The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) offers a pioneering route to a teaching career for those who dream of a teaching career without a university degree.

Launched by the Department for Education, the 4-year programme combines a bachelor's degree with a Qualified Teaching Qualification (QTS) and the opportunity to work full-time in a school.

What Is a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship?

A Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) is a new, full-time apprenticeship route to becoming a qualified classroom teacher in England, designed for individuals without an undergraduate degree .

Over four years, apprentices:

Work in schools and earn a teaching salary (aligned with the unqualified teacher pay scale),

Study towards a bachelor’s degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS),

Spend around 40 % of their time on academic study and 60% in the classroom .

This model allows apprentices to gain real classroom experience from day one, synchronized with their academic studies.

Who is eligible to apply for the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship?

The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is open to individuals seeking to gain a degree and become a qualified teacher. This includes, but is not limited to, teaching assistants, graduates or those looking to change careers.

To be eligible to apply for the TDA you must:

🧾 Lived in England for the last 3 years or more

🧾 Be at least 16 years old

To meet the academic requirements for the TDA you must have:

🧾 GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above (and Science if you want to teach primary school)

🧾 A Levels - The number of A Levels or equivalent qualifications required will be set by individual universities

Why Choose This Teacher Degree Apprenticeship?

🔹Earn While You Learn

Apprentices receive a salary from their school employer—typically on the unqualified teacher pay scale, which starts above £20,000 per year

🔹No Degree? No Problem

This route requires no prior undergraduate degree—ideal for school leavers, teaching assistants, career changers, or those without academic qualifications .

🔹Achieve Dual Qualifications

At the end, apprentices earn both a bachelor’s degree and QTS, matching traditional university-trained teachers in credentials and status .

How the programme works?

Duration: Typically 45 months (~4 years)

Work-study balance: Around 60% school-based teaching practice, 40% university study—about two days weekly .

Degree + QTS: Successful apprentices earn an undergraduate degree and full Qualified Teacher Status upon completion .

No additional fees—training costs (up to £27,000) are funded through the apprenticeship levy .

Application process

Search courses via the government’s “Find Teacher Training Courses” portal .

Ensure eligibility, contacting providers if you’re missing qualifications or coming from abroad .

Secure a school placement if required—it varies by provider .

Apply directly through the portal; interviews include teaching applicants and provider vetting .

Voice from the community

Reddit comments reflect mixed expectations:

“I was unsure about all pathways…Teaching apprenticeships…A degree is also a requirement for that route.”

“The SCITT was brilliant …” — positive feedback for hands-on, school-based training.

Final Thoughts

The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship offers a ground-breaking alternative: it opens the door to a teaching career for those without degrees, provides financial independence during training, and delivers full qualifications while immersed in classroom experience.

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