Become a Qualified Teacher with The Discovery Academy’s Teacher Apprenticeship

At The Discovery Academy, we are proud to offer a dynamic opportunity to support and develop the next generation of teachers. Our Teacher Apprenticeship allows you to gain the vital skills and knowledge needed to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), all while being employed as a key part of our school community.

What We Offer

As an apprentice, you will receive hands-on teaching experience, supported by dedicated time for your own learning and development. You will benefit from our bespoke support structure, including an academic mentor, a work-based education officer, and access to university-led training at Staffordshire University.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will plan engaging lessons, explore effective behaviour management strategies, and learn how children develop and learn. Combining practical experience with theory-based learning, this apprenticeship ensures you are well-equipped to become a successful and confident teacher.

Position Purpose

As an Associate Teacher, you will gain practical teaching experience while working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through the Staffordshire University Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship course, completed within 15 months.

You will balance on-the-job teaching with 6 hours per week dedicated to personal learning and development. The apprenticeship combines research-informed teaching with hands-on school experience, helping you connect theory with practice.

Key Responsibilities include

• Planning and delivering engaging lessons.
• Exploring behaviour management techniques and child development.
• Supporting and monitoring student progress and achievement.
• Maintaining high standards of student attainment.
• Managing classroom resources and support staff effectively.
• Developing teaching practice to deliver a broad, balanced, and differentiated curriculum.
• Collaborating with staff, senior leaders, and external agencies to support students’ academic progress.

As an Associate Teacher, you will be supported by an academic mentor and a work-based education officer to enhance your teaching skills and career growth.

Why Choose The Discovery Academy?

By joining our team, you will gain valuable experience in a supportive and inclusive environment. We are committed to helping you succeed and will guide you through every step of the apprenticeship process. Apprentices will be employed as trainee or unqualified teachers, working 30 hours a week in the classroom, with additional time dedicated to study and professional development.

In addition to in-academy mentoring and support, you will attend training sessions at Staffordshire University and undertake a placement at a second school. This will give you a broader teaching experience, enabling you to exchange ideas and access evidence-based practices to enhance your teaching methods.

As an employer, we are dedicated to the professional growth of all staff, and this apprenticeship scheme offers a clear, structured pathway for aspiring teachers to gain QTS while working in a real school environment. By employing apprentices, we not only support the development of future teachers but also benefit from fresh ideas, new teaching approaches, and an enhanced teaching workforce.

Join us at The Discovery Academy and help shape the future of education!

The Benefits of Working for Alpha Academies Trust

The Trust offers a benefits package which includes a good pension scheme with a current employer contribution of 28.68%, discounted gym membership for on-site gyms and a 30% discount at Nuffield Health Stoke Fitness & Wellbeing Gym, free on-site parking, subsidised meals and a Cyclescheme.   We also offer an Employee Assistance Programme through Care first including counselling services to ensure that our staff are looked after and supported.

Alpha Academies are committed to staff development and all staff are encouraged to be members of the Chartered College of Teaching. This is financed by the Trust and colleagues are encouraged to access their resources and embark upon their qualifications.