Earn While You Learn: New Education Foundation Degree Launches in Devon

A powerful new partnership between the Centre for the Children’s Workforce and the Ted Wragg Trust is opening the door to life-changing career progression for people working with children across Devon.

A brand new two-year Foundation Degree, now open for expressions of interest, has been created specifically for professionals already supporting children who want to build their expertise, gain recognised qualifications, and move their careers forward without stepping away from their jobs or communities.

As one of 12 delivery centres nationally, the Ted Wragg Trust will lead the programme in Devon, which has been developed in partnership with the University of East London.

From teaching assistants and early years practitioners to family support workers and youth workers, the course offers a clear, affordable route for non-graduates to achieve Level 4 and 5 qualifications, with progression to a full degree and access to graduate roles across education, care, and youth services.

Too often, talented practitioners are held back by university routes that require relocation, long commutes, or giving up work. This programme changes that. Individuals can earn while they learn, building their qualifications while staying rooted in their communities. The first cohort begins in September 2026.

Julie Fossey, Director of the Ted Wragg Institute at the Ted Wragg Trust said: “We’re lucky to have wonderfully dedicated, talented and values-driven people already working with children across Devon, whether as teaching assistants, social workers or in other roles. We want to harness that potential in our communities, to grow great local people who are committed to transforming lives in Devon.

“We recognise that for many, going away to university is a barrier to getting a degree and we don’t think they should miss out. This new kind of degree works around life, allowing people to earn whilst they learn, living and working in their community.

“If you are already brilliant with children, know your community, and want to do more this degree is for you.”

Ned Younger, Managing Director of the Centre for the Children’s Workforce, said: “We know there are talented, committed people working with children and young people in communities across the country. This programme recognises that those people are often frustrated in their development by lack of relevant, practical opportunities. This programme is about unleashing that potential, and helping those people to take their contribution even further. This Foundation Degree is intended to be practical, rooted in real experience, will give learners a launchpad into graduate-level roles with children and young people.”

This innovative programme is a bold response to the workforce recruitment and retention challenges facing the sector. Co‑designed with school leaders and practitioners, and supported by the Reach Foundation’s nationally recognised community work, the programme ensures practical relevance and immediate impact.

It also reflects the Ted Wragg Trust’s wider mission to grow great people across its schools and the South West. From its flagship festival of learning, TedFest, and high-quality instructional coaching for every teacher, to expanding apprenticeship pathways, the Trust is creating opportunities for professionals at every stage to play their part in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

If you are interested, you can sign up for a webinar or express your interest in the programme here.