Programme Overview
What is Best Practice Network’s SEND teacher training?
Best Practice Network offers a school-centred route to become a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) teacher, written and delivered by SEND specialists, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with built-in, not bolt-on, SEND training and placements arranged through a national partner school network. Best Practice Network
What training routes are available to QTS?
You can earn QTS via two pathways: a Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship designed for people already working in schools, or an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) route suited to those not currently employed by a school; both provide expert support and school-based training. Best Practice Network
What is School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)?
SCITT is a hands-on, school-based approach where you’re part of a partner school from day one, teaching in the classroom, supported by experienced mentors, and working toward QTS through real-world practice in schools. Best Practice Network
How is the year structured?
For full-time students, across the academic year you complete practical training in two schools with one day a week dedicated to off-the-job training; you start in a host school, spend a 6-week contrasting placement in a mainstream setting, then return to your host school to prepare for recommendation for QTS. Best Practice Network
Eligibility & Requirements
What academic qualifications do I need?
Both routes require a bachelor’s degree and GCSE grade C/4 in English, science and maths; these are the core academic entry requirements for the SEND teacher training pathways. Best Practice Network
Do I need current employment in a school to apply?
If you already work in a school, the Teacher Apprenticeship is typically the best fit; if you don’t yet work in a school, the ITT route is designed for you and Best Practice Network helps arrange a placement. Best Practice Network
Are there residency or visa conditions?
Applicants generally need at least three years of UK residency or a valid visa to train, and the provider states they cannot sponsor visas. Best Practice Network
Placements & Support
Where will I train and who arranges placements?
Training is school-centred with placements sourced through Best Practice Network’s 500+ school network, giving access to local, in-school experience throughout the programme. Best Practice Network
What mentoring and support will I receive?
You are supported by a network of experienced teachers acting as mentors who guide your classroom practice, share expertise, and help you develop toward successful Early Career Teacher induction. Best Practice Network
Will I experience different settings, including mainstream?
Yes—alongside your host school you complete a contrasting placement in a mainstream school to broaden experience and adaptability before returning to your host school for final preparation. Best Practice Network
Assessment & Outcomes
What qualification will I receive?
On successful completion you are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the essential credential for teaching in schools in England. Best Practice Network
What is the End Point Assessment (for the apprenticeship route)?
If you follow the apprenticeship pathway, after your school-based year you complete an End Point Assessment that includes a lesson observation and a professional discussion with an external examiner. Best Practice Network
How long does the programme take?
The fee-funded ITT route can be full-time (around 11 months) while the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is 10 months. Best Practice Network
Application & Next Steps
How do I apply?
You apply directly via Best Practice Network; following initial checks they arrange an interview, and if successful they confirm your place and help secure a school placement if you don’t already have one. Best Practice Network
How do I decide which route is right for me?
Choose the Teacher Apprenticeship if you already work in a school and want to train while employed, or choose the ITT route if you’re not yet in a school and want a school-centred programme with placements arranged for you. Best Practice Network
Why train with Best Practice Network?
Best Practice Network highlights Ofsted recognition, more than two decades of experience, subject- and phase-specific training groups, a large partner-school network for local placements, and a wellbeing-focused QTS-only pathway. Best Practice Network