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FAQs: Secondary Teacher Training

Your first step towards the teaching profession

At Equalitas, we train subject-specialist teachers through a structured, school-based programme designed with subject specificity at its core.

Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our Secondary Teacher Training routes, including eligibility, placements, subject options, and funding.

Can I train to teach while employed in a school?

Yes. If you already work in a school and meet the eligibility criteria, you can train while employed in your current school. Our salaried training routes, School Direct or Teaching Apprenticeship, allow you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while working full-time. You’ll teach in your school five days a week, with one day set aside for structured training with Equalitas.

If you’re eligible but not yet placed in a school, our admissions team can help you connect with a partner school ahead of the new academic year.

To train as a secondary teacher, you’ll need: 

 

  • A UK bachelor’s degree (in a subject related to the one you will teach) 
  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths 
  • To have lived in the UK for the past three years (for Teaching Apprenticeships) 
  • To successfully complete a suitability interview with Equalitas 

 

Our team will help assess your eligibility and direct you to the most appropriate route. 

If you’re eligible but not yet placed in a school, our admissions team can help you connect with a partner school ahead of the new academic year.

You can train to teach the following secondary subjects: 

 

 

Each subject is led by our programme team of subject and curriculum experts who will guide you throughout the training year. 

Depending on your route, you’ll be awarded: 

 

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

 

Both routes lead to Qualified Teacher Status, allowing you to teach in UK secondary schools. 

The programme runs for one academic year, beginning in late August and continuing through to July.  

There are 14 in-person training days delivered across the academic year. These are carefully sequenced to align with your teaching practice and subject focus and are led by Equalitas subject leads. 

We offer a blended model. 14 days of your training will be delivered in person at our Central London base or in subject-specific venues in London’s Knowledge Quarter. Other elements are delivered online or via guided self-study. You’ll need to be able to attend the in-person sessions across the year. 

If you’re eligible but not yet placed in a school, our admissions team can help you connect with a partner school ahead of the new academic year.

Trainees are typically paid on the Unqualified Teacher scale – Point 1, which ranges from £21,731 to £27,252 depending on location. Salaries are set by the employing school and apply to both School Direct and Teaching Apprenticeship routes. 

If you’re eligible but not yet placed in a school, our admissions team can help you connect with a partner school ahead of the new academic year.

If you take a salaried teacher training route, your school pays the training fees: 

 

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

 

Our team will support your school in navigating the funding options available. 

Our admissions team works closely with schools across London and Southern England. Upon successful completion of your suitability interview, we can help connect you with a school that matches your subject and location preferences. We work in partnership with schools to decide where trainees are placed.

We partner with secondary schools, academies, and MATs across London and Southern England. Whether you’re already employed or looking to secure a placement, we can help you find the right fit for your subject and phase. 

Yes. Between January and February half term, you’ll complete a 4-6 week placement in a contrasting school setting. This is a crucial part of your training and gives you the chance to observe new approaches, adapt your practice, and gain broader experience. 

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.

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We train teachers to be thinkers, researchers, and leaders. We are shaping a profession that doesn’t settle for less - but works tirelessly to raise the standard of education for every child.

Tracey Maloney
ITE Director