Degree apprenticeship for school leavers
Apply at 18 — no UCAS required. Earn a salary and a funded degree at PwC, KPMG, Google, BAE Systems, and more from the September after your A levels.
Age 16+
Minimum age to apply
Most degree apprenticeships start at 18 — you apply in Year 13
No UCAS needed
Separate application process
Apply directly to the employer; university placement is arranged by them
Apply in Year 12
When to start researching
Research in Year 12; apply in September of Year 13 for the earliest programmes
Why degree apprenticeships suit school leavers
Degree apprenticeships were specifically designed for school leavers who want to enter the workforce immediately after A levels (or equivalent) without accumulating student debt. You apply in Year 13 — usually from September — and start the programme the following September, after your results.
Unlike a traditional degree, there is no UCAS application and no gap year needed. The employer arranges your university place, pays your salary (including on study days), and covers all tuition fees. You graduate with a degree-level qualification, a professional track record, and no student loan — a significant financial advantage over the traditional university route.
Named school leaver degree apprenticeship programmes
| Employer | Programme name | Qualification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PwC | Flying Start Programme | ACA (ICAEW) | Business and finance degree apprenticeship; one of the most prestigious school leaver routes |
| KPMG | KPMG360° | ACA (ICAEW) | Combines BSc Business Management with ACA qualification |
| Deloitte | BrightStart | ACA (ICAEW) | Finance and advisory; Deloitte's dedicated school leaver route |
| EY | School Leaver Programme | ACA (ICAEW) | Business and audit roles; EY sponsors full ACA training |
| Software Engineering DA | BSc / BEng | Highly competitive; Maths A-level required; applies from Year 12 open days | |
| GCHQ | Cyber Security DA | BSc Cyber Security | Requires British nationality; SC clearance sponsored |
| BAE Systems | Engineering / Cyber DA | BEng / BSc | Multiple disciplines; Maths + Physics usually required |
| NHS Trusts | Nursing DA | BSc Nursing (NMC) | England only; Science A-level usually required |
School leaver application checklist
Research employers during Year 12 (Lower Sixth)
Build a target list of 8–12 employers across 2–3 sectors
Attend employer open days (October–January)
Many are virtual — no travel required; take notes for your personal statement
Practise aptitude tests over the summer before Year 13
Numerical, verbal, and situational judgement tests used by most employers
Prepare your personal statement and CV in August
Tailor to each employer — generic applications rarely succeed at competitive firms
Apply to September openers the day applications go live
Big Four, Google, GCHQ, and major banks can fill within 2–4 weeks of opening
Apply to UCAS simultaneously if you want a fallback
Holding both options open keeps you flexible until you receive your results
Live degree apprenticeship roles for school leavers
Updated daily from UK employers.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can 18-year-olds do a degree apprenticeship?▾
Yes — degree apprenticeships are specifically designed for school leavers aged 18. You apply in Year 13 while still at school or sixth form, receive conditional offers, and start the programme in September after your A level results. No gap year is required.
Should I apply to UCAS and degree apprenticeships at the same time?▾
Yes — many students apply to both. Degree apprenticeship applications are separate from UCAS and have different timelines. Applying to both keeps your options open. You can withdraw from UCAS once you accept a degree apprenticeship offer.
Which firms have named school leaver programmes?▾
All Big Four accounting firms have named school leaver programmes: PwC Flying Start, KPMG360°, Deloitte BrightStart, and EY School Leaver Programme. Google, GCHQ, BAE Systems, and NHS Trusts also recruit school leavers directly onto degree apprenticeship programmes.
When should I start applying for degree apprenticeships as a school leaver?▾
Apply in September of Year 13 for the earliest and most competitive programmes (Big Four, Google, GCHQ). Start researching in Year 12, attend open days in October–January, and prepare your applications over the summer before Year 13.
Is a degree apprenticeship better than university for an 18-year-old?▾
For those who know their career direction, degree apprenticeships offer significant financial advantages — a salary, no tuition-fee debt, and years of professional experience. University offers more academic breadth and a traditional student experience. Both lead to equivalent academic qualifications; the apprenticeship route wins on financial and career-readiness terms.
