Since its introduction in 2017, the Apprenticeship Levy has created an incredible opportunity for schools to invest in staff development. Yet, millions of pounds of available funding are still going unclaimed each year. For school leaders, understanding how to unlock this funding could be the key to recruiting, retaining, and upskilling staff at no extra cost to school budgets.
What Is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The levy applies to large employers with an annual wage bill over £3 million. These organisations pay 0.5% of their payroll into a dedicated pot for apprenticeships. For schools, this means that money is already being set aside for staff training — but if it isn’t used within 24 months, it returns to the Treasury.
Shockingly, while schools in England contribute around £180 million each year, only about 22% of that is spent. The rest is lost.
Why Apprenticeships Matter for Schools
Apprenticeships are no longer just for young people entering trades. Today, there are over 1,700 apprenticeships available — from teaching and leadership to finance, IT, and estates management. This breadth makes apprenticeships highly relevant to schools.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Developing staff skills: From teaching assistants to middle leaders, apprenticeships provide structured pathways to enhance expertise.
- Supporting progression: Staff can move through a clear ladder of qualifications, helping schools retain talented people.
- Recruiting new talent: Teacher apprenticeships, for example, allow schools to attract aspiring teachers who gain QTS without the burden of additional student debt.
- Improving outcomes: More skilled staff — particularly in SEND, inclusion, and leadership — directly strengthen the support schools can offer pupils.
Examples of Apprenticeships for Schools
- Teacher Apprenticeships (postgraduate or undergraduate routes leading to QTS)
- Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships, including new specialist TA programmes
- Leadership & Management pathways, from team leader to improvement leader (often linked to master’s or even MBA qualifications)
- School Business Professional Apprenticeships for finance and operations staff
- Youth Work Degree Apprenticeships to strengthen pastoral support and wellbeing provision
What’s Changing?
The current government is expanding apprenticeship opportunities further, with:
- Foundation apprenticeships (shorter programmes under 12 months) in areas like early years, social care, and digital skills.
- Greater flexibility, including modular courses and localised funding strategies.
- New apprenticeships in data and AI, helping schools prepare staff for the future.
Building an Apprenticeship Strategy
To make the most of the levy, school leaders should:
- Audit current and future skill needs across teaching, leadership, and support staff.
- Map roles to available apprenticeships.
- Engage with trusted apprenticeship providers who can give impartial advice and tailor programmes to school contexts.
- Promote apprenticeships in recruitment adverts to make roles more attractive.
- Encourage staff to see apprenticeships as part of their professional growth, not an “add-on.”
Final Thoughts
Apprenticeships give schools the chance to invest in staff development without additional cost — funding has already been allocated, and using it wisely could transform your workforce. Whether it’s training the next generation of teachers, supporting inclusion through specialist TAs, or equipping leaders with advanced management skills, the apprenticeship levy is a tool that every school leader should be making the most of.
Watch our Webinar with The National College of Education - https://headteacher-chat.link/apprentice-lv