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Why become an English teacher?
As an English teacher, you’ll play a vital role in supporting students to develop the communication skills they need to succeed in all areas of life.
Make a real difference: You'll equip students with the communication skills they need to thrive in all areas of life. Whether it's developing their own voice, finding the literature they love, or guiding them to tackle their exams with confidence.
Ignite a love for learning: Open the door to endless possibilities. Inspire a passion for reading, writing, and critical thinking that will shape your students’ futures.
Be creative in the classroom: Bring English to life with exciting lessons. Whether it’s drama, debates, or storytelling, you’ll spark curiosity and make every class unforgettable.
Which teacher training route is right for me?
We offer two routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS):
- The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship – ideal for those already working in schools
- Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT) – best for those not currently employed by a school
Whichever route you choose, you’ll receive expert support, school-based training and a nationally recognised qualification. Not sure which route is right for you? There is more guidance below:
English Teacher Training Comparison Table
Use the table below to compare the key features of our Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training and Teacher Apprenticeship programmes at a glance.
📱 On mobile? Swipe sideways to see the full table →
How will I train to become an English teacher?
Our curriculum is designed to build your skills and confidence progressively, blending theory with hands-on classroom experience.
You’ll complete two school placements across the year, supported by a personal tutor and subject specialists throughout your journey.
Your training will include:
- 10 Core Training sessions – these are delivered online and are carefully designed to teach the core body of knowledge and skills that define great teaching.
- 4 Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) Weeks – see expert teaching in action and apply new strategies in your own lessons.
- 10 subject-specific training sessions - delivered by your subject lead, these sessions develop strong subject knowledge and classroom-ready practice for teaching English across the 11–16 age range.
Core learning areas:
- Behaviour Support & Classroom Management
- Curriculum Delivery
- Teacher Development
By the end of your programme, you’ll be ready to teach up to 80% of a full timetable and demonstrate the skills required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Upon completion of your practical training, you will...
- Present your evidence portfolio and demonstrate your readiness to be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- (For Apprenticeship route only) complete your Apprenticeship Assessment.
- Induction: We have a brief induction period, delivered online, to ensure you have a strong start to the placement and programme.
- Term 1: You will be in your placement A this term. Training in school four days a week and attending online or in-person training one day a week.
- Term 2: You will return to your placement A to prepare for the recommendation of QTS.
- Term 3: You will return to your host school to prepare for the recommendation of QTS
Hear what our student teachers have to say...
Why choose Best Practice Network for your teacher training?
- Ofsted outstanding: provider of the DfE’s full teacher progression pathway, supporting student teachers from entry into teaching through to executive leadership.
- 20+ years of experience: Delivering teacher training and professional qualifications for teachers, school leaders, support staff and early years professionals.
- Subject & phase specific groups: As a leading national provider our enrolment enables student teachers to train alongside peers specific to their phase, subject and specialism.
- Local placement: Our network of 500+ schools provides our student teachers local access to in-school placements.
- Supporting wellbeing: Our pathway is QTS-only helping support student teacher capacity and wellbeing on their journey into teaching.
- Award-winning: Best Practice Network has been named Education Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year (twice!)
- 90% of our 2023/24 graduate teachers have secured employment for September
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What qualifications do I need to train to be an English teacher?
To be eligible for our teacher training, applicants MUST hold:
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a 2:2 or above
- GCSE grade 4/C* or above in English and maths (or recognised equivalent*)
- While school experience is not mandatory, we highly recommend it as a valuable way to confirm your interest in a teaching career
*Qualifications in key and functional skills at level 2 are not equivalent to GCSEs in terms of breadth of content.
"I do not work in a school" - Apply Here
Whether you're a career changer or about to graduate from university, our Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training is a great way to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in just 11 months. You’ll train in school four days a week, with one day of expert-led training either online or Face-to Face — all organised for you by Best Practice Network.
From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for this programme will be £9,790. These fees can be paid through student loans or self-funding.
Choose from one of two age ranges for our fee-funded Initial Teacher Training:
| Specialism | Age Range | Start dates |
| English | 11-16 | September 2026 |
Apply now for the next intake!
Congratulations! You appear to be eligible to apply. Please click the link below to begin your application
Apply for Biology Apply for Chemistry Apply for Computing Apply for English Apply for French and German
Apply for French Apply for Geography Apply for Maths Apply for Spanish Apply for Spanish and German Apply for Spanish and French
To apply, you must have lived in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years.
Question 1: Have you lived in the UK for at least the last 3 consecutive years?
To apply, you must have have the right to work and study in the UK.
Question 2: Do you have the right to work and study in the UK?
To join this programme, you must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any subject, awarded at a minimum classification of 2:2.
Question 3: Do you have a bachelor's degree awarded at a minimum classification of 2:2?
"I currently work in a school" - Apply Here
If you are currently employed in a school, the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is an ideal pathway to achieve Qualified Teacher Status and a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship in just 10 months + Assessment.
All training costs are covered by your placement school’s Apprenticeship Levy, so there are no fees to pay.
During your apprenticeship, you will be employed at a school and receive a salary of between £21k-£27k per year on the Unqualified Teacher Salary (UNQ1) and upon qualification, you’ll step straight into a starting teacher salary of £31k–£38k.
Choose from one of two age ranges – both are full time.
| Specialism | Age Range | Start dates |
| English | 11-16 | September 2026 |
Apply now for the next intake!
Congratulations! You appear to be eligible to apply. Please click the link below to begin your application
Apply for Biology Apply for Chemistry Apply for Computing Apply for English Apply for French and German
Apply for French Apply for Geography Apply for Maths Apply for Spanish Apply for Spanish and German Apply for Spanish and French
Unfortunately, you do not appear to be eligible.
Please contact our team to discuss your options.
To apply, you must have lived in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years.
Question 1: Have you lived in the UK for at least the last 3 consecutive years?
To apply, you must have have the right to work and study in the UK.
Question 2: Do you have the right to work and study in the UK?
To join this programme, you must hold a bachelor’s degree.
Question 3: Do you have a bachelor's degree?
To apply for the Teacher Apprenticeship, you must be working in a school as a teaching assistant, cover supervisor or other support role. Please confirm you are working in a school.
Question 4: Are you currently employed in a school?
Meet the team!
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