Train to be a SEND teacher Explore pathways to Qualified Teacher Status
AT A GLANCE CHECK-CIRCLE Choose from 3 curriculum pathways (3-7, 5-11 or 7-14)
CHECK-CIRCLE Train in school 4 days a week CHECK-CIRCLE Achieve QTS in 1 academic year CHECK-CIRCLE Expert SEND-focused mentoring and support
Train to teach with Best Practice Network
Which training pathway is right for you?
Thinking about becoming a SEND teacher? Our specialist training programmes provide a practical, fully supported route into a rewarding career in education.
We offer two high-quality routes into SEND teaching. Use this guide to find the one that suits you best.
Written and delivered in partnership with The Gallery Trust, a leading multi-academy trust specialising in special educational needs, our programmes are informed by real classroom practice, specialist expertise and a deep commitment to inclusive education. Whichever route you take, you’ll gain handson experience in SEND schools, personalised mentoring from expert practitioners, and a nationally recognised teaching qualification that equips you to make a lasting difference.
Why choose us for your teacher training? • Award-Winning – Proud winners of the
Trust Collaboration Award at the MAT Excellence Awards 2026
• 20+ Years of Experience – delivering
training for teachers, leaders and support staff
• Tailored Training – subject and phase-
specific groups across our national network
About BPN
• Local Placements – 500+ partner schools
At Best Practice Network, we believe that every child deserves an excellent education.
• Wellbeing Focused – QTS-only
As one of the only national providers of the SEND Teacher Apprenticeship, we deliver high-quality training designed and delivered by SEND experts, in partnership with schools and trusts nationwide.
• Proven Success – 80% of our 2025/26
offering high-quality, in-school training route designed for a smooth transition into teaching
graduates secured teaching roles following their training (Destination and Impact Survey)
The specialist pathway that focuses on special educational needs is a particular highlight.” Ofsted | May 2026
2 |
Best Practice Network
Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA)
• Ideal if you’re not yet working in a school
• Ideal if you’re already employed in a school
• SEND and mainstream school
• Train in your current school
• Access student loans to cover
• Fully funded via your school’s Growth
• Unsalaried route
• Salaried route (Unqualified Teacher Scale)
• 11 months
• 10 months + Apprenticeship Assessment
• Awards Qualified Teacher Status
• Awards Qualified Teacher Status
More information on page 4
More information on page 6
placements arranged for you training costs
SEND ITT Curriculum Overview Our curriculum is designed to build your skills and confidence progressively, blending theory with practical classroom experience. Your training is built around three core areas: • Behaviour Support & Classroom
Management
• Curriculum Delivery • Teacher Development
Training is delivered through a blend of mentor-led school sessions, live webinars, self-study and core training days – with dedicated SEND surgeries and spotlight sessions that provide practical support for working with pupils with SEND.
and Skills Levy
+ Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship
Core Training Days You’ll attend 12 core training days throughout your programme, delivered either online or Face-to-Face at a local training centre.
Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) Weeks In addition, you’ll take part in four ITAP weeks. These focus on key teaching skills and give you the chance to see expert practice in action, helping you embed new strategies into your own teaching. The ITAP weeks align with the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF). At the end of your training, you should be able to confidently teach 80% of the class timetable.
Train to be a SEND teacher
| 3
The Fee-Funded route at Best Practice Network is similar to the apprenticeship – trainees are immersed in school right from the start of the programme meaning they can become accustomed to the school environment, culture, and routines early on.”
AT A GLANCE Course duration 11 months Flexible learning Train 4 days in school, 1 day online learning
Vanessa Sawyer | ITT Programme Director
This programme awards Qualified Teacher Status Cost £9,790
Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training is perfect for recent graduates or career changers who are looking to begin a rewarding career in teaching and are not yet employed in a school.
Programme highlights A chieve Qualified Teacher Status in just 11 months Access student loans to cover training costs
Successful applicants must hold: • A minimum 2:2 bachelor’s degree
in any subject
T rain 4 days a week in a SEND school, with 1 day of expert training
• GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English,
S upport every step of the way – access personal tutors, mentors & wellbeing team
• Right to work and study in the UK
O nce qualified, start on a salary of £32k (dependent on location)
Scan to visit our website and learn more about the application process.
4 |
Am I eligible for this programme?
Best Practice Network
maths and science
• While school experience is not mandatory,
Programme overview Induction
Term 1
Introduction to the ITT programme. Pre-programme reading and tasks.
Term 2
Term 3
School-Based Training School-Based Training (School A) School-Based Training
+
(School A)
Short contrasting placement (half a term)
(School A) Summative Assessment Recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
(School B) Preparing for Early Career Teaching (ECT)
we highly recommend gaining some classroom experience to confirm your interest in a teaching career.
If you’re unsure about your qualifications, contact us for guidance.
Most of your training will take place in a SEND school, giving you in-depth experience in this environment. You will then complete a short placement in a contrasting mainstream school before returning to your host school to consolidate your learning. Our teacher training programmes allow you to acheive QTS without a PGCE, which isn’t required to teach in schools across England.
Train to be a SEND teacher
| 5
The Teacher Apprenticeship played a pivotal role in developing my skills as a teacher. This pathway offered a unique blend of practical experience and structured learning. Allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.”
AT A GLANCE Course duration 10 months + Assessment Flexible learning Train 4 days in school, 1 day online learning
Student teacher 24/25
This programme awards Qualified Teacher Status and Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship Cost £0 with Growth and Skills Levy funding
Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship The Teacher Apprenticeship is a funded school-based training programme designed to help those currently working in schools take the next step and become qualified teachers.
Programme highlights A chieve Qualified Teacher Status in 10 months + Apprenticeship Assessment F ully funded training – no fees, no student loans T rain 4 days a week in a SEND school, with 1 day of expert training S upport every step of the way, access personal tutors, mentors & wellbeing team E arn a salary while you train
Scan to visit our website and learn more about the application process.
Am I eligible for this programme? Applicants must hold: • Employment in a school • A minimum 2:2 bachelor's degree
in any subject
• GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in
English, maths and science
• Residency in the UK for the last three years
Best Practice Network
Induction
Term 1
Apprenticeship induction; First day of learning activity. Pre-programme reading and tasks.
Term 2
Term 3
School-Based Training School-Based Training (Employing school) School-Based Training
+
(Employing school)
Short contrasting placement (half a term)
(Employing school) Summative Assessment Recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
(School B) Preparing for Early Career Teaching (ECT)
and have a valid visa for the entire duration of the programme
Qualifications achieved outside of the United Kingdom (including Ireland) will need to be verified via UK ENIC through a comparability statement. If you’re unsure about your qualifications, contact us for guidance.
6 |
Programme overview
Most of your training will take place in a in your current school. You will then complete a short placement in a contrasting mainstream school before returning to your host school to consolidate your learning. Our teacher training programmes allow you to acheive QTS without a PGCE, which isn’t required to teach in schools across England.
Train to be a SEND teacher
| 7
A week in the life of a student teacher Primary Apprentice Teacher
Meet Mollie. She’s currently completing the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, specialising in teaching primary across the 3–7 age range. Before starting her training, Mollie worked as a Teaching Assistant in the very school where she now teaches. Supporting children across all subjects gave her a real insight into the rewards and challenges of the classroom. It was here she realised that teaching was the career she wanted to pursue.
Monday to Thursday
Monthly
Learning in the Classroom
Core Training Days
Mollie spends four days a week teaching in her current school, leading lessons in phonics, maths and reading. She works closely with her in-school mentor, who observes her teaching, gives feedback and helps her set development goals. Each day blends whole-class teaching, small group work, and play-based learning for her 3–7 year-olds.
Once a month, Mollie attends a themed Core Training Day focused on the Primary ITT curriculum. These interactive sessions include practical activities, group work and expert guidance, helping her translate new strategies straight into her classroom practice.
Friday Expert-Led Training Fridays are dedicated to live, expert-led webinars covering key topics like behaviour management, curriculum planning and subjectspecific pedagogy. Mollie learns alongside student teachers from across the country, with plenty of opportunities for discussion and idea sharing.
Over one academic year, Mollie is transforming her school-based experience into a full teaching qualification, without stepping away from the job she already loves.
Funding your training Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA)
• Full-time course fee: £9,790
• Course fee: £0 – fully funded
• Student loans: Eligible candidates can
• Salary: Earn a salary on the Unqualified
(subject to change)
apply for government-backed loans to cover tuition fees and living costs
through the Growth and Skills Levy Teacher Pay Scale while you train
• No tuition costs: Your training is fully
covered, so there’s no need for student loans or upfront payments
Payment options Best Practice Network requires student teachers to pay using one of the following methods: • Apply for a full tuition loan through
Have a question? Book a call with our friendly team.
Student Finance England
• Apply for a partial tuition loan and
self-fund the remaining balance
• Self-fund the entire tuition upfront
or via an instalment plan
For the latest info on financial support, bursaries, and loans, visit our website or contact our team: teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk
Train to be a SEND teacher
| 9
Your support team
Ready to Apply?
Training to become a teacher is a big step, but you won’t be doing it alone. At Best Practice Network, our dedicated team of experts is here to support and guide you every step of the way. From arranging your school placements to providing personalised wellbeing support and application assistance, we’re committed to helping you succeed.
Whether you’re applying for our Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, here are the key steps to make your application a success.
Facilitators and SEND Experts
Personal Tutor
Expert facilitators lead core training, while subject specialists deliver webinars to develop your knowledge and teaching skills.
Your personal tutor supports you and your mentor throughout your training, visiting your school for observations and check-ins to ensure you’re well supported.
Placement Team Our placement team works behind the scenes to secure and coordinate your school placements, ensuring you gain valuable, relevant classroom experience.
Step 1: Apply through the DfE Apply for your chosen subject or specialism through the Department for Education (DfE) Apply service. Once submitted, we'll review your application against our entry and eligibility requirements. Successful applicants will be invited to progress to the next stage.
In-School Mentor
Step 2: Register with Best Practice Network
Your mentor meets with you weekly, guides your learning, observes your teaching, and helps set development targets. They’re your main contact for school-based support.
Register your details in our system and upload all required documents within 2 weeks.
Wellbeing Lead
Step 3: Employer Checks (Apprenticeship route only)
If you’re finding things tough, you will have access to a dedicated wellbeing lead, who is there to provide informal support during your training.
Your school will need to: • Confirm your employment and apprenticeship support • Complete funding and eligibility checks • Provide the required approvals and declarations
The Programme Team The programme team processes applications, organises interviews and supports you with any queries throughout your training journey.
This allows us to complete our initial checks and progress your application.
Step 4: Attend Your Interview You'll be invited to book an online interview. The interview typically lasts 60-90 minutes and will include a short presentation. All applicants receive feedback.
Step 5: Receive Your Offer Need help applying? Book a call with our expert team here.
10 |
Best Practice Network
Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer and guidance on the next steps including funding, contracts and enrolment.
Train to be a SEND teacher
| 11
Student teachers are overwhelmingly positive about all aspects of their training with Best Practice Network. They know that they will get the support they need to succeed in their training sessions as well as on placement or within the workplace." Ofsted | May 2026
Get in touch You can contact our ITT Enquiries team at teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk for advice on eligibility, programme structure and funding. For information on placements or hosting a student teacher, please contact placements@bestpracticenet.co.uk For the latest programme information, please visit: bestpracticenet.co.uk/initial-teacher-training
0117 920 9428 teach@bestpracticenet.co.uk bestpracticenet.co.uk