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    Employers

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    Find out how we can help you grow and support your team with a personalised consultation.

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    Local Authorities

    The NCE works collaboratively with Local Authorities to identify their needs and address them through tailored apprenticeships.

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    Resources

    Find everything you need to stay informed and supported, all in one place.

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  • Learners

    Learners

    Apprenticeship Programmes

    Senior Leadership Programme
    Senior Leadership Programme

    For current and aspiring senior leaders in organisations of any size.

    System Improvement Programme
    System Improvement Programme

    For all leaders that drive improvement in their organisation.

    High Potential Leadership Programme
    High Potential Leadership Programme

    For those in a role with line management responsibilities

    Advanced Skills Teaching Assistant Programme
    Advanced Skills Teaching Assistant Programme

    Those currently in a role supporting young people.

    Teaching Assistant Programme
    Teaching Assistant Programme

    For those in a role supporting young people.

    Foundation Stage Assistant Programme
    Foundation Stage Assistant Programme

    For those looking to make an impact in Early Years Education.

    Advanced Skills Teaching Assistant Programme - Advanced Entry
    Advanced Skills Teaching Assistant Programme - Advanced Entry

    Those currently in a role supporting young people.

    System Improvement Programme - Advanced Entry
    System Improvement Programme - Advanced Entry

    For those leading on improvement in their organisation

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Resources

Library of apprenticeship levy resources

Library of apprenticeship levy resources
Resources

Discover a range of apprenticeship resources for employers and learners

Head to our variety of apprenticeship levy resources providing invaluable insight, guidance and support for learners and employers.

Latest insights

View all news and insights
Why Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) Matter When Choosing an Apprenticeship Provider
Insights

Why Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) Matter When Choosing an Apprenticeship Provider

New Year New Growth Apprenticeships 2026
Insights

New Year New Growth Apprenticeships 2026

Using Data to drive Continuous Improvement in Educational Talent Management
Insights

Using Data to drive Continuous Improvement in Educational Talent Management

Learner Resources

Discover an array of videos, articles and toolkits to support learners looking to take their first steps on their apprenticeship journey.

Can't find what you're looking for?

We’re here to help. Book a free consultation with our learner support team.

Book a consultation

Apprenticeship journeys

Real stories from learners who’ve been there
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Apprentice Journey with Livvy Edmonds

Apprentice Journey with Livvy Edmonds

Learning Resource Manager

Apprentice Journey with Hilary Goldsmith

Apprentice Journey with Hilary Goldsmith

School Business Leader

Apprentice Journey with Simon Porter

Apprentice Journey with Simon Porter

Head of Boarding

Toolkit

Quick access to key documents and tools for your journey
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Short Guide to the Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship

This programme isn’t just about study; it’s about becoming a professional youth worker. Our approach reflects youth work values: relationships, reflection, and real-world impact.
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Apprenticeship Programmes for 2025/26

Fully funded professional development for ALL staff New programmes to support leaders, teaching assistants, youth workers and early years specialists. Simple application process.
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Support Teaching and Learning Programme Brochure

Embark on our transformative Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, accelerating your career with deeply practical skills and becoming an invaluable asset to your school.
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Senior Leadership Programme Brochure

Our flagship programme comprises four dynamic modules each carefully curated to equip you with the 20essential management concepts that form the cornerstone of exceptional senior leadership.
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Early Years Educator Programme Brochure

This Level 3 Apprenticeship combines hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge to create enriching learning environments for young children.
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Specialist Teaching Assistant Programme Brochure

This Level 5 Apprenticeship is designed for teaching assistants ready to move from supporting classroom learning to facilitating it.
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Senior Leadership Masters Pathway Brochure

This ground-breaking pathway comprises four dynamic modules, each carefully curated to equip you with essential management and improvement skills that form the cornerstones of exceptional senior leadership.
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Career Progression Survey

This survey was delivered to 1,541 members of the Captiva Learning Alumni community.

Testimonials

View all testimonials
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Video testimonial thumbnail
Video testimonial thumbnail
Video testimonial thumbnail

Employer Resources

Learn about how you can make the most of the apprenticeship levy to upskill your team through tailored apprenticeships.

Can't find what you're looking for?

We’re here to help. Book a free consultation with our learner support team.

Book a consultation

Apprenticeship journeys

Real stories from learners who’ve been there
arrow
arrow
Apprentice Journey with Livvy Edmonds

Apprentice Journey with Livvy Edmonds

Learning Resource Manager

Apprentice Journey with Hilary Goldsmith

Apprentice Journey with Hilary Goldsmith

School Business Leader

Apprentice Journey with Simon Porter

Apprentice Journey with Simon Porter

Head of Boarding

Toolkit

Quick access to key documents and tools for your journey
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Document icon Document

White Paper: The Apprenticeship Levy and Schools

This whitepaper explains how schools can fully leverage the Apprenticeship Levy to support staff development, improve recruitment, and strengthen long-term workforce planning. Understanding the levy is essential for maximising funding opportunities, enhancing teaching quality, and building a sustainable pipeline of skilled education professionals.
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Levy & Co-Investment Made Simple: Guide for Schools

This guide demystifies the funding system that underpins apprenticeship training in schools, helping leaders and business professionals understand how levy funding, co-investment, and levy transfers work in practice.
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Apprenticeship Business Case Builder

This document supports school leaders, business managers and HR professionals in building a strong, evidence-based business case for investing in apprenticeship training.

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Funding Rules & Policy Updates Tracker for Schools

This document provides a clear, termly-updated summary of the most important funding rules and policy updates affecting school-based apprenticeships in England.
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Off-the-Job Training Planner for Schools

This planner helps schools meet the statutory requirement for off-the-job training (OTJT) by providing clear guidance, practical examples, and a weekly planning template. It is aligned with the 2025 to 2026 funding rules
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Visual Guide: How Co-Investment Works (and Changes Month to Month)

This visual guide explains the co-investment system for apprenticeship funding, particularly relevant for schools that are non-levy payers or working with levy transfers.
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School Apprenticeship Standards Directory

This directory highlights key apprenticeship standards most relevant to school settings, grouped under priority development areas. It includes high-level information to support early identification and planning.
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Provider Questions & Quality Checklist for Schools

This practical tool supports schools and trusts in selecting, reviewing and holding apprenticeship training providers to account. It includes due diligence questions, performance criteria and red flag indicators.
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EMPLOYER HANDBOOK

At NCE we are passionate about our mission to raise the standard of leadership in schools and if you have enrolled one of your staff team on an NCE programme then you have taken the first step to achieving that.

Still not sure if we’re right for you?

Let’s talk it through. Book a free consultation and we’ll help you explore your options. No pressure, just support.

Book a consultation

Frequently asked questions

Need more help? Visit FAQ page

Off the job training is deemed to be 20% of the apprentice’s time during work, and must be directly relevant to their apprenticeship standards and outside of their normal working duties. This might seem daunting, but includes activities such as shadowing, mentoring, online learning, lectures, industry visits and a plethora of others which are required to reach competence in the occupation.

You will have access to your own Professional Learning Mentor throughout the programme. All Apprentices will also be provided with an online portfolio and Virtual Learning Environment. These will contain literature, videos and podcasts covering leadership and management theory.

Each module will have face to face workshops that are delivered in various locations throughout England. However, there will also be a virtual option available for each module too in case you are unable attend each module in person. We want to be as flexible as possible for Apprentices to be able to take part in our courses so it can fit alongside your other commitments.

No, you can’t use the apprenticeship to pay wages, just the training.

General information

Take a look through our current resources focused on making best use of the apprenticeship levy. Get in touch with us if you can’t find what you need.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

We’re here to help. Book a free consultation with our learner support team.

Book a consultation

Apprenticeship information

Visit FAQ page
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FAQs in Discussion

FAQs in Discussion

Role of the Line Manager

Role of the Line Manager

What is End Point Assessment?

What is End Point Assessment?

What is off the job training?

What is off the job training?

Impact reports

Quick access to key documents and tools for your journey
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Destination Survey

This survey was delivered to 1,254 past and present learners at the National College of Education.
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WomenEd Impact

WomenEd is a global grassroots movement that connects aspiring and existing women leaders in education and gives women leaders a voice in education.
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Learner Impact Report

This year’s NCE Learner Impact Survey reflects the journeys of 46 learners across multiple pathways.
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Employer Impact Report

Over the last three years, Captiva Learning has evolved into a strategic talent partner to employers and trusts.

Useful documents

Quick access to key documents and tools for your journey
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Hear from our Learners

Our Senior Leadership Programme is the most successful Leadership Masters in the UK! Packed full of world class contributors and supported by an industry-leading delivery team.
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Off the Job Training

We can help you identify what can and can’t count towards the off the job hours. We can help you and your apprentice ensure that you log all the off the job training that takes place.

Need help or advice

We’re happy to help. Get in touch with our team — real people, real answers, no pressure.
Contact us