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.
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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.