Graduate Teacher Apprenticeship Programme (Primary)
Start your teaching career with Danecourt School & Maritime Academy Trust

Learn. Qualify. Specialise. Make a difference that truly matters

Hours: Full Time Contract: Fixed Term Contract (15 month apprenticeship) Term Time Only Role: 39 weeks per year  Start Date: September 2026  Actual Salary: Unqualified Teacher Point 1, rising to MPS Point 1 when QTS is awarded Qualification: QTS with PGDip/Apprenticeship Certificate (via University of East London)

Do you want a teaching career with purpose, impact — and long-term relevance?

Danecourt School is a primary special school for children with complex and additional needs. We are offering a unique opportunity to train as a teacher through our Graduate Teacher Apprenticeship Programme, specialising in SEND from the very start of your career.

With increasing numbers of children requiring specialist support, there has never been a more important — or more meaningful — time to join special education. This programme gives you the chance to become a highly skilled, reflective SEND practitioner in a school that is values-driven, child-centred and deeply relational.

This isn’t just about becoming a teacher.
It’s about becoming the kind of teacher children will remember.

Why start your career at Danecourt?

Danecourt is a highly regarded special school known for its nurturing ethos, inclusive practice and commitment to seeing every child as an individual. Our pupils have a wide range of needs including autism, communication difficulties, learning disabilities, sensory needs and social, emotional and mental health needs.

You’ll join a multidisciplinary, collaborative team where learning is shared, support is constant and children’s progress — no matter how small — is celebrated.

At Danecourt, you will benefit from:

• Expert SEND mentoring from experienced specialist teachers and leaders

• Daily opportunities to develop your understanding of the SEND 

• Close collaboration with therapists, families and professionals

• Trust-wide SEND CPD and specialist training pathways

• A strong focus on staff wellbeing with access to our Employee Assistant Programme

• The opportunity to progress into a permanent teaching role following qualification

About the Programme

This is a 15-month salaried apprenticeship that allows you to train as a teacher while working in school.

• You’ll achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) after the first 12 months

• The final term focuses on your End Point Assessment

• All training costs are fully funded by the Trust

• You’ll spend around 80% of your time in school and 20% in structured training

You’ll develop skills in:

• Inclusive planning and assessment

• Communication-first teaching

• Behaviour as communication

• Trauma-informed and relational practice

• Working with families and multidisciplinary teams

You’ll be coached, supported and guided every step of the way.

Who is this for?

This route is ideal if you:

• Have a degree in any subject

• Hold GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above in English, Maths and Science

• Care deeply about children, inclusion and equity

• Are patient, reflective, curious and resilient

• Want a career that is meaningful and socially valuable

• Are open to learning, feedback and personal growth

You do not need prior SEND experience — just the right values, mindset and willingness to learn.

Why SEND — and why now?

With increasing numbers of children requiring specialist support, SEND teachers are more needed than ever. This programme offers you:

• Long-term career relevance and security

• Specialist expertise that is highly valued and transferable

• A role where your work genuinely changes lives

If you want your career to stand for something — this is it.

Ready to take the first step?

We warmly encourage visits to see Danecourt in action and meet the team.  Please contact the school office on 01634 232589 to arrange.

You’ll find more about the role, school, and Trust in the Candidate Information Pack attached.    Apply via My New Term — early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.

Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, striving to build a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become.  All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and pre-employment checks in line with the latest safeguarding guidance.