The University of Huddersfield has been selected as one of eight providers in England to deliver a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship pilot – and is the only institution in the North to have been chosen.
The Department for Education is running the funding pilot focussing on Mathematics which will aim to recruit up to 150 teacher degree apprentices under the new scheme.
The University’s School of Education will design the course and partner with Local Authorities, including Kirklees Council, and employing schools to help deliver the programme, ahead of welcoming around 25 new apprentices in September 2025.
Teacher Degree Apprenticeships (TDAs) are designed to offer an alternative route for people to become qualified teachers, with apprentices working in a school from day one at the same time as studying for a degree.
It means that the apprentices will be able to earn while they are learning, and their training and qualifications will be fully funded – so they will not be left with student fees debt. It is also the only route that provides a salary as well as the training to get both a degree and qualified teacher status.
Head of Initial Teacher Education at the University of Huddersfield, Dr Nena Skrbic commented: “This degree level apprenticeship route overcomes many of the barriers to becoming a teacher that potential entrants to the profession experience. With a strong focus on teacher preparation based on immersion and first-hand experience of the teaching sector, the programme presents a valuable opportunity to develop your specialist skills and knowledge in a supportive educational and occupational context. Importantly, it offers an accessible route to the teaching profession to a diverse range of people. This includes new entrants to the profession, second-career teachers, or those seeking an upward progression route in their current role.”
The University’s Director of Partnerships (ITE), Sarah Ahmed added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with our partners and local schools in developing the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship in Mathematics. Our aim is to inspire the next generation of mathematics educators by integrating effective employment-based methods into our ITT offer. The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship will provide a strong foundation for entry into the teaching profession.”
David Shepherd, Strategic Director for Growth & Regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “It’s so exciting that Kirklees will be home to the only northern university piloting this scheme. This is another example of the government recognising Kirklees’ potential – alongside the new West Yorkshire Investment Zone, which will also support the next wave of professionals coming out of Huddersfield, and government funding for many projects to improve our local towns, not just for Huddersfield but right across Kirklees.
“The University of Huddersfield has long been one of our greatest assets as a borough. Once again, we’re seeing pioneering work – and an opportunity which will bring new talent to our area. The Council will do all it can to support delivery of this fantastic programme, and to also create great places where professionals want to not just study but base themselves and their careers long-term – meaning these apprenticeships would not only benefit the teachers they train, but have an immeasurable ripple effect for many years to come.”
As one of the new apprenticeship providers, the University will receive a Department for Education development grant of £12,499 to support course development costs.
Schools that employ apprentices as part of the funding pilot will receive financial incentives to support with apprentice salary costs.
The new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is a four-year long apprenticeship, with three days a week working in a school and two days a week at university studying.
Evidence from the funding pilot will be used to inform any decision on expanding grant funding for the TDAs.
The University of Huddersfield already offers degree apprenticeships in other professions, such as Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Registered Nurse, Leadership, and Management. The success of the programme saw the University receive an Ofsted outstanding rating for its apprentice provision in 2023 – only the second university to do so in the last four years.
It also has a successful track record in traditional teacher training, at primary and secondary subject specific level, comprising undergraduate and postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) courses. This includes the Secondary Mathematics PGCE with QTS, a one-year postgraduate course.