School Onsite Training Programme

The School Onsite Training Programme provides funding for places in school-based Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes where teacher trainees are hosted in schools 3 to 4 days a week while studying remotely towards their teaching qualification. 

In May 2024, the Minister of Education announced a major investment in teacher supply through Budget 24. Part of this funding will be used to offer 1,200 School Onsite Training Programme places for aspiring teachers to train to be qualified teachers. 

This funding package is for 4 years and expands the programme from only secondary to include teachers training to be primary teachers. This allows the number of places in the programme to increase for the 2025 school year from 150 available places to an estimated 240 places, depending on the chosen delivery and funding model.

Purpose of the programme

We want beginning teachers to feel well prepared as they finish their initial teacher education and commence their teaching careers.

School-based initial teacher education offers teacher trainees the opportunity to experience the workings of the full school year while completing their initial teacher education through online study models. The increased practical experience supports beginning teachers to feel confident and prepared when they start their first year as a provisionally certificated teacher.

About the 2025 pilot programme

Thank you to all the schools and ITE providers who submitted applications and Expressions of Interest for the 2025 School Onsite Training Programme. Applications are now closed for the 2025 intake. 

Schools interested in joining in 2026

We will grow the programme for the 2026 school year with additional providers and schools having the opportunity to join the programme.