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AMI Diploma - Teacher Training

AMI Montessori Diploma 3-6

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AMI Montessori Diploma 3-6
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Overview

The sought-after AMI Montessori Diploma – the original course developed by Maria Montessori herself. With AMI training, you could teach anywhere in the world, set up your own school or use the approach with your own children.

Learn about child development and psychology and how to deliver the Montessori educational approach. The course includes lectures and discussions, hands-on work with Montessori materials in our specially-designed model classroom and observation and teaching practice in schools run by teachers who hold AMI Diplomas.

Details

Courses Evenings, Full time, Modular, Part time
Locations Blended, London
Course format options 1 year daytime, 2 years daytime, 2 years evening, 2 years blended (online and short in-person London modules)
Next courses Starting 14th/15th September 2026
Entry requirements Over 18 and ‘A’ levels or equivalent qualifications / relevant work experience
Incorporates the Early Years Educator (EYE) Be counted as a qualified member of staff in UK Early Years settings
Open to international students Our 2 year blended course has short in-person modules in London which do not require a student visa. Our 1 year and 2 year daytime courses may require a student visa.
Ellie Kempley Scholarship Full scholarship place available for one UK-based student aged under 30 - apply as part of your course application
Course Fees £10,500 - £13,100 depending on payment option - see below for details

Globally-respected AMI training centre

Founded by Maria Montessori's son, we are the UK's only AMI training centre and one of the longest-established in the world. Our large team of trainers provides a wealth of experience and knowledge and our in-person training offers an unrivalled student experience. Our student body values our location in the heart of central London with access to shopping and cultural opportunities.
Our TrainersBook A Visit At Our Training Centre

What Students Say

Read Student StoriesJoin an online Q&A
Kalamun Nehar
AMI Diploma 3-6 Graduate
“A journey of discovery that maintained my curiosity until the very end!”
Read Kalamun's story
Rhianna
AMI Diploma 3-6 Graduate
“Simultaneously inspired, challenged and supported.”
Read Rhianna's story
Lucy Forrester
AMI Diploma 3-6 Graduate
“I realised my dream of opening my own Montessori school.”
Read Lucy's story

What can I do with this qualification?

  • With AMI training you can teach anywhere in the world – AMI Diploma holders are in high demand
  • Set up your own Montessori school
  • Use your qualification for working with families or with your own children
  • Be counted as a qualified member of staff in UK early years settings
  • 90% of our graduates are in a job within 3 months or less
Montessori Careers Book A Visit At Our Training Centre

Course Content

This AMI training is delivered in-person at our central London training centre through lectures, discussions and practice with Montessori learning materials. You will also undertake classrooms observations and two teaching practice placements. As part of the course you will be asked to write essays and submit albums and materials. You will also need to do written and oral exams and your teaching practice will be assessed by the school's lead teacher. Our blended course option is a mixture of in-person London modules and online learning.
Montessori Educational Theory
Learn in-depth Montessori philosophy, psychology and child development with a focus on children aged 3 to 6 years. You will also discover other educational theories of education and child development, as well as learning about the impact of parent/child issues on the development of young children.
Teacher training and Teaching Practice Placements
You will be fully trained to deliver the authentic Montessori educational approach for children aged 3-6 years and how to prepare a Children's House environment. Every student will undertake teaching practice placements at schools run by AMI Diploma holders. These placements will be organised for you.
Fundamental Learning Skills and the Development of the Senses
You will learn about the Montessori concept of Practical Life which uses daily activities to promote coordination of movement, independence, self-esteem and concentration. You will also discover activities for refining sensory perception which help a children to classify their world and build their intelligence, as well as solving problems and make decisions and you will also look at areas including art, music, botany and geography.
Language, Literacy and Mathematics
You will be trained in exercises for the development of written and spoken language and reading skills appropriate for 3-6-year-olds. There is a focus on confidence and self-expression, language in daily life and storytelling, as well as functional aspects of grammar. You will learn how a young child develops their ‘mathematical mind’ and Montessori activities that provide foundations for geometry, algebra, counting and arithmetic.

Fees and scholarships

Course fees for September 2026 start:

  • Early Bird Course Fee (paid in 1 instalment by 30th April 2026) – £10,500
  • Discounted Course Fee (paid in 1 instalment by 31st August 2026) – £12,300
  • Standard Course Fee (paid in 4 instalments) – £13,100
  • Ellie Kempley Scholarship – full course fees for one UK student aged under 30 – apply as part of your course application. You will also need to submit a scholarship application statement. Please note that the scholarship is only open to UK-based students.

Further information:

  • Non-refundable £99 application fee
  • £800 deposit on acceptance of course place (offset against your first fee payment)
  • AMI examination fee of £400 (subject to annual increase by the AMI) which includes student membership of AMI
  • Those who need a Student Visa are required to pay in 1 instalment before they can apply for a Visa (refunded in full if Visa application is unsuccessful)
Training Information Session Ask A Course Advisor

Course Dates and Times

All training sessions run during academic term times. Additional study and assignments are undertaken outside of training sessions and students will undertake observations and teaching practice placements in AMI Montessori environments totalling 170 hours.

1 Year Daytime Course – 14th September 2026 – 19th June 2027 

Monday – Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm

2 Year Daytime Course – 14th September 2026 – 17th June 2028

Up to 3 weekdays a week, 9.30am-4.30pm

2 Year Evening Course – 15th September 2026 – 17th June 2028

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 6pm–9pm; four Saturdays per year, 9:30am–5pm

2 Year Blended Course – 15th September 2026 – 17th June 2028

Live online sessions and online tutorials run from 6pm-9pm (UK time) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tutorials and online sessions take place throughout the academic year (September-June with holidays).

In-person modules in London are Monday-Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm.

Reading and coursework assignments to complete in your own time take place throughout the course.

Year 1 Blended Course

Live Online Sessions One: 15th September – 2nd October 2026

In-person Module One: 5th October -23rd October 2026 (3 weeks)

In-person Module Two: 11th January – 12th February 2027 (5 weeks)

Live Online Session Two: 2nd March – 13th May 2027

Year 1 finishes 1st June 2027

In year 2 live online sessions and tutorials will continue when students are not on site and will run throughout the academic year (September-June with holidays). These will be from 6-9pm (UK time) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Year 2 Blended Course

In-person Module Three: 10th January – 14th February 2028 (6 weeks)

Live Online Session Three: 24th April – 15th May 2028

In-person Exam Module: 15th May – 16th June 2028 (5 weeks)

Year 2 finishes and students graduate Saturday 17th June 2028

Training Information Session Ask A Course Advisor

The Ellie Kempley Scholarship for UK Students

The Ellie Kempley Scholarship Fund was set up by the family of Ellie, a former AMI Diploma 3-6 student, in her memory. The scholarship is awarded every year to a UK student on our AMI Diploma 3-6 or AMI Diploma 0-3 course who is aged under 30 at the start of the course. You must live in the UK and intend to work as a Montessori teacher in the UK and be able to demonstrate a commitment to Montessori. Apply for the scholarship as part of your course application. You will be asked to provide an additional personal statement to apply for the scholarship. Please note the scholarship is not open to non UK students.
Apply for AMI 3-6 and Ellie Kempley ScholarshipApplication Required Documents and Scholarship Personal Statement

Student Stories

Who to contact

Course Advisors
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Kim Tan

Admissions and Qualifications Manager
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Kim Tan
Admissions and Qualifications Manager
Kim oversees the application processes for the AMI 3-6 Diploma (One Year Intensive), AMI 0-3 Diploma, and a variety of short courses, including the AMI 3-6 and 6-12 Orientation Certificate courses. He also manages student visa applications and compliance.

Tessa Brett

Admissions and Qualifications Manager
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Tessa Brett
Admissions and Qualifications Manager
Tessa oversees the application processes for the Foundation Degree in Montessori Pedagogy, AMI 3-6 Diploma (Two-Year courses), AMI 6-12 Diploma, and a variety of short courses, including the AMI 0-3 and 12-18 Orientation Certificate courses.

Jethryn Hall

Public Liaison
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Jethryn Hall
Public Liaison
3-6 and 0-3 AMI Diplomas, BA Social Sciences.
Jethryn worked in the Children's House at the Maria Montessori School Hampstead run by the Maria Montessori Training Organisation (now the Maria Montessori Institute). She was invited to the USA by Dr Silvana Montanaro to join the first AMI 0-3 course given outside of Italy. Jethryn then set up the first Montessori Infant Community in the UK at the MMTO.
As Public Liaison, Jethryn deals with enquiries about Montessori and Montessori training.

Apply for this course

Option 1 / 4
Full time

Apply for AMI Diploma 3-6 - 1 year daytime (includes Ellie Kempley Scholarship application)

£10,500-£13,100
  • Next course dates
    14th September 2026 - 19th June 2027
  • Course format
    Monday to Friday - 9.30am-4.30pm

This intensive one year course requires you to attend our London training centre 5 days a week in term time as well as completing teaching practice placements. You will qualify as a Montessori teacher and also gain the Early Years Educator qualification within one academic year.

Apply Now More info
Option 2 / 4
Full time

Apply for AMI Diploma 3-6 - 2 years daytime (includes Ellie Kempley Scholarship application)

£10,500-£13,100
  • Next course dates
    14th September 2026 - 17th June 2028
  • Course format
    3 weekdays - 9.30am-4.30pm

This two year course requires you to attend our London training centre 3 days a week in term time as well as completing teaching practice placements. You will qualify as a Montessori teacher and also gain the Early Years Educator qualification within two academic years.

Apply Now More info
Option 3 / 4
Full time

Apply for AMI Diploma 3-6 - 2 years evening (includes Ellie Kempley Scholarship application)

£10,500-£13,100
  • Next course dates
    15th September 2026 - 17th June 2028
  • Course format
    Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 6pm – 9pm; four Saturdays per year 9:30am – 5pm

This two year course requires you to attend our London training centre 3 evenings a week in term time and four Saturdays a year as well as completing teaching practice placements. You will qualify as a Montessori teacher and also gain the Early Years Educator qualification within two academic years.

Apply Now More info
Option 4 / 4
Full time

Apply for AMI Diploma 3-6 - 2 year blended (includes Ellie Kempley Scholarship application)

£10,500-£13,100
  • Next course dates
    15th September 2026 - 17th June 2028
  • Course format
    Blended - online sessions up to 3 times a week plus short in-person modules in London (Monday to Friday)

This two year course requires you to attend our London training centre 5 days a week for the in-person modules as well as the online sessions and teaching practice placements. You will qualify as a Montessori teacher and also gain the Early Years Educator qualification within two academic years.

Apply Now More info

Frequently Asked Questions

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What will I need to do to gain the qualification?

  • Minimum 90% course attendance
  • Montessori material making and practice
  • Submission of albums and materials
  • Classroom practice and observation
  • Practicum evaluation – teaching practice assessment by school’s lead teacher
  • Written and oral examinations

Do you accept students from outside the UK? Do I need a Visa?

Our students come from all over the world and our fees are the same for everyone. We sponsor Student Visas for international students for our 1 year and 2 year daytime courses.

International students on our 2 year blended course option will not require a student visa for the in-person London modules but may require a visitor visa depending which country they are coming from.

Dependents cannot be brought over on a Student Visa for our Diploma courses. Students who are studying with us on a Student Visa are not permitted to work in the UK while on the course. International students who need a Student Visa to study in the UK are required to pay the course fees in one instalment (Early Bird or Discounted Course Fee) before they can apply for a Visa. This is to ensure the Visa application has the best chance of success. Any course fees paid will be refunded in full if the Visa application is unsuccessful.

Please note that international students who need a Student Visa to study at the Maria Montessori Institute are not permitted to work in the UK. Upon graduating, students on the AMI Diploma courses are not eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa as the Maria Montessori Institute is not a licensed sponsor for this.

Please contact us with any visa queries at course@mariamontessori.org

Where is the AMI training located?

The in-person sessions take place at our Central London training centre at 41 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7BE. On our Blended Course, there are also online sessions. Teaching practice placement locations vary.

What are the hours of the course?

1 year (full time) – Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm

2 years (daytime) – up to 3 days a week 9.30am-4.30pm

2 years (evening) – Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6pm – 9pm; four Saturdays per year 9:30am – 5pm

2 years (blended) – online modules – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 6pm-9pm; in-person modules – Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm

What is the difference between the AMI Diploma 3-6 and the Foundation Degree in Montessori Pedagogy (3-6)

We refer to our Foundation Degree as our “degree route” as those on this course can gain a degree as well as an AMI Diploma 3-6. The degree course is only open to UK students.

The course content is very similar to the AMI Diploma 3-6 course although there are some additional elements. You study the Foundation Degree in the daytime over 2 years. There is an optional third year of study to gain a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood. On both the AMI Diploma 3-6 and Foundation Degree courses you will also gain the Early Years Educator qualification.

Our degree route is an attractive option for UK students who haven’t already studied for a degree as they should be able to access UK student loans for the course.

What is the difference between the one year and the two year Diploma courses?

The two-year daytime course offers additional study to help students to deepen their understanding. It is suitable for students who need more time to assimilate information and for those who simply wish to take more time to make a deeper study. Additional teaching practice is also offered.

The two-year evening and blended courses offer different structures to suit the lives of students.

Do you offer help in finding a job after completion of the Diploma course?

AMI Diploma holders are sought after for employment both in the UK and internationally. We advertise jobs at the Maria Montessori School on our Current Vacancies webpage where you can also find links to AMI and Montessori Society job listings. We share details of school vacancies and other external vacancies with our students.

What if English isn't my first language?

You need a good level of English to succeed on our courses. All applicants need to demonstrate their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. If the highest qualification you hold was not studied in English, you may need to provide an English language qualification/test even if you do not require a student visa.

Do you provide student accommodation?

We do not provide accommodation but we can send you general information about finding student accommodation in London. We will also connect you to other students before the start of the course as students often organise living together.

What is the application process?

Applicants are asked to complete our online application form.

You will then be asked to email a number of supporting documents including a personal statement, a fitness to teach health form, references and education certificates.

You may also be asked to have an interview online or by phone with the Course Director. You will be notified during the application process if this is required.

Successful applicants will be offered a course place.

More information on required documents

What are the English language requirements for a Student Visa?

You will need to do the IELTS for UKVI Academic English language test (or equivalent) with an approved SELT test provider for a Student Visa and achieve at least CEFR level B1 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). You will find list of approved test providers on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

You are exempt from this test if you are a national of a majority English speaking country, or have completed a degree-level course of study in an English speaking country.

To check whether you need to take this test, please refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english

If I am paying for the course in more than one instalment, what course fees are paid when?

All applicants pay a non-refundable £99 application fee and a £800 deposit on acceptance of a course place which is offset against the first fee payment. The cost of the AMI Diploma Course examination is £400 and is paid in the January before graduation.

Students wishing to access the Early Bird Fee or the Discounted Fee must pay in one instalment. International Visa students must pay in one instalment which will be refunded if the Visa application is unsuccessful.

The due dates of the instalment fee options are as follows:

One Year Course
1st instalment: £4050 (£800 deposit already deducted) – due 31/08/2026
2nd instalment: £3550 – due 01/11/2026
3rd instalment: £2550 – due 01/02/2027
4th instalment: £2150 – due 01/04/2027
Total fees = £13,100

Two Year Course
1st instalment: £4050 (£800 deposit already deducted) – due 31/08/2026
2nd instalment: £3550 – due 01/02/2027
3rd instalment: £2550 – due 31/08/2027
4th instalment: £2150 – due 01/02/2028
Total fees = £13,100

Does the Maria Montessori Institute arrange the teaching practice placement?

The practice placements are arranged by the Maria Montessori Institute. Your location will be taken into account but generally you cannot request a placement at any particular school.

If you are taking our blended course, you can arrange teaching practice at a school local to you including schools outside of the UK but it will need to be a school with an AMI Montessori-trained Lead Teacher and the school will need to be approved as a placement.

How do I apply for an Ellie Kempley Scholarship?

Every year the Ellie Kempley Scholarship funds full course fees for one UK-based student aged under 30 on our AMI Diploma (3-6) or AMI Diploma (0-3) course.

To apply for the scholarship simply tick that you wish to apply as part of the main application for the course. You will also be asked to provide a personal statement for the scholarship which will need to cover: why you want to apply for the scholarship; a description of what makes you passionate about Montessori with examples from your life experience; a description of your experiences of working with children; and a summary of your short, medium and long-term plans for a career working with children using the Montessori approach.

Can you tell me more about how the blended course works?

The two year blended course combines the best of the in-person training experience with the flexibility of online learning, enabling you to study with us if you can’t travel to London for an extended period of time.

The course has exactly the same content as our other AMI Diploma 3-6 courses but is delivered through a mix of short in-person modules in London, on-line modules with live online sessions and support through our Learning Management System and a tutorial system.

The short in-person modules in London (4 to 6 weeks) will not require a student visa for international students but may require a visitor visa for some nationalities. Please visit the UKVI website to check: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

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