Train to Teach
Heronsgate Primary School (rated Outstanding by Ofsted in December 2022), working with Greenwich Learning Partnership and Xavier Teach South East, are offering a Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship route (PGTA) for aspiring Primary teachers as well as two fee-paying routes which will lead to either QTS or QTS with PGCE.
This routes into teaching encourage current school-based employees to make the next step into teaching with the support of their school and experienced staff from our partnership.
Why Train With Us?
Teaching Apprenticeship route
We offer a 1-year ITT programme in primary teaching, which if successful, will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The programme will consist of:
Professional studies training covering topics such as lesson planning, behaviour management, assessment, marking and monitoring.
Subject specialist training to enhance your knowledge and teaching of the national curriculum.
Two placements within our partnership schools to enable you to embed your training and to further develop your teaching skills.
Predominantly you will be placed in your ’home’ school throughout your training year as a named class teacher in either KS1 or KS2.
A shorter, 6-week placement will be completed in an ‘away’ school, again, all within our partnership.
Please note we do not currently offer EYFS-based teaching apprenticeships.Whilst on placement you will be assigned a highly skilled mentor who will support, develop and challenge your teaching to ensure your experience is of the highest quality. We are committed to laying the foundation for a long and successful career in teaching. In order to support this, not only will you receive high quality curriculum and pedagogy training, but you will also receive 1 – 1 support from a pastoral coach to ensure a smooth and successful training year.
As a teaching apprentice, you will be paid by your employing school as an unqualified teacher during your year of training (£28,343 in 2025).
In 2023, Xavier Teach SouthEast were recognised by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ in every category for the second time since their inception, ten years ago. Since 2013, Xavier Teach SouthEast has trained over 600 trainees; the majority of trainees remain in the partnership and many are already in leadership positions.
To apply for this programme, you will need to check that you have the following:
an honours degree or an equivalent qualification certified by ENIC
English, Maths (and Science GCSE for Primary) or equivalent: Grade 4 and above
you are currently working in a school who is in receipt of the apprenticeship levy.
your school is willing to financially support your year-long training
If you are not working in a school currently, we may be able to offer you an interview with one of our partnership schools.
We will be holding an information session for school leaders on 17th April 2026- see the link below for information.
Applications for September 2026 start are now open.
All applications to the programme must be made via DfE Apply. The last round of interviews will be held in June 2026, so you must apply before the end of May 2026.
We will also ask your school to complete a short application form to verify a few details.
This application will then be reviewed and an official offer/rejection will be made before the end of the summer term.
Our provider code is 1G2 and the course code for Primary is M799.
Any subsequent offers will be subject to the candidate undergoing all statutory safeguarding checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check an online check and an occupational health screening.
For further information (for applicants or schools) contact Natasha Reay: nreay@heronsgate.greenwich.sch.uk
Fee-paying teacher training routes
We offer a 1-year ITT programme in primary teaching, which if successful, will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Fee-paying trainees will be based in one school for two terms, with a contrasting placement in a second school for one term. That, along with additional experience days, (such as in a SEND school), will broaden your training experience. This will be in KS1 and KS2.
School placements are discussed at interview and your preferences taken into consideration using our knowledge of the staff, expertise, and capacity in our schools along with our knowledge of you and your unique set of circumstances, including your transport options and location on starting the course.
During your school placement, our trainees are encouraged to make the most of every opportunity to get immersed in school life. You will plan and deliver lessons, assess pupil progress, and manage classroom behaviour. You will observe experienced teachers, receive regular feedback, and gradually take on more teaching responsibility. You will have opportunities to participate in the wider life of your school life and work closely with your mentors to develop your professional practice.
Fees for this 1 year course are £8196.
Funding is available to help you train to teach if you choose a course that has tuition fees. You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees or to help with your living costs.
Applicants to the programme need to have:
an honours degree or an equivalent qualification certified by ENIC
English, Maths and Science GCSE or equivalent: Grade 4 and above
Please note we do not currently offer EYFS-based teaching routes.
Applications for September 2026 start are now open via DfE Apply. The last round of interviews will be held in June 2026, so you must apply before the end of May 2026.
Our provider code is 1G2 and the course code for fee-paying Primary is U111.
Any subsequent offers will be subject to the candidate undergoing all statutory safeguarding checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check, an online check and an occupational health screening.
For further information (for applicants or schools) contact Natasha Reay: nreay@heronsgate.greenwich.sch.uk