ASCL is supportive of apprenticeships as a route into teaching, though we are of the view this will only be the right route for a small number of employers because there are only very marginal gains to be had for them.

Our priority is that there is a parity between the apprenticeship route and other salaried routes into teaching. If there is not a nationally set pay and conditions framework for apprentices embedded within the STPCD then the programme will be seen, from the outset, as inferior to the other routes. Apprentices may be denied full access to some unions and the professional support and CPD they can provide, and we are concerned about their access to the teachers’ pension scheme. In school, they will be categorised as ‘support staff’ and again this will differentiate them from the other trainee teachers on different salaried routes.

Our strong preference is for the STRB to be given a remit to develop a new range for teacher apprentices and to make recommendations for amending the STPCD to accommodate them and give clarity over the conditions of service.

Full response to consultation