At Ark Teacher Training, we believe that financial concerns should never stand in the way of becoming a great teacher.
That’s why we offer three flexible funding routes to help support you during your training year. Whether you opt for the Postgraduate Apprenticeship route or the Postgraduate Fee-Funded route, you’ll receive the same high-quality training and support throughout your journey.
Regardless of the route you choose, you’ll qualify with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE, and move onto the qualified teacher pay scale once you begin our Early Career Teachers (ECT) Programme.
The Postgraduate Apprenticeship route allows you to earn while you learn. You’ll receive a salary on the unqualified teacher pay scale from the start of your training, and your £9,790 tuition fee will be covered by your school. As a bonus, you’ll gain an additional qualification as an apprentice, with an end-point assessment after achieving QTS. This assessment involves a lesson observation and a professional discussion - by this point, you’ll be fully comfortable in the classroom!
Key Points:
The Postgraduate Apprenticeship route is ideal for those looking for salaried support and an extra qualification at the end of their training year.
This is the most popular route for recent STEM graduates, and offers flexibility through government bursaries and student loans. If you’re passionate about teaching but not eligible for a salaried option, this route provides generous financial support.
Bursaries*:
You may qualify for a tax-free bursary of up to £31,000 depending on your subject and degree class. These bursaries are available for high-demand subjects like Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, and are paid in 11 monthly instalments to help cover both your tuition and living expenses. If your subject isn’t listed, unfortunately, bursaries are not available at this time.
Scholarships:
If you’ve achieved a First, 2:1 degree, PhD, or Master’s, you may qualify for a tax-free scholarship to help fund your training year. Scholarships are available for select subjects and provide significant financial support - up to £31,000 - alongside valuable additional benefits. If your subject isn’t listed, unfortunately, scholarships are not available at this time.
Student & Maintenance Loans:
If a bursary isn’t available for your subject, you can apply for student loans to cover the £9,790 tuition fee and access maintenance loans to support living costs during your training year. This is an excellent option for trainees who need monthly financial support while focusing on their studies.
Key Points:
*Based on 2025/2026 bursary amounts. 2026/2027 bursaries will be announced in October.
