CHECK-CIRCLE Choose from two curriculum pathways (3-7 or 5-11)
CHECK-CIRCLE Train in school 4 days a week
CHECK-CIRCLE Achieve QTS in 1 academic year
CHECK-CIRCLE Expert SEND-focused mentoring and support
Thinking about becoming a SEND teacher? Our specialist training programmes provide a practical, fully supported route into a rewarding career in education.
Developed in partnership with The Gallery Trust, a leading multi-academy trust dedicated to improving outcomes for pupils with special educational needs, our programmes are shaped by genuine classroom expertise, specialist curricula and inclusive practice.
Whichever route you take, you’ll gain handson experience in SEND schools, personalised mentoring from expert practitioners, and a nationally recognised teaching qualification that equips you to make a lasting difference.
At Best Practice Network, we believe that every child deserves an excellent education. As one of the only national providers of the SEND Teacher Apprenticeship, we deliver high-quality training designed and delivered by SEND experts, in partnership with schools and trusts nationwide.
• 20+ Years’ Experience – delivering training for teachers, leaders and support staff
• Tailored Training – subject and phasespecific groups across our national network
• Local Placements – 500+ partner schools offering high-quality, in-school training
• Wellbeing Focused – QTS-only route designed for a smooth transition into teaching
• Award-Winning – Education Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year (twice!)
• Proven Success – 90% of 2024/25 graduates secured teaching roles for September
The work BPN is doing in the SEND area is pioneering and innovative.
Which training pathway is right for you?
We offer two high-quality routes into SEND teaching. Use this guide to find the one that suits you best.
• Ideal if you’re not yet working in a school
• SEND and mainstream school placements arranged for you
• Access student loans to cover training costs
• Unsalaried route
• 11 months
• Awards Qualified Teacher Status
More information on page 4
Our curriculum is designed to build your skills and confidence progressively, blending theory with practical classroom experience.
Your training is built around three core areas:
• Behaviour Support & Classroom Management
• Curriculum Delivery
• Teacher Development
Training is delivered through a blend of mentor-led school sessions, live webinars, self-study and core training days – with dedicated SEND surgeries and spotlight sessions that provide practical support for working with pupils with SEND.
• Ideal if you’re already employed in a school
• Train in your current school
• Fully funded via your school’s Apprenticeship Levy
• Salaried route (Unqualified Teacher Scale)
• 10 months + Apprenticeship Assessment
• Awards Qualified Teacher Status + Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship
More information on page 6
You’ll attend 12 core training days throughout your programme, delivered either online or Face-to-Face at a local training centre.
In addition, you’ll take part in four ITAP weeks. These focus on key teaching skills and give you the chance to see expert practice in action, helping you embed new strategies into your own teaching. The ITAP weeks align with the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF).
At the end of your training, you should be able to confidently teach 80% of the class timetable.
The Fee-funded route at Best Practice Network is similar to the apprenticeship – trainees are immersed in school right from the start of the programme meaning they can become accustomed to the school environment, culture, and routines early on.”
Vanessa Sawyer, Head of Primary ITT
Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training is perfect for recent graduates or career changers who are looking to begin a rewarding career in teaching and are not yet employed in a school.
Achieve Qualified Teacher Status in just 11 months (18 months part-time)
Access student loans to cover training costs
Train 4 days a week in a SEND school, with 1 day of expert training
Support every step of the way – access personal tutors, mentors & wellbeing team
Once qualified, start on a salary of £31k–£38k (dependent on location)
Most of your training will take place in a SEND school, giving you in-depth experience in this environment. You will then complete a sixweek placement in a contrasting mainstream school before returning to your host school to consolidate your learning.
Successful applicants must hold:
• A minimum 2:2 bachelor’s degree in any subject
• GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English, maths and science
• Right to work and study in the UK
• While school experience is not mandatory, we highly recommend gaining some classroom experience to confirm your interest in a teaching career.
If you’re unsure about your qualifications, contact us for guidance.
Introduction to the ITT programme.
Pre-programme reading and tasks.
Level
in English schools.
The Teacher Apprenticeship is a funded school-based training programme designed to help those currently working in schools take the next step and become qualified teachers.
Achieve Qualified Teacher Status in 10 months + Apprenticeship Assessment
Fully funded training – no fees, no student loans
Train 4 days a week in a SEND school, with 1 day of expert training
Support every step of the way, access personal tutors, mentors & wellbeing team
Earn a salary while you train
Most of your training will take place in a SEND school, giving you in-depth experience in this environment. You will then complete a six-week placement in a contrasting mainstream school before returning to your host school to consolidate your learning.
Successful applicants must hold:
• Employment in a school
• A minimum 2:2 bachelor's degree in any subject
• GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English, maths and science
• Right to work and study in the UK
If you’re unsure about your qualifications, contact us for guidance.
Scan here to find out more about the application process
The Teacher Apprenticeship played a pivotal role in developing my skills as a teacher. This pathway offered a unique blend of practical experience and structured learning. Allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.”
Student teacher 24/25
Flexible
Apprenticeship induction; First day of learning activity.
Pre-programme reading and tasks.
Student teachers will complete their training in two schools. They will complete one placement within their chosen age range at their current/local school. The second will be a contrasting six-week placement in a different school during term two. Our Level 6 teacher training programmes do not include a PGCE, as it’s not required to teach in English schools.
Meet Mollie. She’s currently completing the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, specialising in teaching primary across the 3–7 age range.
Before starting her training, Mollie worked as a Teaching Assistant in the very school where she now teaches. Supporting children across all subjects gave her a real insight into the rewards and challenges of the classroom. It was here she realised that teaching was the career she wanted to pursue.
Mollie spends four days a week teaching in her current school, leading lessons in phonics, maths and reading. She works closely with her in-school mentor, who observes her teaching, gives feedback and helps her set development goals. Each day blends whole-class teaching, small group work, and play-based learning for her 3–7 year-olds.
Fridays are dedicated to live, expert-led webinars covering key topics like behaviour management, curriculum planning and subjectspecific pedagogy. Mollie learns alongside student teachers from across the country, with plenty of opportunities for discussion and idea sharing.
Depending on your location, you may have the opportunity to attend Face-to-Face training days instead.
Once a month, Mollie attends a themed Core Training Day focused on the Primary ITT curriculum. These interactive sessions include practical activities, group work and expert guidance, helping her translate new strategies straight into her classroom practice.
Over one academic year, Mollie is transforming her school-based experience into a full teaching qualification, without stepping away from the job she already loves.
• Full-time course fee: £9,535 (subject to change)
• Student loans: Eligible candidates can apply for government-backed loans to cover tuition fees and living costs
Best Practice Network requires student teachers to pay using one of the following methods:
• Apply for a full tuition loan through Student Finance England
• Apply for a partial tuition loan and self-fund the remaining balance
• Self-fund the entire tuition upfront or via an instalment plan
• Course fee: £0 – fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy
• Salary: Earn a salary on the Unqualified Teacher Pay Scale while you train
• No tuition costs: Your training is fully covered, so there’s no need for student loans or upfront payments
Have a question? Book a call with our friendly team.
For the latest info on financial support, bursaries, and loans, visit our website or contact our team: teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk
Training to become a teacher is a big step, but you won’t be doing it alone. At Best Practice Network, our dedicated team of experts is here to support and guide you every step of the way. From arranging your school placements to providing personalised wellbeing support and application assistance, we’re committed to helping you succeed.
Expert facilitators lead core training, while subject specialists deliver webinars to develop your knowledge and teaching skills.
Our Placement Team works behind the scenes to secure and coordinate your school placements, ensuring you gain valuable, relevant classroom experience.
Your personal tutor supports you and your mentor throughout your training, visiting your school for observations and check-ins to ensure you’re well supported.
Your mentor meets with you weekly, guides your learning, observes your teaching, and helps set development targets. They’re your main contact for school-based support.
If you’re finding things tough, you will have access to a dedicated wellbeing lead, who is here to provide informal support during your training.
The Programme Team processes applications, organises interviews and supports you with any queries throughout your training journey.
Whether you’re applying for our fee-funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, here are the key steps to make your application a success.
You’ll need:
• Right to work, study, and live in the UK
• Resident for 3+ years (Apprenticeship)
• Resident for 1+ year (Fee-funded ITT)
• Proof of ID: passport or UK birth certificate
• Immigration/Right to Work codes (if applicable)
Need help applying? Book a call with our expert team here.
Upload one document (dated within the last 3 months), such as a council tax letter or a UK driver's licence
You’ll need:
• GCSE English & Maths grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent)
• GCSE Science grade 4 (C) for Primary specialism
• Bachelor’s degree (Level 6 or higher) For overseas qualifications:
• ENIC Statement of Comparability required
Make sure documents are clearly scanned/photographed.
Name files clearly. Respond promptly to emails to keep your application moving.
• Documentation if your name has changed (e.g. marriage certificate)
Equivalency tests are available for missing GCSEs Tips
• You may need to complete equivalency tests if you studied in another language
route only)
Your school must confirm their support of your training. We’ll send them:
• Employer Declaration Form (needed before interview)
• Employer Details Form (for funding, not needed for interview)
Submit your application, even if some documents are missing. You’ll have time to upload later.
Scan here to find out more
With the right support in place, there are no limits as to what you can achieve."
Amanda Marsden | SENCO at Best Practice Network
You can contact our ITT Enquiries team at teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk for advice on eligibility, programme structure and funding.
For information on placements or hosting a student teacher, please contact placements@bestpracticenet.co.uk
For the latest programme information, please visit: bestpracticenet.co.uk/teacher-training
+44 (0) 117 920 9428
teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk
bestpracticenet.co.uk