
Full-time salaried teacher training will usually last:
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1 academic year (September to July) if you’re on a School Direct salaried course
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2 academic years (September to July) if you’re on a course delivered by Teach First
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at least 1 full year (September to September) if you’re on a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship
Some courses can begin at other points in the year and there may be part-time courses available.
Some salaried courses award QTS only. You may have the option to do a salaried course where you can work towards QTS with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) but you may have to pay an extra fee.
Find out more about what to expect during your teacher training.
How do I find a salaried teacher training course?
You can find postgraduate teacher training and filter by salaried courses.
It’s usually wise to apply for non-salaried courses as well to increase your chances of getting a place on a course.
Teach First
Teach First delivers a 2 year employment-based route to teaching for high performing graduates and career changers. You’ll earn a salary while working towards QTS with a PGCE.
To apply and find out more, you should visit the Teach First website.
Take a look at the different teacher training courses available.

Get free one-to-one support
An adviser with years of teaching experience can answer all your questions about salaried teacher training. Chat by phone, text or email, as little or as often as you need.
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