Become a primary teacher
Primary Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is designed for graduates of any subject and awards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
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About Initial Teacher Training
For those aspiring to a career in primary teaching, Best Practice Network’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme offers a direct pathway to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Student teachers train in the classroom from day one, gaining hands-on experience while working towards QTS. This practical approach appeals to those eager to make an immediate impact in the classroom.
Turn your degree into Qualified Teacher Status- School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) (Learn more)
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Once qualified, start on a salary of £31-£38k (dependent on location)
How will I learn?
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.
Why Become a Primary School Teacher?
Primary school teachers are the foundation builders! They play a pivotal role in shaping young minds during their most crucial developmental years. Here's why becoming a primary school teacher is a fantastic career choice:
- Inspire a lifelong love of learning: Spark curiosity and creativity in your pupils, making learning fun and rewarding. Through storytelling, hands-on activities, and engaging lessons, you'll inspire the next generation.
- Shape well-rounded individuals: Teaching goes beyond academics. You'll nurture social, emotional, and physical growth, empowering children to become confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals.
- Celebrate growth every day: There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the progress children make. From their first “a-ha” moments to newfound confidence, you’ll be at the heart of their journey, celebrating every milestone.
How do teachers make a difference to young people's lives?
Why choose Best Practice Network for your teacher training?
- Ofsted outstanding: provider of the DfE’s full teacher progression pathway, supporting student teachers from entry into teaching through to executive leadership.
- 20+ Years experience: Delivering teacher training and professional qualifications for teachers, school leaders, support staff and early years professionals.
- Subject & phase specific groups: As a leading national provider our enrolment enables student teachers to train alongside peers specific to their phase, subject and specialism.
- Local placement: Our network of 500+ schools provides our student teachers local access to in-school placements.
- Supporting wellbeing: Our pathway is QTS-only helping support student teacher capacity and wellbeing on their journey into teaching.
- Award-winning: Best Practice Network has been named Education Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year for the past two years.
- 100% of our 2023/24 graduate teachers have secured employment for September
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Don't just take our word for it! Check out what our student teachers think of the programme...
Apply to be a Primary Teacher
What qualifications do I need to train to be a Primary teacher?
To be eligible for this programme, applicants MUST hold:
- A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a 2:2 or above
- GCSE grade 4/C* or above in English and maths and science (or recognised equivalent*)
- While school experience is not mandatory, we highly recommend it as a valuable way to confirm your interest in a teaching career
You can read more about eligibility on the Get Into Teaching website
If you hold Level 2 Functional Skills, Key Skills or another maths or English qualification, you will need still need to complete GCSE Equivalency testing to meet the ITT entry requirements.
*GCSE equivalent does not include Functional or Key Skills for the purpose of meeting the ITT requirements. Please contact our team for further support.
The Application Process
What Happens After You Apply?
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Application review
Once you’ve chosen the age phase you’d like to teach and submitted your application, our team will conduct an initial review.
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Online interview
We’ll contact you to arrange an online interview. You'll be asked to complete some pre-interview maths and English task as well as a presentation.
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Conditional offer
If your interview is successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer to join the programme.
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School placement support
Don’t have a school to support your training yet? No problem! Our dedicated placements team will work with you to secure a placement school, ensuring you’re ready to begin your teaching journey.
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Enrolment and onboarding process begins
"I do not work in a school" - Apply Here
Not currently working in a school? Our 11-month Initial Teacher Training programme is designed for aspiring teachers, whether you’re a recent graduate or making a career change.
When you apply, Best Practice Network will work to find you a placement school within 45 minutes of your home. Most of your training will take place in this school, with an additional short-term placement in a contrasting setting to broaden your experience.
Training costs
The cost of training for this programme is currently £8,500 and will raise to £9,535 from the start of the 25/26 academic year:
Did you know? You can choose to start your training in February or September 2025! Click below to apply.
| Specialism | Age Range | Application Portal |
| Primary (Start in February or September) | 3-7 years | Apply here → |
| Primary (Start in February or September) | 5-11 years | Apply here → |
"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 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).
Choose from one of two age ranges – both are full time.
| Specialism | Age Range | Application Portal |
| General Primary | 3-7 | Apply here → |
| General Primary | 5-11 | Apply here → |