What is Initial Teacher Training (ITT)?

ITT is a hands-on route into teaching where you train in two placement schools and, on successful completion, are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in schools across England. You learn in the classroom from day one and join a national network of fellow trainees.

How long is the programme and what’s the weekly pattern?

The full-time programme runs over three terms (about 11 months) with a minimum 30 hours per week; you’re in school four days a week and attend online or in-person training one day a week, with an induction before term starts.

Can I train part-time?

Yes—Best Practice Network offers a flexible part-time Primary and Secondary (select subjects only) route leading to QTS that follows the same curriculum and outcomes as the full-time route but is delivered over 18 months, ideal if you need to balance training with other commitments.

Who should apply for ITT?

The programme suits graduates of any subject who are ready to begin a teaching career—whether you’re a new graduate seeking your first role or a career-changer—provided you meet the entry requirements.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility

Residency

To apply for our course, you must already have the right to live, work and study in England.

In addition, you must already be living in England.

We do not offer visa sponsorship.

What qualifications do I need?

You’ll need an honours degree at 2:2 or above from a UK HEI (or equivalent), GCSE English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent), and—for Primary and SEND—GCSE science at grade 4 (C) or above; GCSE equivalency tests can be accepted, but Functional or Key Skills don’t meet ITT requirements.

I have an overseas degree—will it be accepted?

Yes, provided you obtain an ENIC statement of comparability and it meets the government’s entry regulations for the profession.

What if I don't have an Honors degree

We will consider all applicants who hold an ordinary or 3^rd class degree (alongside those who have an honours degree with a 2.2, 2.1 or 1^st class degree).

However, to be eligible for a secondary bursary, you must hold an honours degree (and be eligible for student finance).

If you achieved your degree outside of United Kingdom, and your UK ENIC does not state ‘honours’ comparability we cannot consider your application for the bursary entitlement.

Best Practice Network does not hold degree-awarding powers. As an accredited ITT provider, we are required to evidence that all entrants meet the academic entry requirements set out by the DfE to assess student eligibility for the bursary.

For applicants holding non-UK qualifications, this requires independent verification that the qualification is equivalent to a UK degree meeting ITT entry criteria. The standard and recognised mechanism for this verification is an ENIC Statement of Comparability. Where ENIC has not confirmed your degree is equivalent to an honours, we cannot accept any other documentation (unless it's from an organisation with degree-awarding powers) to evidence eligibility for the bursary.

This requirement is not discretionary and cannot be substituted by internal academic judgement or external assurances. Providers that hold degree-awarding powers may, in some circumstances, apply internal academic assessment to overseas qualifications. Best Practice Network is not permitted to do so.
Accordingly, without an ENIC Statement of Comparability confirm your degree is an Honours Degree, we are unable to confirm eligibility for a bursary, irrespective of an applicant’s academic or professional background.

I don’t have GCSEs—can I still apply?

Yes—you can take GCSE equivalency tests. Speak to us about available options and preferred providers.

Are Level 2 qualifications (e.g., Functional Skills) acceptable instead of GCSEs?

No—although they’re Level 2, they don’t cover the same breadth as GCSEs and don’t satisfy ITT entry requirements.

Is my spoken and written English assessed?

Yes—the selection process checks your competence in spoken and written English as part of assessing your suitability.

Do I need checks before starting?

Any offer is conditional on completing health checks, an enhanced DBS, and a mandatory online safeguarding course before you begin training.

Is a Master’s without a Bachelor’s acceptable?

Only if you can evidence academic engagement equivalent in breadth and duration to a first degree (typically not less than three years).

I already hold Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)—am I eligible?

Yes—EYTS holders can pursue QTS; if your current setting includes Key Stage 1+, the apprenticeship route may be worth considering.

I’ve just moved to the UK—am I eligible for the apprenticeship route?

You may be eligible if you have the right to work (e.g., settlement status) and have been resident in the UK for the past three years.

Placements & Delivery

Where will I be placed?

BPN aims to place trainees within approximately 1 hour travel of home, taking your circumstances into account to find the right school setting.

How are placements structured?

For full-time, you’ll train mainly in a host school (“School A”) for around 30 weeks and complete a contrasting six-week placement in the spring term in a different school (“School B”), with induction and taught training woven across the year.

For part-time, you will spend your first year in one school, and your final year in your second contrasting school

Do I have to teach four days a week from the start? (Full time route)

No—the teaching load builds over the year; early on you’ll often team-teach or support groups (similar to a TA role) before taking on more independent teaching.

Is prior school experience required?

It’s not essential, but it strengthens your application and helps you understand a teacher’s role; schools may ask for a DBS if you volunteer, so apply early as checks can take time.

GCSE maths higher (on programme)

All student teachers are required to maintain their fundamental skills in maths and English. This is regardless of any previous qualifications held.

The DfE’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) criteria and supporting advice states that all ITT providers must ensure that student teachers can demonstrate their competence in the following fundamental skills before they can be recommended for their teacher status:

English, including speaking and listening, reading and writing
Maths

It also states that any work to address any gaps or shortfalls in these skills must be undertaken by the student teacher in addition to other aspects of their training.

We have built opportunities to practise and develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills into our ITT curriculum as part of the way you evidence your learning on the programme, such as by writing reflections, engaging with research and delivering presentations.

In order to support you to practise your maths skills and ensure they remain at GCSE level, you will need to complete a GCSE Maths Higher Course. Your personal tutor can guide you through this and this is regardless of any previous qualifications held.

Routes, Subjects & Qualifications

Do I need a PGCE, or is QTS enough?

QTS is the qualification you need to be employed as a qualified teacher in England; a PGCE is an additional academic award offered by some providers but isn’t required for employment. Best Practice Network does not offer PGCE. We offer QTS only.

What’s the difference between the fee-funded and apprenticeship routes?

The fee-funded route is unsalaried and typically financed through a student loan, whereas on the apprenticeship route you’re salaried by your employer and programme fees are covered via the Apprenticeship Levy.

Do you offer an undergraduate QTS route?

No—Best Practice Network offers postgraduate fee-funded and employment-based (apprenticeship) routes.

Do you offer an assessment-only route to QTS?

No—an assessment-only route isn’t offered.

Can I specialise by phase or subject?

Yes—Primary trainees choose 3–7 or 5–11 (both lead to QTS across the primary phase and include SEN provision), while Secondary trainees specialise in a subject such as English, maths, chemistry, biology, computing, geography, French or Spanish and must teach in two schools before QTS.

Fees, Finance & Funding

How much does the programme cost?

For intakes from September 2025 (the start of the 2025/26 academic year), tuition is £9,535.

Can I get a loan for fees or living costs?

Home and EEA students may be eligible for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England, and home students in England may also be eligible for a maintenance loan for living costs; repayments begin only once you are in full-time employment and earning above the threshold noted on the programme page.

Are bursaries or scholarships available?

Yes—bursaries and scholarships are available for select secondary subjects. More guidance can be read here https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-and-support/scholarships-and-bursaries

What is Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE)?

If you’re applying for a Secondary specialism and need to bolster subject knowledge—e.g., you’ve been out of field, hold a related degree, or need language top-up—DfE-funded SKE courses (with an SKE bursary for eligible candidates) may be required as a condition of entry. You will need to apply for a SKE with the provider of your choice via here https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/how-to-apply-for-teacher-training/subject-knowledge-enhancement

You can only apply for a SKE, once you have accepted an offer with a provider where it was a condition of your offer to undertake a SKE. The SKE provider will contact us as your training provider to confirm your eligibility.

Applications & Next Steps

How can I understand the role expectations before I apply?

Review the “Student Teacher Role Description” and “Person Specification” linked on the programme page to see the duties, competencies and attributes BPN looks for in trainees.