ESF Apprenticeships

ESF Apprenticeships is an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ apprenticeship training provider specialising in education-focused programmes for schools, nurseries, multi-academy trusts and community organisations. Founded by teachers and part of Real Group, they design apprenticeships that blend on-the-job experience with specialist professional training to help staff at all stages of their careers apply learning directly in the classroom and wider school environment. Their offer includes structured progression pathways for teaching assistants (from Level 3 through to Level 5 specialist roles), programmes for PE, health and wellbeing specialists, early years practitioners, community activators, and school leaders, as well as specialist SEND-focused apprenticeships and advanced SEND leadership routes. ESF Apprenticeships supports both new entrants and experienced staff such as headteachers, SENCOs and established TAs to develop their skills, often using the apprenticeship levy to provide fully funded or low-cost training. Apprentices and employers benefit from access to SEND experts and educational psychologists via Real Group, and the provider reports high satisfaction ratings from learners and employer partners regarding teaching quality, support and impact in schools.