FAQs
Welcome to the Grad2Teach FAQ page for schools.
We understand that choosing the right training partner is an important decision, and you may have questions about how the Grad2Teach programme works, what support you can expect, and how our trainees can add value to your school.
This page is designed to provide clear answers to the most common questions from schools working with or considering working with Grad2Teach.
If you’d like to discuss your school’s specific needs, our team is always available to help you find the right trainee and support your recruitment and training goals.
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Grad2Teach provides salaried, school-embedded teacher training. We recruit high-potential graduates, career changers, and talented support staff and place them directly in your school. From day one, they are employed, supported, and guided through a structured training pathway that builds towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via one of three nationally recognised routes.
Alongside this, every trainee completes an NCFE-accredited Level 4 Award in their first year, giving formal recognition of their development and impact in school.
In Phase One of training, all trainees complete an NCFE customised qualification. These Level 4 Awards are practical, reflective, and portfolio-based, giving schools measurable impact and providing trainees with milestones of achievement.
- Level 4 Award in Teaching Fundamentals – an introduction to professional values, safeguarding, and classroom conduct.
- Level 4 Award in Applied Teaching Techniques – focuses on planning, assessment, behaviour, and inclusion for those delivering learning.
- Level 4 Award in Advanced Pre-ITT Practice – prepares trainees for PGCE, Apprenticeship, or Assessment Only routes with deeper emphasis on pedagogy and reflection.
Each award is standalone but also forms part of a progressive training journey. Schools can trigger entry into ITT at the stage that best suits their context, timetable, and budget.
We offer three recognised pathways to Qualified Teacher Status, tailored to different school needs:
- PGCE with QTS (via Coventry University’s National Institute of Teaching and Education) – includes 60 Master’s credits; can be funded by Student Finance or school sponsorship.
- Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) – funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, with salary grants available for shortage subjects.
- Assessment Only Route (AOR) – for experienced unqualified teachers; uniquely supported through Grad2Teach’s Not Only Assessment model with structured training and portfolio guidance.
Schools are not left on their own. We provide:
- A dedicated Partnership Coordinator as your point of contact.
- Structured tripartite meetings each term with the trainee, mentor, and Grad2Teach team.
- Ongoing mentor guidance and optional training aligned with NITE.
- Regular observations, feedback, and study groups to ensure steady progress.
- Coaching support available for trainees’ wellbeing and resilience.
- Salaries: Paid directly by Grad2Teach, including NI and pension.
- Facilitation Fee: Schools pay only a termly fee to cover training, qualifications, compliance, and learner support.
- No recruitment fees: There are no introduction or transfer costs, even if you employ a trainee post-qualification.
- Retention-focused: Schools that retain their trainee after qualification pay nothing further.
- Additional options: Schools may choose to sponsor PGCE fees, access levy funding for apprenticeships, or benefit from Grad2Teach’s coverage of AOR assessment fees (after two terms in placement).
Grad2Teach is an NCFE Approved Centre (Centre No. 11000591). All trainees undergo full DBS checks, safeguarding induction, and meet statutory compliance before starting in school.
We also embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles throughout recruitment and training, ensuring schools benefit from diverse, inclusive staffing.
- Cost-effective – cheaper than agency recruitment and focused on retention.
- Flexible – training routes can be tailored to your timetable, staffing plan, and budget.
- High impact – trainees contribute from day one while developing towards QTS.
- Accredited – NCFE Level 4 Awards ensure measurable recognition at every stage.
- Retention promise – we only succeed when your trainee stays and grows with your school