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There are three main ways of training to become a teacher. You can either choose a higher education based course with placements in schools, or apply for the Graduate Training Programme (GTP) or school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) which allow you to train as a teacher whilst being employed by a school.

This guide will focus on the school-centred initial teacher training or SCITT.

For information on the PGCE, click here and for advice on the GTP click here.

SCITT

A SCITT programme allows graduates to undertake their training in a school environment and, although much time is spent with academic study, they are highly practical and lead to qualified teacher status and sometimes a PGCE as well.

They are designed and delivered by groups of neighbouring schools and colleges and are taught by experienced, practising teachers – allowing you to put the theory into practice.

Generally, courses last for one year full-time.

You will need to have obtained certain academic qualifications to apply. A GCSE grade C in English and maths is required (and Science if you intend to teach at primary level) and you will also need to have a degree or equivalent.

If you are teaching at secondary school level then your degree qualification should be relevant to the subject that you want to teach.

To start your training in September or October, you  need to apply through the GTTR or directly to the provider during the preceding academic year.

Apply for a SCITT course here.