Post Graduate Teacher Apprentice - St Leonard's C of E First School and Nursery, Dunston in Stafford

St Leonard's CofE (C) First School, Dunston invites applications for a Post-Graduation Teacher Apprentice (Primary) starting from Monday 1st September 2026 for a duration of 12 months. The salary is on the Unqualified Teacher Scale at £22,601 for 32.5 hours per week, with Thursday dedicated to University attendance.

The school is a happy, exciting and values-driven environment that uses research and creativity to deliver high-quality teaching and learning. We seek an enthusiastic teacher apprentice who holds high expectations for themselves and others, possesses strong subject knowledge, and can inspire children to achieve their best.

Benefits and Work Culture:

• A nurturing and ambitious whole school culture
• Supportive staff working cohesively to achieve the best possible outcomes and curricular experiences for all children
• Up-to-date, innovative and evidence-informed CPD with investment in staff career development
• Enthusiastic, curious and kind children who love to learn
• An active and supportive Local Academy Council and University Academy Sponsor
• A First School where all are valued and every child matters

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a drive to be an exemplary teacher with high expectations of pupils’ achievements, attainment and behaviour
• Is an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Is brimming with ideas and enthusiasm and has an appetite to enhance their knowledge
• Is hardworking and dedicated, able to motivate and inspire others, and is committed to their own personal and professional development
• Is willing to contribute to the life of the school and its community and to go above and beyond to make great things happen for the children in our care

Apprentice Role: Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, resource and deliver the highest quality learning to ensure all children make good progress
• Embed and maintain a relational approach to behaviour management in class and across the whole school
• Provide a nurturing classroom and whole-school environment in line with our Christian ethos and values
• Contribute to all aspects of school life, including the extra-curricular offer
• Engage in daily professional development and commit to a love of learning
• Set high expectations that inspire, motivate and challenge pupils
• Promote good progress and outcomes for pupils
• Demonstrate strong subject and curriculum knowledge
• Plan and teach well-structured lessons
• Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils
• Make accurate and productive use of assessment
• Manage behaviour effectively to ensure an inclusive and safe learning environment
• Fulfil wider professional responsibilities
• Deliver learning through evidenced-informed practice, lesson planning, classroom management, subject knowledge and assessment strategies
• Foster foundational skills by helping children develop essential literacy, numeracy and social skills for lifelong learning
• Create a nurturing environment, supporting emotional and intellectual growth
• Balance multiple roles as educator, mentor, caregiver and communicator, collaborating with parents and adapting lessons to diverse learning needs
• By the end of the training year, achieve competence above the minimum level of practice expected of teachers as defined in the Teachers’ Standards and demonstrate excellent practice in selected standards

Training Organisation: University of Staffordshire
The Apprenticeship Programme: Successful applicants will undertake the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship (Postgraduate Route) with the University of Staffordshire. The programme runs for up to 12 months, with 80% of the time spent learning and working in school and 20% directed by the University (one day per week). Apprentices will observe and support experienced teachers, receive extensive subject-specific training, and benefit from whole-staff coaching and mentorship. The apprenticeship will conclude with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

Essential Qualifications:

• GCSE English Grade 4/C or above
• GCSE Maths Grade 4/C or above
• GCSE Science Grade 4/C or above
• A 2:2 Degree or above

Apprenticeship Eligibility Criteria:

• Be able to live and work in the UK
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the three years prior to September 2026
• Be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week
• Hold a contract of employment covering the entire duration of the apprenticeship
• Have a BRP/Visa valid for the entire duration of the apprenticeship (if applicable)
• Not be on any other government-funded programmes