Teacher development update - key opportunities for schools
13 March 2026
Important updates on staff development pathways available this Spring, including new apprenticeship routes and early access to leadership qualifications.
Spring 2026 NPQ opportunities
This Spring, in partnership with Best Practice Network, we are offering self‑funded NPQ places alongside an expanded range of Leader Apprenticeships with NPQs. These apprenticeship routes provide an excellent opportunity for schools to access NPQs through their apprenticeship levy, making them a highly cost‑effective leadership development option. For individuals who are unable to self‑fund their NPQ, the apprenticeship pathway offers a fully funded alternative. The Leader Apprenticeships with NPQs now include a wider selection of programmes than in previous programme windows, giving schools greater flexibility when planning leadership development.
Leader Apprenticeships with NPQs available:
- Leader Apprenticeship with NPQH
- Leader Apprenticeship with NPQSL
- Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLT - new for Spring 2026
- Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLTD - new for Spring 2026
- Leader Apprenticeship with NPQLBC - new for Spring 2026.
These dual-award programmes are fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and offer a flexible, work based route to leadership development. You can watch a recording of our recent LAWNs webinar
Application deadline: Sunday 29 March
Find out more: Leader Apprenticeships with NPQs
Grow your own teachers! Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA)
Looking for a sustainable way to grow your teaching team? The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (Level 6) enables schools to upskill graduate support staff to gain QTS. It’s a "learn while you earn" route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, with no tuition costs for the trainee.
Find out more: Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA)
New: AI Practitioner for Schools Apprenticeship (Level 4)
We’re proud to launch the AI Practitioner for Schools Apprenticeship (Level 4) - the UK’s first dedicated apprenticeship in Artificial Intelligence for Education. Developed in collaboration with school and sector experts, this pioneering programme helps staff confidently and ethically use AI to enhance teaching, learning, and school operations. It focuses on reducing teacher workload, improving the accuracy of pupil data, and supporting safer, more efficient school systems through the responsible use of AI and low-code automation tools.
Graduates are equipped for roles such as:
- AI Coordinator
- AI Implementation Lead
- Digital and AI Lead
- Automation and Systems Lead.
Further details: AI Practitioner for Schools Apprenticeship Level 4
Upcoming deadlines:
- Leaders Apprenticeships with NPQs (LAWNS) - Sunday 29 March
- Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) - Sunday 29 March
- Coaching in Education Level 5 - Sunday 29 March
- AI Practitioner for Schools Level 4 - Sunday 29 March
Contact us:
If you would like more information on any of the above programmes, contact the Teacher Development Team:
Helen Grzeszczak and Tim Spoerry
Telephone: 03301 651 300
Email: TeacherDevelopment@theeducationpeople.org