Trainee English Teacher (Initial Teacher Training) - Apprenticeship route (L804)

Lift Schools; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Schools in Sheffield invites applications for a Trainee English Teacher via an Apprenticeship route. You will learn directly in the classroom, supported by experienced teachers and mentors, while earning towards a PGCE and QTS.

You’ll spend most of the year gaining practical teaching experience, with weekly training sessions, 1-on-1 mentoring, and a strong progression plan as you build confidence and independence in the classroom.

Qualifications

• Degree with 2:2 classification or above; English degree preferred.
• GCSE English and Maths grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the training year.
• Must not currently hold QTS.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on classroom teaching experience under supervision.
• Engage in weekly training sessions and mentoring.
• Participate in targeted weekly training modules and reflections.

Education

BA English or equivalent

Job description

Start your teacher training journey with Lift Schools:Train to teach English

Are you looking to become an English Teacher and start a rewarding career in education?

Our school-based Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme gives you the opportunity to learn directly in the classroom, supported by experienced teachers and mentors. Delivered in partnership with Ark Teacher Training, this Apprenticeship route let's you earn while you learn whilst working towards yourPostgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

You will spend the majority of your time gaining practical classroom experience, putting pedagogical theory into practice, and building your teaching confidence throughout the school year.

Programme key details

• Role title: Trainee English Teacher (Apprenticeship route)
• Qualifications earned: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) & Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) & Level 6 Apprenticeship
• Programme duration: 1 Year (Full-time)
• Key dates: Summer School (2 - 13 August 2027)

Why choose our Initial Teacher Training Programme?

Our school-based teacher training gives you the perfect balance of practical classroom experience and expert academic grounding:

• No tuition fees: On the Apprenticeship route, your university fees are already paid
• Practical classroom experience: Gain hands-on teaching practice as an apprentice English teacher, backed by dedicated 1-on-1 mentoring.
• Fully supported progression: Your personal tutor and in-school coach guide you as you gradually take on more independent teaching responsibility.
• Network & community: Spend half a day every week in dedicated training sessions alongside fellow trainees from across the Ark Teacher Training and Lift Schools networks.

What the Teacher Training Programme includes

Two-week Summer School (August 2027)

Prepare for your training year with two weeks of focused learning. Our Summer School (2 - 13 August 2027) helps you enter the classroom with a strong foundation in educational theory, lesson planning, and behaviour management.

Personalised mentoring & coaching

You will never feel on your own. A dedicated subject tutor and in-school mentor provide ongoing advice, weekly feedback, and tailored career support.

Targeted weekly training

Weekly training modules enhance the practical teaching skills you apply in the classroom every day.

Nationwide support network

Connect with current trainees and alumni across our 62 schools nationwide. As part of Lift Schools, you will benefit from a collaborative peer network throughout your training year and into your Early Career Framework (ECF) years.

Recognised PGCE & QTS qualifications

Graduate with both a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for our English Teacher Training, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Degree: An undergraduate degree with a 2:2 classification or above (or equivalent) by the start of the programme. A degree in English is preferred. Alternatively, a strong A-Level in English Language (Grade C or above) will be considered.
• GCSEs: Grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English & Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Status: Right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the training year.
• Teaching status: Must not currently hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

About our school

Lift Firth Park is a vibrant, mixed secondary school for students aged 11-16. Located in Shiregreen, Sheffield, we serve around 1,200 pupils and reflect a richly diverse community, with more than a third of students speaking English as an additional language.
Our school is currently undergoing an exciting period of transformational change, and we are already seeing its positive impact-in the classroom, across the curriculum and throughout our culture. This is an excellent time to join our team. We are looking for individuals who share our dedication to inclusive, aspirational education and who are excited to contribute to our renewed vision and ambitious future.

Our commitment to equal opportunities

We are committed to building a diverse teaching workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We provide robust support systems to ensure every trainee teacher reaches their full potential regardless of background.

Ready to train to teach?

Take the first step toward a rewarding career in education. Join our English Teacher Training Programme:

• Safer Recruitment Statement - September 2026.pdf
• Lift Teacher Training Programme Guide 2027 (1).pdf