Last updated: 13th October 2026
Supporting schools to develop teachers, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) specialists and support staff through high-quality apprenticeships
Best Practice Network has been ranked first nationally in Department for Education (DfE) apprenticeship achievement-rate data for the 2024/25 academic year, reflecting the quality of support and outcomes achieved across the provider’s apprenticeship programmes.
Best Practice Network achieved a reported achievement rate of 100%, compared with a national average of 81.7% for the standard.
Achievement rate measures the proportion of apprentices who successfully complete and achieve their apprenticeship standard.
The ranking places Best Practice Network above all other providers delivering the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship standard and builds on the provider’s Strong Ofsted judgement.
The fantastic achievement reflects a key principle that drives what we at Supporting Education Group (SEG) and Best Practice Network (BPN) do: helping schools develop skilled, confident professionals who can make a real difference to children and young people.
It also builds on Best Practice Network’s longstanding reputation for quality, including its recent Strong Ofsted judgement, giving schools and trusts confidence that they are partnering with a provider that consistently delivers high-quality training and support.
The Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship continues to provide a powerful route into teaching for aspiring educators and a valuable workforce development opportunity for schools and trusts.
The apprenticeship allows trainees to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while remaining employed in a school setting, combining classroom experience with high-quality training and support. For schools, it offers an opportunity to develop teaching talent from within existing teams while strengthening recruitment and retention.
What is the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship?
The Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship is a salaried route into teaching that enables apprentices to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while working in a school.
The programme combines classroom-based experience with structured training, mentoring and assessment support, helping trainees develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to meet the Teachers’ Standards.
For aspiring teachers, the programme provides:
- A salaried route into teaching
- The opportunity to learn in the classroom from day one
- Dedicated support from experienced tutors and mentors
- Qualified Teacher Status on successful completion
- The chance to build confidence and experience while developing professional practice
For schools and trusts, the apprenticeship can help:
- Develop expertise /from within their existing workforce
- Create progression opportunities for teaching assistants and support staff
- Support recruitment and retention strategies
- Build a sustainable pipeline of future teachers
- Invest in staff who already understand the school’s culture and community
The recent achievement-rate data reflects the success of this model, with learners receiving the support they need to complete their training and progress into teaching careers.
As schools prepare for increasing expectations around inclusion and SEND, many are looking at how they can strengthen the expertise already within their teams. Apprenticeships offer a practical way to do that, as they provide structured development opportunities while staff continue in their roles, building confidence, expertise and job satisfaction. Best Practice Network also offers specialist programmes designed to support schools in this area specifically.
Interested in developing future teachers within your school or starting your own teaching journey? Learn more about the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship.
What is the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (Level 5)?
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is designed for experienced teaching assistants who want to deepen their expertise and take the next step in their career.
The programme supports participants to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in areas including:
- Supporting pupils with SEND
- Promoting positive behaviour and wellbeing
- Delivering targeted interventions
- Working effectively with teachers, families and external professionals
- Leading aspects of specialist support within their setting
For schools and trusts, this means greater in-house expertise, stronger inclusive practice and enhanced support for pupils who need it most.
As the education sector prepares for increased focus on inclusion and SEND, developing specialist teaching assistants helps ensure every learner receives the support they need to thrive.
What is the Speech and Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship?
Over half of all primary needs identified are speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH).
The Speech and Language Support Practitioner Apprenticeship equips staff with the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.
Through the programme, apprentices learn how to:
- Deliver targeted support and interventions
- Promote communication and language development
- Support pupils with identified speech and language needs
- Work collaboratively with therapists and other professionals
- Help improve access to learning and participation
By developing this expertise within people who already work in their settings, schools can strengthen their support offer and improve outcomes for pupils who may otherwise face barriers to learning.
Why do schools choose Best Practice Network?
Schools and trusts partner with Best Practice Network because of their commitment to quality, learner success and practical impact.
The programmes are designed to:
- Develop specialist expertise from within existing workforces
- Support inclusion and SEND priorities
- Improve outcomes for children and young people
- Create meaningful career progression opportunities for support staff
- Strengthen recruitment and retention through workforce development
- Provide dedicated support for both apprentices and employers
The same commitment to excellence that has delivered nationally recognised apprenticeship outcomes continues to underpin every programme they offer today.
How does Best Practice Network support apprentices?
Every apprentice is supported through a structured programme that combines practical classroom experience with expert guidance, including:
- Dedicated programme tutors
- School-based mentoring
- Regular progress reviews
- Assessment and portfolio support
- Guidance towards achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
This support model helps apprentices build confidence, apply their learning in practice and successfully complete their programme.
Investing in the future
Upskilled support staff play a crucial role in helping pupils succeed – particularly those who require additional support to access learning and achieve their full potential.
By investing in specialist development opportunities, schools can build sustainable expertise, strengthen their workforce and create a culture in which staff are encouraged to grow and progress.
Whether you’re looking to develop future teachers through the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship, strengthen SEND provision through the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, build speech and language expertise within your team and more, Best Practice Network offers practical pathways to help schools invest in their people and improve outcomes for pupils.
Find out more about Best Practice Network’s apprenticeship programmes and discover how we can help your school or trust develop the specialist expertise needed to support every learner to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship?
The Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship is a work-based route into teaching that enables trainees to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while employed in a school.
Does the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship lead to QTS?
Yes. Successful completion of the programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Who is eligible for the Teacher Apprenticeship?
Eligibility requirements vary, but the programme is typically suitable for aspiring teachers who are employed within a school and meet the entry requirements for teacher training.
How long does the Teacher Apprenticeship take?
Programme duration may vary, but apprentices typically complete the programme over an extended period while continuing to work in school.
How is the Teacher Apprenticeship funded?
Many schools use Apprenticeship Levy funding to support participation in the programme. Best Practice Network can provide guidance on funding options for both levy and non-levy employers.