Funding to boost teacher recruitment with our new undergraduate apprenticeships

The University of Brighton has secured almost £100,000 to boost teacher recruitment among underrepresented groups across Sussex. The award from the Office for Students aims to boost opportunities for people from deprived and diverse backgrounds to access the new teacher degree apprenticeships.

The new undergraduate teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA) is an exciting new opportunity for those seeking a career in teaching to gain a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while earning a salary on a four-year apprenticeship programme. The funding awarded to the University will significantly expand this new development , creating additional apprenticeship opportunities and specifically targeting recruitment among disadvantaged groups and underrepresented communities in East and West Sussex.

The goal of the project is to offer 50 apprenticeships in the 2025/26 academic year, rising to 60 in 2026/27. Brighton is initially offering two undergraduate TDA routes – for those wishing to teach primary or secondary maths – and plans are in place to introduce further secondary routes in subsequent years.

Since 2020/21 teacher vacancies have risen by 83% within the region and national data shows a concerning decline in applications from minority ethnic candidates. East and West Sussex encompass several areas with notably low participation in higher education.

Andy Davies, Deputy Dean, School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding, which allows us to directly address the issue of teacher shortages while promoting greater diversity within the teaching profession.

“This project represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and representative teaching workforce, ensuring that all young people have access to a high-quality education delivered by a diverse range of educators.”

The initiative will focus on building sustainable partnerships with regional schools and fostering interest among potential apprentices. Potential applicants include individuals already working in schools, such as teaching assistants, who do not yet hold degrees as well as school and college leavers.

Candidates who join the TDA scheme will be able to earn while they learn in an apprenticeship lasting four years, with 60% on-the-job training and 40% off-the-job training. Upon successful completion, apprentices will obtain an undergraduate degree, QTS and fulfil the apprenticeship standard requirements.

The scheme adds to the University’s already strong track record in teacher education: primary and secondary teaching programmes recently received an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted, while University of Brighton is currently ranked second in the UK for Education in the Guardian University Rankings 2025.

Learn how you can become a teacher with the University of Brighton.