Those interested in a career in teaching can apply now...

A Lancaster-based teacher training provider rated as ‘exceptional in all areas’ by Ofsted in 2026 has opened applications for its 2027/28 programmes.

This includes a new teacher degree apprenticeship for primary employees, offering a paid route into teaching, which provides a fully-funded honours degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Ripley Initial Teacher Training (ITT), part of The Bay Learning Trust, is inviting applications from people looking to become primary phase and secondary specialist school teachers, with a deadline of May 2027.

The provider, which works with South Cumbria ITT and an extensive network of partner schools across Lancashire, Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Merseyside, offers a range of training routes for graduates, existing school staff and people considering a career in teaching.

For 2027/28, Ripley ITT has introduced a new four-year Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Northumbria University.

The programme enables people already working in primary schools who do not hold a degree to work towards both a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while continuing to earn a salary.

It is an online course with half-termly conference days and is built around the needs of employees working in schools.

Apprentices combine practical experience in their employing school with teacher training and university study, gradually taking on greater responsibilities throughout the four years.

The new programme adds to Ripley ITT's existing training routes, which include school-centred initial teacher training, postgraduate teacher apprenticeships, specialist SEND apprenticeships and an assessment-only route for experienced unqualified teachers.

Ripley ITT’s recruitment campaign follows an exceptional Ofsted inspection result in May 2026, when it received the highest possible assessment across every area of its primary and secondary provision.

Inspectors praised the provider's inclusive culture, quality of training and commitment to helping trainees flourish both professionally and personally.

Established in 2015, Ripley ITT and its partnership trained 83 teachers during the 2025/26 academic year, supporting schools and communities across the North of England.

Felicity Ackroyd, director of Ripley ITT, said: “Teaching is a career where you can make a real difference to young people’s lives, and we want to encourage more people from a wide range of backgrounds to consider joining the profession.

“We offer a range of routes into teaching, whether that’s someone graduating from university, a person considering a career change or somebody already working in a school who wants to be a qualified teacher.

“Our new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is an exciting development because it opens up opportunities for people already working in primary schools who don’t have a degree. It gives them a chance to gain their qualification while continuing to work, earn and develop their teaching skills.

“Following our exceptional Ofsted results earlier this year, we’re looking forward to welcoming our next generation of trainees and helping them build successful and rewarding careers in teaching.”

Ripley ITT places a strong emphasis on supporting schools in communities where recruiting and retaining excellent teachers can make a significant difference to education and opportunities for young people.

Its programmes combine classroom experience, specialist subject training and individual support from experienced teachers and mentors.

Applications for the 2027/28 academic year are now open, with a deadline of May 6 2027. To find out more about the available programmes, eligibility and how to apply, visit www.ripleyitt.co.uk