With deep roots in the education sector, we pride ourselves on providing the best support to our apprentices
We offer a wide range of apprenticeship programmes designed for new and experienced teaching assistants, SENCOs, teachers and senior leaders looking to develop in their role and progress in their career.
Apprenticeships provide practical opportunities to learn on the job, giving people the knowledge, skills and behaviours they require to be successful in their roles and positively impact pupils.
We’ve witnessed first-hand the powerful transformational impact they can have.
“We speak the language of our schools and recognise the daily challenges faced within their environment. We are here to work with them to recognise the value of apprenticeships, not just for young school leavers but for a diverse stratum of educational professionals.”
Jo Pountney
Director of Apprenticeships
Specialist apprenticeship providers for over thirteen years
ESF Apprenticeships was established in 2011 as Sporting Futures Training (UK) Ltd. We are recognised by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (now part of the Department for Education) as an approved apprenticeship training provider (APAR).
Since then we have flourished, diversified and developed our offering through nationally recognised good practice.
We’ve worked with just about every type of educational or community sports setting there is, and take pride in establishing close working relationships with our partner schools.
The flexibility and experience of our team coupled with our extensive school network enables us to deliver high-quality training with high levels of achievement and success. Our achievement rates are routinely far above national averages.
SEND expertise from Real Group
In 2022 we became part of Real Group - a company that provides world-class postgraduate level training in special educational needs (SEND) and mental health, as well as educational psychology services to schools.
This has allowed us to expand our offering and develop a particular focus on SEND and social and emotional wellbeing training.
What does Ofsted say about us?
"Apprentices are taught extremely well. Tutors use a range of teaching and assessment strategies to teach content very clearly. They explain new concepts with up-to-date vocational language, using contemporary theoretical models that reflect current educational research."
Meet the team
- Directors & leadership team
- Academic team
- Support team
Why choose ESF as your apprenticeship provider?
Ofsted 'Strong'
We're in a very select group of apprenticeship providers that receive a 'Strong' rating in all areas.
Additional qualifications
From Elklan to ELSA we’re always on the lookout for value-added qualifications, while keeping things as flexible as possible.
SEND expertise
Our successful acquisition by Real Group, means we can now draw on the knowledge of EPs, SENCOs and other experts from our parent company.
Curriculum leads are experienced teachers
Our directors, tutors and curriculum leads are all qualified teachers who have had successful school careers.
What our apprentices say
“Without ESF I would not be where I am now”
"When I started, out of school at 16, I wasn’t sure what to do at all. Without ESF, I would not be where I am now as a PE instructor eight years later. The tutors on my Level 3, Level 4 (and now my Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant) cannot do enough for you."
“Incredible support that went beyond the apprenticeship requirements”
“The support I’ve had from ESF Apprenticeships has been absolutely incredible - a truly inspiring and uplifting team. Made such a big difference to my TA career, my pupils and my self-belief. With ESF, you feel like you’re learning beyond the apprenticeship requirement.”
“I have learned so much - all of it relevant to my job”
“I have learned so much - all of it relevant to my job.
I work in a SEN secondary school and I am an older learner and changed careers later on. I did wonder if I could learn at my age but absolutely can. My tutor was amazing and so supportive”
“A direct catalyst for my recent promotion to Deputy Headteacher - Inclusion”
"The Advanced SEND Leader apprenticeship has fundamentally reshaped my professional identity and strategic capabilities. The course provides a critical bridge between my practical, on-the-ground experience as an Assistant Headteacher and SENCO and the high-level strategic demands of senior leadership. A direct catalyst for my recent promotion to Deputy Headteacher - Inclusion!"
“Able to do my job properly without second-guessing myself”
"When I first started my apprenticeship, I had no confidence in my ideas, I didn’t feel comfortable helping the children in their progress and joining in with activities. But now that I’m almost finished, I feel much more confident and able to do my job properly without second guessing myself."
“A truly outstanding training experience - thank you”
"Since starting this apprenticeship, I’ve become much more confident in adapting resources and supporting children – especially those with additional needs. The support from tutors and the wider ESF team has been exceptional. A truly outstanding training experience. Thank you."