School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) knowledge base

Programme details and entry requirements

What subjects are offered?

Our school-centred training programme covers primary and secondary phases. We offer a broad range of subjects:

• early years / primary (3–7 years)
• primary (5–11 years) 
• biology
• chemistry
• physics
• English 
• maths 
• history 
• geography 
• religious education
• computing
• business
• music
• modern foreign languages (MFL)
• physical education (PE)

When does the programme start?

You’ll start your programme in September 2024 and finish the training in July 2025. 

What are the entry requirements?

To be eligible to apply you’ll need:

• an undergraduate degree, or equivalent
• the ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the subject you’re applying to teach, either through your degree qualification, your A-levels or relevant experience
• Grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths GCSEs, or equivalent qualification
• if applying to teach primary, Grade 4 (C) or above in one science GCSE or equivalent

We will not consider candidates with pending GCSEs.

Functional skills qualifications are not equivalent to maths and English GCSEs.

We accept most equivalency test providers. You will need to pass your GCSE equivalency test before you apply to our programme. We will not process your application until you have passed.

Overseas qualifications will be reviewed by the UK national agency for international qualifications and skills (ENIC) to ensure they meet programme requirements.

International candidates 

You’ll need the right to study in the UK. 

You already have this if, for example, you: 

• are an Irish citizen
• have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (you may still be able to apply) – find out about applying for the EU Settlement Scheme
• have indefinite leave to remain in the UK

If you do not already have the right to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa. We cannot offer student sponsorship for this course.

Costs and funding

How much does the SCITT programme cost?  

The tuition fees for UK/EU students starting their training in 2024 are £9,250 a year (full time).

International fees are £10,950.

Is there any funding available? 

You’ll be registered as a full-time student throughout the programme. So, you’ll have access to lots of student benefits, as well as a student loan to cover your fees, subject to eligibility.

Depending on your subject and qualifications, you may also be eligible for a bursary or grant to support you throughout your training. 

You can also find out more about funding options on the Department for Education website. 

What about disabled student funding?

If you have a mental health problem, long-term illness, or other disability, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). You must check your eligibility for Disabled Students’ Allowance.

If you’ve applied for student finance, you can and should apply for DSA at the same time. If you do not need student finance, you can fill in a student finance form (DSA1 form) to apply just for DSA. You can apply later, but it can take 12–16 weeks to confirm support.

There is step-by-step guidance on how to apply for DSA on the Diversity and Ability website. 

Will I be paid a salary?

No – you’ll be an unsalaried trainee while you’re on the programme. You can find out more about funding options on the Department for Education website.

If you’d like to develop leadership skills while earning a salary from day one, consider our fully funded Training Programme. This is a two-year course which you may need to relocate to complete, and you’ll need a 2:1 or above degree certification to secure a place. 

Qualifications and careers

What qualifications will I get?

When you complete your training, you’ll be awarded qualified teacher status (QTS) by Teach First.

You’ll also get your postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) from our partner university, meaning you’ll have a 60 credit master’s level certificate in the study of education.

What is qualified teacher status (QTS)?

Qualified teacher status (QTS) is a standard that recognises that you have the right training and meet the requirements to be a teacher.

It is the qualification needed to teach in most primary and secondary schools in England.

What is a PGCE?

A postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) is an academic qualification. You can get this through teacher training.

You do not need one to be a qualified teacher in England but it is an internationally recognised academic qualification. It gives you a better understanding of teaching practices, educational research and theory and develops your teaching skills and knowledge.

Will I have a job at the end of my training?

Although you will not automatically be offered a job after the programme, you will be awarded a QTS.

This means you have the right training and meet the standards to be a teacher. It is a teaching standard that is respected across the world and means that you can move around the country and teach in any state school.