Take the first step
Apply Now

FAQs: Primary Teacher Training

Your first step towards the teaching profession

At Equalitas, we combine evidence-informed training with immersive school placements to develop confident, committed teachers. 

Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about salaried Primary teacher training, school placements, eligibility, and funding.

Yes. If you already work in a school and meet the eligibility criteria, you could complete your Primary Teacher Training while employed in your current school. Our salaried training routes (School Direct or Teaching Apprenticeship) allow you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while employed full-time. You’ll work in school fourdays a week, with one day dedicated to structured training with Equalitas.

 

If you meet the eligibility criteria but don’t yet have a placement school, our admissions team can guide you towards securing a placement for September.

To train to teach in a primary school, you need:

 

  • A UK bachelor’s degree (any subject) or equivalent.
  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths, and Science or equivalent.
  • To have lived in the UK for the past three years (for Teaching Apprenticeships)
  • To complete a suitability interview and a school-based interview process

 

We’ll guide you through eligibility and make sure you’re matched with the right training route.

Depending on your route, you’ll be awarded:

 

  • Teaching Apprenticeship: Level 6 Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) + QTS
  • Salaried School Direct: QTS only

 

Both qualifications lead to QTS, the professional status required to teach in UK state-maintained schools.

Primary Teacher Training runs for one academic year. Training begins in late August and continues through to July.

There are 33 training days across the academic year, carefully sequenced to support you as you develop your knowledge and expand your understanding of our curriculum areas.

We deliver a blended model. Most training is face-to-face (based in Central London), and other elements are delivered online or through supported self-study. Throughout the programme, you’ll need to be able to travel to Central London for 22 of the 34 training days.

Trainee salaries are set by the employing school and usually follow the Unqualified Teacher scale—Point 1. Depending on the school’s location, they range from £21,731 to £27,252. This applies to both School-Direct Salaried and Teaching Apprenticeship routes.

If you train through a salaried route, your placement school covers the training fees:

 

  • Teaching Apprenticeship: £9,000, usually funded via the school’s apprenticeship levy
  • School Direct: Also paid by the school

 

We’ll support your school with funding advice and documentation.

Our admissions team works with a network of partner schools across London and Southern England. Upon successful completion of your suitability interview with Equalitas, our team can help connect you with a school. We work in partnership with schools to decide where trainees are placed.

We partner with primary schools, academies, Independent Schools and MATs across London and Southern England. Whether you’re already employed in a school or seeking a placement, we can help you find the right setting.

Yes. Between January and February half term, you’ll spend 4-6 weeks in a contrasting school to broaden and deepen your experience. This is a key element of our course as you will you deepen your understanding of different settings, teaching styles, and pupil needs.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to apply, or just want to check your eligibility, our team is here to help.

Start Your Journey

I have most enjoyed the deep-dives in each of the subjects. You've got all the of the expertise of the Subject Leads, and tutors. It is a culture and an environment where you have all the expertise and experience at your fingertips that you could need.

Sian
Primary Teacher – London