Become a teacher in your local community with SCITT
Become a qualified teacher in one year through our School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme, supported by Teach First and a trusted training partner.
Why train with Teach First?
Step into the classroom from day one, supported by expert mentors who will guide you every step of the way.
- Qualify to teach in just one year: gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) through our SCITT programme.
- Start strong: Secure a salary of at least £30,000 after 12 months.
- Make an impact: Teach in a school where you’re needed most and help shape young lives.
- Feel supported: With dedicated mentors and a strong community, you’ll never be on this journey alone.
Applications for September 2025 are now closed - but it’s not too late to take the first step. Be the first to hear when applications reopen.
Programme overview
Duration
One year (September 2025 - July 2026)
Location
Local schools across England
Fees
£9,535 (UK students)
£12,600 (International students)
Financial support
Get up to £31,000 in scholarships and bursaries
Step into the classroom with confidence
Train in a real classroom four days a week, with the equivalent of one day a week dedicated to training, workshops and reflection - building your confidence and skills.
Ongoing expert support - you'll receive guidance every step of the way through:
- A subject mentor: Strengthening your subject knowledge and teaching skills.
- A lead mentor: Supporting your progress throughout the programme.
- Peer groups and university tutors: Helping you thrive.
With this structured support network, you’ll gain the skills and experience to succeed.
Incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished so far on my SCITT course. I love every second of what I do, I’ve met some incredible people and feel like I really am making a difference.
Explore the subjects you can teach
Teach First’s SCITT programme lets you train in primary or secondary education close to home, so you can make a meaningful impact in your community while building your teaching career.
Select a category below to view the subjects you can teach:
- Primary education
- Early Primary (3–7 years)
- Primary (5–11 years)
- Secondary education
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computing
- English
- Geography
- History
- Maths
- Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
- Music
- Physical Education (PE)
- Physics
- Religious Studies
Secondary trainees will gain experience teaching across all key stages, including sixth form.
Applications for September 2025 are now closed - but it’s not too late to take the first step. Be the first to hear when applications reopen.
Fees and financial support
We know funding your training is a key factor, so we offer a range of financial support options to help you focus on what truly matters - becoming a great teacher.
- Course fees: £9,535 (UK students) | £12,600 (international students)
Funding options
- Scholarships and bursaries: Get up to £31,000 (scholarships) or £29,000 (bursaries) for eligible subjects.
- Student loans: You may be eligible for a loan to cover tuition fees.
- Maintenance loans: Additional support may be available to help with living costs.
How to apply
Applications for September 2025 are now closed - but you can still get ready.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
You’ll need a degree, subject knowledge and GCSEs in English, maths (and science for primary).
Step 2: Explore your options
Find a training provider and learn more about available subjects and routes.
Step 3: Register your interest
Sign up to hear when applications reopen.
Meet our SCITT trainees
From global market analyst to transformative maths teacher
From volunteer teacher in Jamaica to SCITT trainee
Teaching assistant to teacher in one year
Your questions answered
Thinking about joining the SCITT programme? We know you may have questions, and we're here to help. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common queries to guide you through your journey.
- How much does the SCITT programme cost?
Course fees: £9,535 (UK students) | £12,600 (international students)
Funding options
- Scholarships and bursaries: Get up to £31,000 (scholarships) or £29,000 (bursaries) for eligible subjects.
- Student loans: You may be eligible for a loan to cover tuition fees.
- Maintenance loans: Additional support may be available to help with living costs.
- 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)
- 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.
- When does the programme start?
You’ll start your programme in September 2026 and finish the training in July 2027.
- 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.
Start your teaching journey today
Applications are now closed.
Join the many Teach First SCITT trainees who have trained locally and are making a difference in schools across the country.
Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Not the right programme for you?
You can also consider our salaried teacher training that will place you in a school where you can make the biggest impact. Compare our teacher training options.