Best Practice Network offers school-centred SEND teacher training for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via Initial Teacher Training or a Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship. The program includes SEND-specific training, school placements, and mentor support, with placements in over 500 partner schools. Full-time training spans 10-11 months, blending practical experience and off-the-job learning, culminating in QTS recommendation. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and GCSEs in English, math, and science.
Best Practice Network’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) teacher training is a school-centred route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You can train through Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or a Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, with SEND-specific training, school placements and support from experienced mentors.
What is SEND teacher training?
The SEND teacher training programme is written and delivered by SEND specialists. SEND training is built into the programme rather than added separately.
You train in schools through Best Practice Network’s national partner-school network. Successful completion leads to a recommendation for QTS.
Which training routes are available?
There are two school-based routes to QTS:
- Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship: designed for people who already work in a school and want to train while employed.
- Initial Teacher Training: designed for people who are not currently employed by a school. Best Practice Network helps arrange your placement.
Both routes provide expert support and school-based training.
What is School-Centred Initial Teacher Training?
School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) is a hands-on approach in which you become part of a partner school from your first day. You teach in the classroom, receive support from experienced mentors and work towards QTS through practical experience in schools.
You can read more about the school-centred approach on the SCITT and Postgraduate Certificate in Education comparison page.
Who can apply?
For either SEND teacher training route, you need:
- a bachelor’s degree
- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) grade C or grade 4 in English
- GCSE grade C or grade 4 in mathematics
- GCSE grade C or grade 4 in science.
Applicants generally need at least three years of UK residency or a valid visa that allows them to train. Best Practice Network cannot sponsor visas.
How is the full-time programme structured?
Full-time trainees complete practical training in two schools across the academic year. One day each week is dedicated to off-the-job training.
- You begin training in your host school.
- You complete a six-week contrasting placement in a mainstream school.
- You return to your host school for final preparation and recommendation for QTS.
The mainstream placement broadens your experience and helps you become more adaptable in different educational settings.
Where will I complete my placements?
Training is school-centred, and placements are sourced through Best Practice Network’s network of more than 500 schools. This partner network gives you access to local, in-school experience throughout the programme.
If you apply for ITT without already working in a school, Best Practice Network helps to secure a placement for you.
What mentoring and support will I receive?
Experienced teachers act as mentors throughout your school-based training. They guide your classroom practice, share their expertise and help you develop towards successful Early Career Teacher induction.
What qualification will I receive?
When you successfully complete the programme, you are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status. QTS is the essential credential for teaching in schools in England.
How is the apprenticeship assessed?
After the school-based year, trainees on the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship complete an End Point Assessment. This includes:
- a lesson observation
- a professional discussion with an external examiner.
How long does the programme take?
The full-time, fee-funded ITT route takes around 11 months. The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship takes 10 months.
How do I apply?
- Apply directly through the Best Practice Network SEND teacher training page.
- Best Practice Network completes its initial checks.
- You attend an interview arranged by Best Practice Network.
- If you are successful, Best Practice Network confirms your place.
- If you do not already have a school placement, Best Practice Network helps secure one.
How do I choose the right route?
Choose the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship if you already work in a school and want to train while employed. Choose the ITT route if you are not yet employed by a school and want placements arranged as part of a school-centred programme.
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 supporting local placements
- a wellbeing-focused, QTS-only pathway.