The Mead Institute for Professional Learning

The Mead Institute for Professional Learning, part of The Mead Educational Trust, delivers degree-level apprenticeship routes into primary teaching designed for both new entrants and existing school staff. Its flagship Level 6 Teacher Degree Apprenticeship in Primary Education is a four‑year, full‑time programme that combines 60% on‑the‑job professional development in a employing primary school with 40% undergraduate study towards a BA (Hons) in Education Studies with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Apprentices typically spend three days per week in school and two days at university, supported by a school‑based mentor, an academic mentor, and teacher training specialists from the Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT, which Ofsted graded Outstanding in 2023. The Institute outlines a structured curriculum across four years, integrating education theory, policy, inclusion, and subject‑specific pedagogy with progressive school placements and SCITT‑delivered teacher training modules. Tuition fees for the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship are fully funded via the apprenticeship route, and apprentices are employed full‑time on the school’s pay structure. The Mead Institute also offers a wider professional development offer for schools, including governor training, clerks’ training, first aid, leadership development and other CPD opportunities, supporting employers to develop, retain and progress their education workforce.