--- title: "Coding Before a Degree Apprenticeship, UK | Live Lessons" description: "Preparing for a software degree apprenticeship in England: how the route works, what the level 6 standard asks, and the coding to learn first. First lesson free." canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/coding-before-a-degree-apprenticeship-uk source: src/pages/coding-before-a-degree-apprenticeship-uk.html --- > Preparing for a software degree apprenticeship in England: how the route works, what the level 6 standard asks, and the coding to learn first. First lesson free. In short In England, a degree apprenticeship is a paid job with training worth at least 20% of working hours, leading to a qualification at level 6 or 7, the equivalent of a bachelor's or master's degree. You must be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education to start, though you can apply while still at school. The employer decides who is taken on. For software roles, the Skills England Digital and technology solutions professional standard is a level 6 integrated degree with a typical duration of 48 months and a software engineering option, and it publishes the skills it assesses. In 2024/25 there were 60,350 apprenticeship starts at levels 6 and 7 in England. Modern Age Coders teaches students preparing for this route to code properly, finish a project and explain it, in live online lessons. We never write applications, sit online tests or touch NEA or T Level assessments. The first lesson is free, then USD 100 a month in a group or USD 150 one to one. Start here ## Three courses to start with A first language taken seriously, the problem solving behind technical questions, and a real project. Each card opens the full syllabus. [![Python for Teens course thumbnail](/images/python-teens.webp) DAP / 01 Python for Teens A complete route through Python, to the point of writing, testing and debugging real programs. Open the syllabus →](/courses/python-complete-masterclass-teens)[![Problem Solving for Teens course thumbnail](/images/problem-solving-teens.webp) DAP / 02 Problem Solving and DSA Breaking problems down and choosing data structures, the thinking under any technical task. Open the syllabus →](/courses/problem-solving-dsa-masterclass-teens)[![Full Stack Web Development for Teens course thumbnail](/images/web-dev-teens.webp) DAP / 03 Full Stack Web Development A complete application, front to back, to show and explain to an employer. Open the syllabus →](/courses/full-stack-web-development-teens-masterclass) How the route works ## A job first, a degree alongside The rules for England, from gov.uk's guide to becoming an apprentice. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run apprenticeships through different organisations. | Name | Level | Equivalent educational level | | --- | --- | --- | | Intermediate | 2 | GCSE | | Advanced | 3 | A level | | Higher | 4, 5, 6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above | | Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor's or master's degree | ### What an apprentice gets A wage and holiday pay as an employee, work alongside experienced staff, and time to train and study related to the role of at least 20% of normal working hours. gov.uk says apprenticeships "can take from 8 months to 6 years to complete, depending on the type and level of the apprenticeship." Some also carry an additional qualification. For degree apprenticeships, the qualification is the degree itself, earned while working. ### Who can start You need to be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education. gov.uk adds: "You can apply for an apprenticeship while you're still at school but you'll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship." It also says "You can have a previous qualification, like a degree, and still start an apprenticeship." The route is not only for school leavers. The practical consequence is the one this page is built on. A university place is decided by grades and an admissions process; a degree apprenticeship is decided by an employer filling a job. How each employer selects is up to that employer, and we make no claims about any particular process. What every employer is hiring for, though, is someone who can grow into the occupation described in the standard. Sources, read 21 September 2026: [gov.uk, Become an apprentice](https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice) and [Apply for an apprenticeship](https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship). The standard ## Read the standard before you apply Every apprenticeship in England is built on a published occupational standard. For software, the one to read is the Digital and technology solutions professional standard on the Skills England site. | Field | As published | | --- | --- | | Level | 6, integrated degree | | Typical duration | 48 months | | Options | Software engineering, IT consultant, business analyst, cyber security, computing data analyst and network engineering professional | | Typical job titles | Business analyst, computing data analyst, cyber security professional, IT consultant, network engineer, software engineer | | Professional recognition | British Computer Society, Registered IT Technician (RITTech) | | This version from | 1 September 2023 | | From the standard | What you can learn now | | --- | --- | | Skill: "Initiate, design, code, test and debug a software component for a digital and technology solution." | Write programs from scratch in one language, test them and fix them yourself | | Knowledge: "Approaches to effective team work and the range of software development tools supporting effective teamwork. For example, configuration management, version control and release management." | Keep every project in Git from day one, with a history you can explain | | Behaviour: "Interacts professionally with people from technical and non-technical backgrounds." | Practise describing your project to someone who does not code, in plain words | ### A level 4 route as well The Software developer standard (ST0116) is a level 4 apprenticeship with a typical duration of 24 months, for roles such as web developer, application developer, mobile application developer and software developer. It is a higher apprenticeship rather than a degree apprenticeship, and for some students it is the better first step. ### Why reading it helps A standard is long and written for employers and assessors, but it tells you in plain terms what the job is. Arriving able to talk about a few of its skills, with evidence, is a far stronger position than knowing only the title. We use the standard to choose what to teach first. We do not claim that lessons shorten or replace any part of an apprenticeship. Source, read 21 September 2026: [Skills England, Digital and technology solutions professional](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0119-v1-2) (fields read from the standard's published data) and [Software developer](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0116-v1-2). The numbers ## How many degree apprenticeships start, and who starts them From the Department for Education's Apprenticeships statistics for the 2024/25 academic year, full-year final data first published in November 2025. Figures cover England. | Measure | Published figure | | --- | --- | | All apprenticeship starts | 353,500, up 4.1% on 2023/24 | | Starts at levels 6 and 7 | 60,350, up from 50,110 | | Share of all starts at levels 6 and 7 | 17.1% | | Starts at level 6 | 26,780 | | Starts at level 7 | 33,560, up 40.7% | | Share of starts by under-19s | 21.2%, down from 23.2% | | Share of starts by people aged 25 and over | 51.3% | ### Most growth was at level 7 The DfE links much of the rise to an announcement that from January 2026, level 7 apprenticeships would be government-funded only for people aged 16 to 21, and for care leavers or those with an Education, Health and Care Plan who are under 25 at the start. Level 7 is master's level. For a school leaver, the relevant software route is usually level 6 or level 4. ### School leavers are a minority Under-19s made up 21.2% of all starts, and over half of starts were by people aged 25 and over. Many apprentices are adults already in work. That is worth knowing as a sixth former: you may be applying alongside people with years of workplace experience, which makes a finished project and a clear explanation of it more valuable. Source, read 21 September 2026: [DfE, Apprenticeships, academic year 2024/25](https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/apprenticeships/2024-25). Level 6 and level 7 figures are as published; totals are the DfE's own. Not ready yet ## If a degree apprenticeship is a step too far for now Foundation apprenticeships, introduced for young people, include a digital route. gov.uk's toolkit for them was published on 2 September 2026. The toolkit describes foundation apprenticeships as "entry-level, paid jobs with structured training designed for young people aged 16 to 21", and for 22 to 24 year olds in certain circumstances, adding: "No prior qualifications or experience are required." They are level 2, cover six sectors including digital, and have a typical duration of 8 months with a minimum of 187 hours of off-the-job learning. Anyone aged 25 or over cannot start one. | Field | As published | | --- | --- | | Purpose | "To introduce apprentices to data handling and software support roles across all sectors." | | What apprentices do | Collect, format, store and validate data; support software development and testing under guidance; help manage data and software functions | | Included occupations | Data technician, software development technician, IT solutions technician, digital support technician, cyber security technician, information communications technician | | Next steps listed | Same level apprenticeship, higher level apprenticeship, full-time employment, further study | The toolkit notes that "The apprentice and employer may benefit from recognition of prior learning and experience" towards a next apprenticeship. That is a decision for the provider and employer; we make no claim that our lessons count towards it. Source, read 21 September 2026: [gov.uk, Foundation apprenticeships toolkit](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/resources-for-promoting-the-growth-and-skills-levy/foundation-apprenticeships-accessible-version-of-toolkit), published 2 September 2026. Funding amounts in the toolkit are left out here. Preparing ## What to have ready before you apply Our own teaching advice, based on the standard's skills rather than any employer's selection process. | Have ready | Why | Where we teach it | | --- | --- | --- | | One language to a working level | The standard's first coding skill is to design, code, test and debug a component | Python or Java, taken past the basics | | A finished project | Something concrete to discuss, start to finish | A web, data or game project you choose | | A Git history | Version control is named in the standard's knowledge | Git and GitHub from the first lesson | | Basic SQL | Data products and data management run through the standard | Databases for teens | | A plain explanation | The standard asks for work with non-technical people | Explaining your code aloud in every lesson | ### What we will not do We do not write applications, CVs or answers to application questions, and we never sit or coach answers to any employer's online test. An application has to be yours. We also never touch A level NEA projects or T Level assessments. Our pages on [A level NEA](/a-level-computer-science-nea-help) and [T Level digital](/t-level-digital-coding-help) explain those lines in detail. ### University or apprenticeship? Both lead to degrees and both suit people who like to code. A degree apprenticeship suits someone who wants to work from the start; university suits someone who wants time to study broadly first. If university is the likelier path, [coding for university students](/coding-for-university-students-uk) looks at what happens after a computing degree. Stages ## Four stages before applying Year 12 is a sensible time to start; placement follows what you can already do. | Stage | What should be true | | --- | --- | | 1. Working basics | You write and debug short programs in one language without help | | 2. Structure | You break a problem into functions and choose sensible data structures | | 3. A finished project | One project is complete, in Git, with a short README | | 4. Ready to talk | You can explain the project and your choices to a technical and a non-technical listener | ### Stage three matters most A finished project turns interest into evidence. The full sequence of topics is on the [coding roadmap](/coding-roadmap). ### Around A levels Lessons fit around school work and pause easily in exam season, as billing is monthly. Nothing in a lesson overlaps with work you submit for assessment. The catalogue ## Nine courses for future apprentices Grouped by stage. The free lesson settles where to begin. I ### A first language To a working level DAP / LANG / 01 #### Python for Teens Clear, readable, and used across software and data. [Open the syllabus](/courses/python-complete-masterclass-teens) DAP / LANG / 02 #### Java for Teens Object-oriented programming, common in large organisations. [Open the syllabus](/courses/java-programming-masterclass-for-teens) DAP / LANG / 03 #### Problem Solving and DSA Algorithms and data structures, one step at a time. [Open the syllabus](/courses/problem-solving-dsa-masterclass-teens)II ### Working tools What a team uses DAP / TOOL / 01 #### Git and GitHub for Teens Version control, named in the standard itself. [Open the syllabus](/courses/git-github-version-control-course-for-teens) DAP / TOOL / 02 #### MySQL for Teens Databases and SQL from the ground up. [Open the syllabus](/courses/mysql-mastery-for-teens) DAP / TOOL / 03 #### Backend Coding for Teens Servers, APIs and the logic behind applications. [Open the syllabus](/courses/backend-coding-masterclass-for-teens)III ### Projects and options Pointing at an option DAP / PROJ / 01 #### Full Stack Web Development For the software engineering option. [Open the syllabus](/courses/full-stack-web-development-teens-masterclass) DAP / PROJ / 02 #### Data Science for Teens For the computing data analyst option. [Open the syllabus](/courses/data-science-course-for-teens-python-data) DAP / PROJ / 03 #### Cyber Security for Teens For the cyber security option, taught defensively. [Open the syllabus](/courses/cybersecurity-course-for-teens-ethical-defensive) How lessons run ## Live lessons after school Teaching comes from India, which keeps the same clock all year. The UK is four and a half hours behind India in British Summer Time and five and a half behind in winter, so after-school and weekend slots in UK time are straightforward. After school Early evening on a weekday, UK time. Saturday A longer session for project work. Sunday For students with Saturday jobs. ### A free first lesson We see where you are and suggest a route towards the option you are interested in. ### Small groups Five to ten students at the same level. ### One to one For a faster pace or a specific deadline. ### Projects you choose Your project, in your own GitHub account, so it stays yours. ### Code read line by line A teacher reads your program and explains what to improve. ### Assessed work untouched Nothing you submit for A levels or a T Level is ever worked on in a lesson. Student work ## Projects built by our students Four projects finished by our students. The wider collection is in [student labs](/student-labs). ![NutriLife AI nutrition coach project screenshot](/images/projects/nutrilife.webp) AI and ML #### NutriLife An AI nutrition coach that reads what you eat and works you toward a target. by Bhavya · [Open it](https://nutrilife-bhavya.lovable.app) ![Misti AI chatbot for maths and coding screenshot](/images/projects/misti.webp) AI and ML #### Misti A chatbot that answers mathematics and programming questions, built and deployed by a student. by Harshit · [Open it](https://misti.modernagecoders.com) ![GuardianX AI internet safety assistant screenshot](/images/projects/guardianx.webp) AI and ML #### GuardianX An assistant that helps a young person recognise unsafe situations online. by Vivaan · [Open it](https://guardianx-cybersaver.lovable.app) ![SkyCast weather forecast application screenshot](/images/projects/skycast.webp) Web app #### SkyCast A weather forecasting site with live conditions for any location. by Krish Fees ## Fees One monthly fee in US dollars, the same outside India, with no enrolment fee and no commitment beyond the month, so lessons can stop for exams or a new job. Free first class USD 0 no card required - A look at your current level - A suggested route towards your option - No payment details needed Book it Group batch USD 100 a month, billed in US dollars - Five to ten students at one level - The same teacher each week - A project of your own - Stop at the end of any month Start here One to one USD 150 a month, billed in US dollars - A teacher for you alone - A pace set around school - Useful before a specific deadline Enquire What families say ## Rated 4.9 across 547 Google reviews From Google, unedited: reviews by our students and their parents. ★★★★★ "The one step solution for my son. Modern Age Coders make learning coding so simple that kids love it. The teachers explain complex concepts clearly with practical exercises and interactive content." Ria Mukherjee Parent ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders has been a game-changer for me. I struggled to grasp IT concepts and coding before joining, but their classes transformed everything. I can now confidently write complex programs with ease." Samriddha Mondal Student ★★★★★ "One of the most wonderful education centres out there. Education is not limited to school syllabus but focuses on skill development." Vansh Agarwal Student ★★★★★ "My child Dhairya is really enjoying the Modern Age Coders classes. This is his first online class and he eagerly looks forward to it. I can already see his improvement, and the teachers are very cooperative." Sonam Oswal Parent of Dhairya ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders have wonderful teachers who teach in a clear, easy and practical way. The teacher boosts students' confidence and inspires them to learn without hesitation." Sonu Goyal Parent ★★★★★ "I highly recommend this computer coding class! The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about coding." Ritu Kedia Parent Questions about degree apprenticeships ## What students and parents ask ### What is a degree apprenticeship? A paid job with training of at least 20% of working hours, leading to a qualification at level 6 or 7, which gov.uk equates to a bachelor's or master's degree. ### Can I apply while I am still at school? Yes. gov.uk says you can apply while still at school, but you must be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start. ### Which standard covers software engineering? The Digital and technology solutions professional standard, a level 6 integrated degree with a typical duration of 48 months, has a software engineering option. The Software developer standard is a level 4 alternative. ### How many degree apprenticeships start each year? In England in 2024/25 there were 60,350 starts at levels 6 and 7, 17.1% of all apprenticeship starts, according to the DfE. ### Are most apprentices school leavers? No. Under-19s made up 21.2% of starts in 2024/25, and over half were by people aged 25 and over. ### Will you help with my application or online test? No. We never write applications or sit or coach answers to any employer's tests. We teach the skills, and the application stays yours. ### Can you help with my A level NEA or T Level project? No. We never work on NEA or T Level assessments. Lessons use separate problems and projects. ### What should I learn first? Usually Python or Java to a working level, then a finished project kept in Git, then basic SQL. The free lesson will suggest an order for you. ### What does it cost? The first lesson is free. After that it is USD 100 a month in a group or USD 150 a month one to one, with no enrolment fee. ### Does this apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? The rules on this page are for England. The other nations run apprenticeships through their own organisations, though the coding skills are the same. Elsewhere on this site ## Related pages The other routes, and the assessment lines we hold. ### [Coding for university students](/coding-for-university-students-uk) The degree route, and what came after it for recent graduates. ### [T Level digital coding help](/t-level-digital-coding-help) For students on the college route. ### [A level Computer Science NEA](/a-level-computer-science-nea-help) Where we help, and where we never do. ### [Coding classes for teens](/best-coding-classes-for-teens-uk) How we teach teenagers. ### [Python classes online](/best-python-classes-online-uk) The usual first language. ### [Coding classes in the UK](/coding-classes-in-united-kingdom) All our UK pages together. Start here ## Book a free first lesson Leave a number and we will call at a UK time that suits you or a parent. Tell us which option interests you; the lesson checks your level and ends with a plan for the months before you apply. Reading first? The [course pages](/courses) list each syllabus, [how we teach](/how-we-teach) explains the method, and [student labs](/student-labs) shows what students finish. [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/919123366161?text=Hello%20Modern%20Age%20Coders%2C%20I%20am%20preparing%20for%20a%20degree%20apprenticeship%20in%20England%20and%20would%20like%20a%20free%20first%20coding%20lesson.) · [+91 91233 66161](tel:+919123366161) · [contact@modernagecoders.com](mailto:contact@modernagecoders.com) WhatsApp from a UK number is the quickest way to reach us. We are based in India, so the number starts +91, and we have no UK office. ## Keep exploring Modern Age Coders ### Related courses and guides - [Competitive Programming Practice: Daily Coding Challenges](/coding-challenges) - [Coding Alongside Informatica, Havo and Vwo](/coding-alongside-informatica-havo-vwo-netherlands) - [Coding Classes for DPS Bangalore Students](/coding-classes-for-dps-bangalore) - [Choosing GCSE Computer Science](/choosing-gcse-computer-science-year-9-options) - [Coding Classes for DPS Dwarka Students](/coding-classes-for-dps-dwarka-new-delhi) - [CCEA GCSE Digital Technology Programming Help](/ccea-gcse-digital-technology-programming-help) - [Mobile App Development Company](/mobile-app-development-services) - [OCR A-level Computer Science H446 Help](/ocr-a-level-computer-science-h446-help) - [How Computer Vision Works](/how-computer-vision-works) ### Learn more - [Online Coding Tutor UK](/online-coding-tutor-uk) - [Vibe Coding vs Building AI in the Netherlands](/vibe-coding-vs-building-ai-netherlands) ### Free resources - [SQL Tutorial: Databases, Basics to Advanced](/resources/sql) - [Operators in Python](/resources/python/operators-in-python) - [Subqueries (Nested Queries) and EXISTS](/resources/sql/subqueries-and-nested-queries) - [Your First Python Program](/resources/python/your-first-python-program) ### From the blog - [What is Vibe Coding? The Ultimate Deep-Dive Guide to AI-Powered](/blog/what-is-vibe-coding-future-of-software-development) - [Does Online Maths Tuition Really Work? An Honest 2026 Answer](/blog/does-online-maths-tuition-work) - [Coding vs AI: What Should My Child Learn in 2026?](/blog/coding-vs-ai-what-should-my-child-learn) ### Start here - [How Modern Age Coders teaches, small batches and real projects](/how-we-teach) - [What Modern Age Coders families say](/love) --- *Canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/coding-before-a-degree-apprenticeship-uk*