A pilot teaching apprenticeship will launch next year.

The Department for Education (DfE) said the new teacher degree apprenticeship will be an alternative route to become a qualified teacher.

The first apprentices - up to 150 people training to teach secondary school maths - will be recruited for the pilot scheme in the autumn.

Apprenticeships will last four years, with the trainee teachers spending around 40% of their time studying with an accredited training provider.

All tuition fees will be paid, and the apprentice teachers will be able to earn as they learn.

The aim of the apprenticeships is to open up teaching to people from more diverse backgrounds, as well as those who want a change in career without student debt.

The scheme will help teaching assistants, and others already working in schools who want to be teachers, to take that next step in their careers.