An apprenticeship is an excellent choice for those looking to gain hands-on experience while earning a qualification. For example, the Level 6 Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship allows individuals to work in schools while training as teachers, combining real-world classroom experience with academic learning. This route with our partner the National Institute of Teaching provides a fast track to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with funding and salary support.  

Learn more about how apprenticeships can benefit your school from Head of Primary, Ben Sheppard:

Harris Federation’s Main Provider Status of Apprenticeships 

Since 2019, Harris Federation has been an employer provider of apprenticeships, and more recently our Harris Institute has attained Main Provider Status too. This enables us to deliver our education-based programmes to apprentices and employers across the country.  

Our Programmes 

It is our aim to ensure all staff who work in schools can access on-the-job training and qualifications whether that be through our very own Middle Leaders Apprenticeship for senior and middle leaders; or our Level 3 Leading Education Support Teams Apprenticeship for aspiring leaders in school support teams, like finance, estates, HR and IT – there is a programme for you.  

All Apprenticeships are fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy. 

Specialist Teaching Assistant - Apply now for Spring 2027

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship programme is open and we are excited to offer this opportunity to experienced Teaching Assistants (TAs) across all school settings, with training set to begin on 1st July 2026.  

Middle Leaders Certificate in Education - Apply now for Summer 2027

The Level 5 Middle Leaders Certificate in Education is a nationally recognised development programme designed for aspiring and current middle leaders who want to deepen their impact, sharpen their leadership skills, and drive subject-specific excellence within their schools.

Lead Practitioner Programme - Apply now for Summer 2027

This Level 4 Lead Practitioner programme focusses on developing teaching and learning using a variety of tools and techniques, including project management tools to ensure that student outcomes, teacher development, and learning culture are consistently improved. Practitioners will develop the ability to lead change initiatives, support teachers, and make data-driven decisions to enhance educational quality and student success.  This year Apprentices will also develop an understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools can support data analysis, automate processes, and enhance decision making. 

Professional Certificate in School Business & Operations Leadership - Apply now for January 2027

We are excited to launch this Level 4, fully-funded 14-month programme designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to foster continuous improvement in their Schools and Trust Central departments and support our education professionals to lead on improving systems, data, processes, compliance and stakeholder coordination.  This apprenticeship is aimed at a wider group of school and trust professionals who lead improvement through data, process, systems, compliance , and stakeholder management. ​

Leading Education Support Teams - Apply now for November 2026

Previously the Level 3 Team Leader for Support Staff apprenticeship, this popular apprenticeship will provide you with leadership training for a formal qualification and covers the key competencies that new leaders in schools need to successfully lead a team. 

Our Partner Programmes

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) Level 6 with National Institute of Teaching

The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) offers aspiring teachers a unique opportunity to earn while they train, gaining hands-on experience in the classroom while receiving expert guidance. Apprentices benefit from a fully funded pathway to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a salary, combining practical learning with academic study. This route equips apprentices with in-depth skills and confidence as they embark on their teaching careers.  To find out more please click here.

Ofsted  

In January 2024, we were excited to receive a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted for our first apprenticeship inspection. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams, and of course, our fantastic apprentices on both programmes.  

Curriculum and Outcomes  

“Apprentices study an ambitious curriculum, which has a very positive impact on their development.” 

Programme Leaders and Tutors 

“Leaders and managers make sure that apprentices are taught by highly skilled and experienced tutors and programme leads.” 

Employers and Line Managers 

“Line managers provide effective support for apprentices at work. They make sure that apprentices have good opportunities to consolidate, practise and develop […] Line managers value the positive contribution that apprentices make at work.” 

Benefits 

These apprenticeships are mutually beneficial, offering individuals a direct pathway to a rewarding career, while helping schools create sustainable talent pipelines and develop confident, capable leaders within their team.

Do you want to learn more about our apprenticeship programmes? Please get in touch with our Apprenticeships Team.