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Why become a French teacher?
Bonjour! Are you passionate about the French language and culture, and eager to share it with others? Then becoming a French teacher could be your dream career! Here's why:
Open doors to new worlds: French is a global language, spoken on five continents! By teaching French, you'll equip students with the skills to travel, study abroad, and connect with a rich culture.
Spark a lifelong love of learning: French isn't just about grammar drills. You'll design engaging lessons that bring the language to life through films, music, literature, and cultural exploration, fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Nurture well-rounded citizens: Learning another language promotes intercultural understanding and empathy. As a French teacher, you'll help students develop these vital skills, preparing them to be citizens of the world.
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) – ideal for those not currently working in a school (applications closed for September 2026)
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:
French 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 a French 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 mentor and subject specialists throughout your journey.
Your training will include:
- 10 Core Training Days – online or Face-to-Face, carefully designed to teach the core body of 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 - led by your subject lead and will equip you with the skills required to teach MFL across the 11-16 age phase.
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 portfolio and demonstrate your readiness to be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- (For Apprenticeship route only) complete your Apprenticeship Assessment, which includes a lesson observation and a professional discussion with an external examiner—giving you the opportunity to achieve a distinction-level award.
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 a French 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 currently work in a school" - Apply for PGTA
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 |
| French | 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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