Overview & Routes
What primary teacher training routes are available?
Best Practice Network offers two pathways to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for primary: the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (for graduates already employed in a school) and the fee-funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT) route (for graduates not currently employed by a school). Both are school-centred (SCITT), and you will be classrooms from day one, and include weekly training days alongside in-school experience.
Our fee-funded route does have a part-time and full-time option. Part-time is 18 months, full-time is 11 months. We do not offer part-time on the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship. Best Practice Network
What qualification will I receive?
Both primary routes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which allows you to teach in schools in England; the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship also awards a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship qualification on completion. Best Practice Network+1
Structure & Experience
How is the training week structured?
Across both routes (full-time), trainees typically spend four days each week in school and one day in training with Best Practice Network, combining hands-on classroom practice with structured professional learning.
If you are on the part-time fee-funded route, you will spend 2 days in school, and one day training with Best Practice Network. Best Practice Network
What does the year look like in terms of placements?
You begin with an induction, spend Term 1 in your host school, undertake a six-week contrasting placement in Term 2, and return to your host school in Term 3 to prepare for the QTS recommendation. Best Practice Network
Who organises school placements?
Best Practice Network arranges placements only for the fee‑funded ITT route.
If you choose the fee‑funded route, we will identify suitable schools in your area and support you in applying for a placement.
For the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship route, placements are not arranged for you.
To join the apprenticeship route, you must already be employed by a school, and your training takes place within that employment. Because apprentices must be school employees, your existing school is your placement, and it is therefore not something we can organise. Your employing school must also agree to provide a 6‑week contrasting placement as part of your programme. Best Practice Network
How long does training take?
The fee-funded ITT route can be full-time (around 11 months) or part-time (around 18 months), while the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is typically 10 months. Best Practice Network+1
Eligibility & Readiness
Who is primary ITT best suited for?
Primary ITT is ideal for graduates seeking their first teaching role or career changers moving into education, offering a national network, school-centred training and clear progression to QTS. Best Practice Network
What academic requirements do I need?
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree (normally at least a 2:2), GCSE English and mathematics at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), and—because this is primary—GCSE science at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent). Best Practice Network
Is prior school experience required?
School experience isn’t mandatory for ITT applications, though gaining some classroom exposure is recommended to confirm your interest in teaching. Best Practice Network
Do you sponsor visas, and are there residency requirements?
Best Practice Network cannot sponsor visas; applicants generally need to evidence valid residency for the full programme, with current guidance noting three years’ UK residency for eligibility on the apprenticeship route. Best Practice Network
Support & Professional Learning
What support will I receive during training?
You’ll be supported by experienced mentors in your placement schools and by a Best Practice Network tutor, including visits and observations to guide your progress and help you develop towards QTS. Best Practice Network+1
Applying & Choosing a Route
How do I apply and what happens after I apply?
Applications are submitted via the Best Practice Network website; after an initial check, suitable candidates are invited to interview, and once successful, BPN will search for a school placement for fee-funded ITT applicants who don’t already have a supporting school. Best Practice Network
Which route should I choose?
If you already work in a school, the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is designed for you; if you’re not currently employed by a school, the fee-funded ITT route is usually the best fit, with BPN arranging your placement. Best Practice Network