University of Brighton selected to pilot new teacher degree apprenticeship scheme

There’s a boost for education on the South Coast as the University of Brighton is selected as one of only eight providers in England to deliver a new undergraduate Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.

It’s part of the government's Pilot scheme to get more people into teaching.

The apprenticeship offers a fee-free, salaried route for graduates to become qualified teachers.

As one of the new apprenticeship providers, the University will receive a Department for Education development grant of £12,500 as well as support with course development and delivery. The University’s school and employer partners will also receive government financial incentives to support apprentice salary costs.  

Dr Angela Glynn, Interim Dean of the School of Education at the University of Brighton, said: “This is a really exciting and important development, both for the sector and for our university. As one of only two providers in our region to offer this new and innovative degree apprenticeship, our University will be in a very strong position to deliver the best possible experience for students once the scheme expands to other providers from 2026/27. Thanks to a strong bid from the School of Education team, and the help of our enthusiastic school partners, we have once again proved that the University of Brighton is an excellent choice for anyone considering a career in teaching.”   

The new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is a four-year long apprenticeship in which teacher apprentices will spend three days a week working with a school employer and two days a week engaging in university study. 

In its first year, the apprenticeship will be open to secondary maths specialists only, with the scheme expanding to include additional subjects and the primary phase from 2026 onwards.  

 Lis Bundock, Academic Subject Lead (Secondary, Further Education and Employment-Based Initial Teacher Education) and Andy Davies, Associate Dean for Academic Operations (School of Education), are overseeing the development and launch of the project.  

Lis said: “Interest in degree apprenticeships is gathering pace among school leavers and career changers attracted by the incentive of salaried on-the-job training and the avoidance of debt. The sector is currently experiencing significant recruitment challenges and we believe this route will attract a range of different groups of applicants into teaching. 

“The University will not only be able to help shape the direction of the new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship but we will be well positioned as a destination of choice for applicants as demand for this new pathway grows. This opportunity is a result of our continued collaboration with partner schools and employers across Brighton & Hove and our wider region, as well as expert university tutors. We’re really grateful to everyone whose hard work contributed to the success of our bid.”