school-based Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

Our school-based Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme gives you the opportunity to learn directly in the classroom, supported by experienced teachers and mentors. Delivered in partnership with Ark Teacher Training, this Apprenticeship route let's you earn while you learn whilst working towards your Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You will spend the majority of your time gaining practical classroom experience, putting pedagogical theory into practice, and building your teaching confidence throughout the school year. Training Subjects available: Primary, Maths, English, Science, Geography, Computing, French, History, RE Programme key details,

• An undergraduate degree with a 2:2 classification or above (or equivalent) by the start of the programme. A degree in the subject you wish to teach is preferred. Alternatively, a strong A-Level in that subject (Grade C or above) will be considered. (Any degree subject is accepted for Primary teaching)
• Grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English & Mathematics (& Science for Primary teaching) Overseas equivalents accepted.
• Right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the training year.
• Must not currently hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Accepted degree subjects

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives - and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.Our mission 1. We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day. 2. With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives. 3. We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities. Every adult in a school has the power to transform lives, and that's why talented people are essential to us. Our ambition to give every pupil the best start in life relies on our dedicated teachers, teaching assistants, senior leaders, and admin teams. We attract dynamic individuals and provide the space to reimagine what's possible. That's why your career is as important to us as it is to you. We want you to develop, we want you to grow, and we want you to feel valued. We have a number of in-school vacancies as well as our Teacher Training Programme to provide the very best training and start to your career as a teacher.


• Qualifications earned: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) & Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) & Level 6 Apprenticeship
• Programme duration: 1 Year (Full-time)
• Key dates: Summer School (2 - 13 August 2027)
Why choose our Initial Teacher Training Programme? Our school-based teacher training gives you the perfect balance of practical classroom experience and expert academic grounding:
• Attractive financial packages: Salaries from £24,444 - £30,217 or Bursaries/Scholarships of up to £31,000
• Practical classroom experience: Gain hands-on teaching practice as an unqualified teacher, backed by dedicated 1-on-1 mentoring.
• Fully supported progression: Your personal tutor and in-school coach guide you as you gradually take on more independent teaching responsibility.
• Network & community: Spend half a day every week in dedicated training sessions alongside fellow trainees from across the Ark Teacher Training and Lift Schools networks.
What the Teacher Training Programme includes Two-week Summer School (August 2027) Prepare for your training year with two weeks of focused learning. Our Summer School (2 - 13 August 2027) helps you enter the classroom with a strong foundation in educational theory, lesson planning, and behaviour management. Personalised mentoring & coaching You will never feel on your own. A dedicated subject tutor and in-school mentor provide ongoing advice, weekly feedback, and tailored career support. Targeted weekly training Weekly training modules enhance the practical teaching skills you apply in the classroom every day. Nationwide support network Connect with current trainees and alumni across our 62 schools nationwide. As part of Lift Schools, you will benefit from a collaborative peer network throughout your training year and into your Early Career Framework (ECF) years. Recognised PGCE & QTS qualifications Graduate with both a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our commitment to equal opportunities We are committed to building a diverse teaching workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We provide robust support systems to ensure every trainee teacher reaches their full potential regardless of background.