Initial Teacher Training is an ideal training pathway for individuals who hold a degree in any subject.

This programme is perfect for: 

• Graduates looking for their first teaching role
• Career changers who want to transition into teaching

Eligibility Criteria for ITT

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any subject with a minimum 2:2 classification 
• Have achieved at least grade 4 (C) in GCSE English and mathematics (or equivalent)
• If applying for primary or SEND specialism, have also achieved grade 4 (C) in a science subject
• Be a UK resident and have the right to work and study in the UK
  

Please note: Adult Literacy/Numeracy, Key Skills and Functionals skills are not comparable to GCSEs as per DfE ITT Criteria.

If you’re applying for Secondary subject, holding a third or Ordinary degree may affect eligibility for bursaries.

Qualifications achieved outside of the United Kingdom (including Ireland) will need to be verified via UK ENIC through a comparability statement. 

Equivalency Tests for Initial Teacher Training

We’ve partnered with A Star Equivalency to help you meet the entry requirements for ITT — with exclusive discounts, free courses and even free tests for Best Practice Network applicants.

What You’ll Get

• £26 off any single test
• Free course access (worth £199) when you book all three tests + exams
• Free English or biology test for applicants who apply and accept an offer with BPN*
• Free maths Equivalency Test for all applicants

*Subject to eligibility and limited places.

What Are GCSE Equivalency Tests?

GCSE Equivalency Tests are for applicants who cannot evidence achieving a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English, maths or science. They provide an accepted alternative qualification for meeting the entry requirements of Initial Teacher Training programmes. 

Please note: an equivalency test result is not a GCSE qualification, but it fulfils the same entry requirement purpose.

All equivalency tests must be completed and results received before the programme begins.

From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for this programme will be £9,790 for full-time study.

Student finance

Home and EEA students may be eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the cost. This would be available through Student Finance England. You won’t have to pay the cost of tuition charges up front and you will only repay the loan once you are in full-time employment and earning above £21,000. 

Home students in England may also be eligible for a maintenance loan to help towards accommodation and other living costs (please note EU students cannot apply). The loan is paid directly into your bank account at the start of term. You have to pay the loan back. This would be available through Student Finance England.

Please view our tuition fee policy here.

Bursaries and Scholarships 

Best Practice Network is pleased to share details of the bursaries and scholarships available for student teachers beginning their Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in the 2026/27 academic year.

These financial incentives are designed to support student teachers in key subjects where expertise is most needed, offering tax-free funding while you gain the skills and experience to launch a rewarding teaching career.

Find out more about bursaries and scholarships here

Subject Knowledge Enhancement SKE

If you are considering a secondary specialism, you might need to do a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course before you start your teacher training to top up your subject knowledge. This could be because you have (one or more of the following):

• A degree in your subject but have not used your degree knowledge for more than 5 years
• a different but related degree to the subject you want to teach
• an A level but not a degree in the subject you want to teach
• an unrelated degree but relevant professional experience
• studied for a languages degree, but need to improve knowledge either in a main language, second language or both to an acceptable level for teaching in schools

SKE courses are fully funded by the DfE, and eligible candidates receive an SKE bursary. As part of your interview, we will review your subject knowledge and if we identify you need to enhance your knowledge prior to starting your training. This will form part of your condition of entry to the programme. 

You can find out more about SKE courses in this SKE Trainee Brochure.

The programme is full-time (minimum of 30 hours a week) and runs over three terms. You will spend 4 days a week in the classroom and complete your practical training in 11 months.

 During your training, you’ll gain hands-on experience in two school placements arranged by Best Practice Network.

• Induction: Before the course begins, you’ll take part in an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) induction day to help you prepare.

• Term 1: You’ll be based at your host school (School A) — your main placement, where you will spend around 30 weeks. You’ll train in school four days a week and attend online or in-person training one day a week.

• Term 2: You’ll complete a contrasting placement (School B) in a different school for six weeks. This will be arranged by our placement coordinators to give you a broader classroom experience.

• Term 3: You’ll return to your host school to consolidate your practice and prepare for the recommendation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Our curriculum is designed to build your skills and confidence progressively, blending theory with practical classroom experience.

Our ITT Curriculum is broad, balanced, relevant and progressive. It has been carefully designed to enable student teachers to develop expertise in all areas of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) which will prepare them for a lifelong career as a teacher. 

The curriculum is built around three core areas, which are delivered through a mixture  of live webinars, in-school training and self-study:

Your training is built around three core areas:

• Behaviour Support & Classroom Management
• Curriculum Delivery
• Teacher Development

Core Training Days

You’ll attend core training days throughout your programme, delivered either online or face-to-face at a local training centre.

Thrive-Informed Educator Training

One of the benefits of our programme is that it incorporates specialist training delivered by our partners at Thrive. These sessions provide practical tools and reflective insights to foster emotional safety, connection and resilience in yourself and your pupils.

Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) Weeks

You’ll also take part in four ITAP weeks which focus on developing your understanding of evidence-based theory and teaching practice. These weeks will give you the chance to see expert practice in action, helping you embed new strategies into your own teaching.

At the end of your training, you should be able to confidently teach 80% of the class timetable.