Teacher degree
apprenticeships (TDAs)

Apprenticeships combine work with training and study. You’ll apply what you learn directly on the job, gaining hands-on experience and skills.

Teacher degree apprenticeships (TDA) are a new route into the profession, enabling those who enrol the chance to gain qualified teacher status.

If you do not already have an undergraduate degree, you may be eligible to do a teacher degree apprenticeship.

What's the salary for a teacher degree apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a great way to gain a qualification and earn a salary. The salary you receive during your apprenticeship will depend on the type of school you work for and their own pay structure for apprenticeships.

For schools funded by Portsmouth City Council, as a TDA trainee, you will be paid on the unqualified teacher pay range. This is on a scale 1-6 ranging from £21,000 -£33,000.

Non-maintained schools (for example, academies, independent schools and private schools), will set their own pay structure.

You do not have to pay tuition fees, but you will not be eligible for student finance during the apprenticeship.

Who's eligible to apply for a teacher degree apprenticeship?

If you want to gain a degree and become a qualified teacher, teacher degree apprenticeships could be for you.

You may be a teaching assistant, school leaver or someone looking to change careers, there is no set type of person.

However, you will need to be:

A resident of England for the last three years or more
At least 18 years old

There are also academic requirements for the apprenticeship, you must have:

GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths (and science if you want to teach primary)
A levels - the number of A levels or equivalent qualifications required will be set by individual universities

Why are the number of teacher degree apprenticeships limited?

Currently, teacher degree apprenticeships have been limited to secondary maths. TDAs in other subjects are being rolled out across the UK up until September 2025, with training due to start in autumn 2025.

Can I undertake a teacher degree apprenticeship if I'm a non-UK citizen?

In most cases, you can only do a teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA) if you have been a resident in the UK for the last three years or more. There are some exceptions to this. For example, if you have applied to the Afgan or Ukraine resettlement schemes. Please speak to each provider for more information.

Compare providers

As the teacher degree apprenticeship route becomes more established, more providers will be added.

The University of Portsmouth and South Farnham SCITT are endorsed by Portsmouth City Council.

Compare the apprenticeship options and how you can find your route into the profession.

Apprenticeship Level	Level 6 Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship
Degree Requirement	2:2 or above in a relevant subject
GCSE Requirements	Maths, English, Science (can be equivalency tests)
Subject Requirements (Secondary)	Degree or A-level in subject; experience considered
Includes PGCE with QTS	No PGCE; QTS only
Additional Requirements	Enhanced DBS and Occupational Health clearance
Primary or Secondary Focus	Primary only
Location	University of Portsmouth
Contact	Institute of Professional & Flexible Learning Claire Middleton This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Apprenticeship Level	Level 6 Teaching Degree Apprenticeship (BA Hons)
Degree Requirement	Minimum 300 credits with 60 at level 6
GCSE Requirements	Maths, English, Science (must be passed before registration)
Subject Requirements (Secondary)	Degree or A-level in subject; experience considered
Includes PGCE with QTS	Yes, PGCE with QTS
Additional Requirements	Enhanced DBS and Occupational Health clearance
Primary or Secondary Focus	Primary and Secondary
Location	Holy Family Primary School, Southampton
Contact	Vhairi Nyland, Mentoring Lead Vhairi Nyland This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.