About Initial Teacher Training
For those looking to pursue a career in teaching without returning to university, Best Practice Network’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes for English teachers offer a compelling alternative. Instead of following the traditional academic route, trainees are immersed directly in schools, allowing them to gain real-world experience while working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in just 11 months.
This practical model attracts individuals keen to bypass the constraints of university life and step into teaching roles with immediate impact.
How will I learn to be an English teacher?
Our full-time programme (minimum 30 hours per week) runs across three terms and blends online learning with hands-on, school-based experience. Over the duration of the programme, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in the classroom.
- Structured weekly plan: Balance one day of online learning with four days of hands-on classroom experience every week.
- Flexible online learning: Access our interactive e-learning platform anytime, anywhere. Learn at your own pace with engaging lessons, resources, and tutorials designed to fit your schedule.
- Dedicated support: Stay on track with the guidance of an experienced mentor, providing regular feedback and helping you plan your next steps with confidence.
What will I be teaching?
As an English teacher, you’ll inspire students by delivering the National Curriculum for English.
Your lessons will cover key areas, including:
- Reading
- Writing
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Spoken English
Why become an English teacher?
As an English teacher, you’ll play a vital role in supporting students to develop the communication skills they need to succeed in all areas of life.
Make a real difference: You'll equip students with the communication skills they need to thrive in all areas of life. Whether it's developing their own voice, finding the literature they love, or guiding them to tackle their exams with confidence.
Ignite a love for learning: Open the door to endless possibilities. Inspire a passion for reading, writing, and critical thinking that will shape your students’ futures.
Be creative in the classroom: Bring English to life with exciting lessons. Whether it’s drama, debates, or storytelling, you’ll spark curiosity and make every class unforgettable.
How do teachers make a difference to young people's lives?
Apply to be an English teacher
What qualifications do I need to train to be an English teacher?
To train to teach English, you will need:
- GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject
- A keen interest in, and passion for, English literature and English language
- If we think you might need to top up your English knowledge, we might recommend that you to undertake some subject knowledge enhancement before you start your teacher training
The Application Process
You can apply directly through our website below. After an initial check, we will then contact you to arrange an interview. Once a successful interview has been completed and you have accepted a place to train to teach with BPN, we will then search for a school placement for you (if you do not already have a school that is willing to support your training).
How can I prepare for a secondary teacher training interview?
- Consider why you want to teach in a secondary school and why you want to train to teach your subject
- Reflect on why you've chosen to apply for either the teacher apprenticeship or fee-funded route
- Identify some personal qualities or characteristics that you possess that would make you a suitable secondary teacher
- Think about some examples of skills or knowledge from your education or work history that you could share at interview that demonstrate your potential to train to teach, e.g. your knowledge of your chosen subject, previous experience of working with children or young people etc
- Familiarise yourself with the Secondary National Curriculum and your chosen subject's Programme of Study and use these to identify your strengths and areas for development in terms of your subject knowledge
- Research lesson plans and resources that are available for teaching your chosen subject using Oak National Academy or BBC Bitesize as a starting point
- Brush up on your literacy and numeracy skills so you are well-prepared for the Maths and Written Tasks
- Where possible, talk to current teachers or trainees so you can find out more about the teaching profession and the role of a secondary school teacher
- Research current issues in education using Schools Week or TES and think about how these might affect pupils, teachers and schools. Prepare any questions that you want to ask us about the Secondary ITT programme and/or training to teach
- Think about whether there's any important information that you need to share with us that would help you to access the programme, if you are offered a place. This could include reasonable adjustments, a learning support plan, or anything else you feel you may need support with.
"I do not work in a school" - Apply Here
Those not currently working in schools can complete our Initial Teacher Training programme for English teachers. This 12-month course is perfect for anyone who wants to become an English teacher including recent graduates and career changers.
Best Practice Network will do our best to find you a placement school no more than 45 minutes from where you live. You will complete the majority of your training in this placement school as well as completing a temporary placement in a contrasting school.
Initial Teacher Training costs £9,535 which can be paid with a student loan or self-funded through monthly or termly instalment plans. Bursaries and scholarships are also available depending on subject. If you want to learn more, sign up to our interest list and our team will be in touch with more information.
"I work in a school" - Apply Here
The Teacher Apprenticeship is a school-based training programme designed to help staff currently working in schools take the next step and become a qualified English teacher.
Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, this pathway will allow you to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship Qualification in just 15 months.
During your apprenticeship, you will be employed at your current school and receive a salary of at least £20,598 per year on the Unqualified Teacher Salary (UNQ1).
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