Pay student teachers at least the apprentice wage for compulsory placement hours — 171 signatures. Status: open.
Require the Government to pay student teachers for compulsory school placements at a minimum rate equivalent to the apprentice wage. Payments should reflect hours completed, as placements are mandatory for qualifying as a teacher.
Student teachers must complete compulsory school placements to qualify for QTS. These placements involve teaching, planning lessons, assessing pupils and other school responsibilities. Unlike salaried trainees, many university-based student teachers receive no wages for these hours. Placements can prevent them from working part-time while still having to cover travel and living costs. Student maintenance loans are not wages for compulsory placement work. We therefore ask the Government to introduce a national scheme paying student teachers for placement hours at a rate equivalent to at least the applicable apprentice wage. Payment would recognise their time and contribution and make teacher training more accessible.
View this petition on the official UK Parliament website