Bridging the Gap in Teacher Training: DMU’s Practical Model

Transforming Education: DMU’s Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has introduced a pioneering programme aimed at transforming teacher training and improving accessibility to the profession. As one of the first UK universities to offer the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, DMU provides an alternative to traditional teacher training routes, making it more inclusive for prospective learners, schools, and education leaders.

Developed in collaboration with Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT, a well-established teacher training provider, and the Mead Educational Trust, which oversees numerous primary and secondary schools, the programme is designed to integrate academic learning with hands-on classroom experience. By combining theoretical study with practical training, the initiative seeks to equip aspiring teachers with the essential skills required for modern education while enabling them to earn a degree and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This structured approach broadens access to teaching careers and ensures that educators enter the profession with strong practical experience, bridging the gap between training and real-world teaching challenges.

Jill Cowley, DMU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Skills and Training, emphasised the university’s commitment to providing future educators with essential skills. She highlighted the collaboration with SCITT and the Mead Educational Trust as a way to expand access to teaching careers and make a meaningful impact in classrooms. The apprenticeship offers an alternative to the conventional undergraduate degree followed by a PGCE and QTS.
The four-year programme combines on-the-job training with academic study, allowing participants to earn a salary, graduate with a BA in Education Studies, and obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It provides a practical route for teaching assistants, support staff, and eligible school leavers with employer backing.

At the launch, DMU teams outlined the programme’s structure, module content, and support for apprentices and mentors. Schools were also informed about their role as programme partners. Julie Summers-Rola, Senior Lecturer in Education, praised the course’s quality and strong collaboration, while Sara McAdam, Director of the Mead Institute of Professional Learning, described it as the future of teacher training, urging primary schools to adopt it.

Attendees met academic and SCITT representatives, gaining insights into the programme. Caroline Price, a former teacher attending with her daughter, said she would have chosen the apprenticeship had it been available during her studies. Sam Moore, a mother of two and former teaching assistant, expressed enthusiasm, saying the event confirmed the course suited her career goals.DMU’s Teacher Degree Apprenticeship sets a new standard for teacher training, expanding access to the profession.

Editor’s Note:

De Montfort University Leicester’s introduction of the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship marks a significant step towards modernising teacher training. By combining academic study with practical experience, this initiative provides a structured and accessible path for aspiring educators, particularly those already working in education. The collaboration with Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT and the Mead Educational Trust strengthens the programme’s credibility and impact. With education evolving, training models must adapt to meet the needs of schools and learners. DMU’s apprenticeship offers a promising alternative to traditional teacher training, ensuring future educators are well-prepared for the classroom.

Skoobuzz believes that this approach may encourage other universities to adopt similar models, ultimately benefiting the education sector.