An apprenticeship is a fully funded, work-based professional development programme. It allows you to gain a nationally recognised qualification while continuing your daily work in a school or education setting. Throughout your course, you receive dedicated support from Lift Schools trainers to build new skills, knowledge, and behaviours tailored to your education career.
Yes, for our upskilling pathways. These programmes are specifically designed for colleagues working in a primary, secondary, FE, Early Years or special school settings (in both full-time and eligible part-time roles).
Looking for a new role in education? If you are not currently employed in a school or education setting, explore external entry-level vacancies via the UK Government Find an Apprenticeship service.
You can apply if you meet the following criteria:
Speak with your line manager to confirm their support, then explore our Apprenticeship Course Directory and submit an internal expression of interest on our website. You can also explore apprenticeship vacancies with Lift Schools through the official UK Government Apprenticeship Service.
No. All Lift Schools apprenticeships are zero-commute study. Training takes place entirely within your workplace through one-to-one sessions with a trainer, online modules, and virtual learning environment (VLE) resources. You will not need to attend a physical college campus.
Most apprentices spend a minimum of six hours a week on average on their apprenticeship work. This will also include practical workplace activities such as:
Crucially, all training time is built directly into your normal paid working hours.
The duration depends on the role and level of the programme. Most Lift Schools programmes take between 12 and 24 months, depending on the qualification level. Higher and degree-level routes may take three years or longer.
No. All training costs are 100% funded by your employer and the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy. There are no tuition fees, no hidden costs, and no student debt for the apprentice.
No. Your salary and employment contract remain completely unchanged. Choosing to upskill via an apprenticeship involves guaranteed salary protection - you earn your full existing pay while gaining new qualifications.
Yes. As an existing staff member, your statutory paid leave, term-time contract terms, and holiday rights remain identical to your current employment contract.
We fully support apprentices with additional learning needs and neurodivergent profiles, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. During recruitment, we will discuss your specific needs confidentially to put the right reasonable adjustments and support in place so you can thrive.
Discover how you can grow in your role and make a meaningful difference for young people — completely free of cost.
View our full range of programmes and pathways, and register your interest.
