Building the Future of Teacher Training: Grad2Teach x NCFE

At Grad2Teach, we’re thrilled to announce that we are working closely with NCFE to develop a suite of Level 4 qualifications that will underpin the first phase of our teacher training model. While these qualifications are currently progressing through the NCFE approval process, we expect the first to be ready for launch from September 2025.

This development marks a bold and exciting step in our mission to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and practice-driven route into teaching, one that’s built around schools and the real demands of the classroom.

A Shared Commitment to Learning

Our collaborative partnership with NCFE, a nationally respected awarding organisation and educational charity, reflects a shared belief: that all learners deserve excellent teachers, and all teachers deserve excellent training. By aligning with NCFE’s Customised Qualifications framework, we can offer schools and trainees meaningful, targeted credentials that enhance both confidence and competence.

 

Introducing Our New Level 4 Qualifications

Our Phase One training offer will soon be formalised into a three-part Level 4 qualification suite, supporting a clear developmental journey across the academic year:

Level 4 Certificate in Teaching Fundamentals (ITT Pathway)

Autumn Term – Foundation
For new starters or those stepping into education for the first time. This course explores school culture, safeguarding, planning, assessment, behaviour management, and professional expectations. A trainee-led research project allows them to contribute meaningfully to their school setting from the start.

Level 4 Certificate in Applied Teaching Techniques (ITT Pathway)

Spring Term – Application
Designed for those gaining confidence in the classroom. It offers structured opportunities for lesson planning, delivery, and subject-specific pedagogy. Each trainee is supported by a Grad2Teach Professional Assessor, who observes them in their placement school and gives tailored feedback.

Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Pre-ITT Practice

Summer Term – Consolidation
This course is for near-ready trainees or experienced support staff preparing for PGCE or Apprenticeship routes. Trainees apply pedagogy in more sustained teaching practice and finish the course with a viva assessment—a professional conversation designed to bridge the gap to Phase Two training.

What This Means for Schools and Trainees

These new qualifications will allow schools to:

• Access better-trained Phase One trainees from day one
• Support staff into teaching with a clear, credit-bearing route
• Retain more talent by offering structured development early on

And for trainees, it means:

• Earning recognised Level 4 qualifications while gaining paid experience
• Being supported by in-school mentors and external assessors
• Building confidence and competence before embarking on a PGCE or Apprenticeship

 

Our PGCE and Apprenticeship Pathways Remain Unchanged

While our qualifications evolve, our core Phase Two training offer remains fully intact. We are proud to continue our partnership with The National Institute of Teaching and Education (Coventry University), who deliver:

• The PGCE with QTS
• The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (with QTS)

This allows us to offer flexible progression routes tailored to the needs of our trainees and schools—whether academic, vocational, or both.

Be Part of the Change

If you're a school looking to build your future workforce or a trainee ready to begin your journey into teaching, there’s never been a better time to start with Grad2Teach.

With our new Level 4 qualifications, firm university partnerships, and salaried pathways into the profession, we’re not just preparing trainees for the classroom—we're preparing the classroom for a better future.

Join us. Train differently. Teach for life. Apply here.