Teacher with secondary school student

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 choose School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)?

Learn to teach by doing it – in a real classroom from day one.

With SCITT, you’ll gain hands-on experience, guided by expert mentors in a local school.

It’s a practical route for people who want to make a difference – with support at every stage.

How to apply

1. Click the link below and select your subject and location.
2. View the courses available with our local training partners.
3. Click a course to see full details on DfE Apply.

Applications open on 7 October – explore your options now so you're ready when they do.

Check courses available

Programme overview

Duration
One year (September 2026 - July 2027)

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

What you’ll gain from SCITT training

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Classroom experience

Work in a school from the start and have an impact on your pupils from day one.

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Train in a school near you

Make a difference in your community, with outstanding training and expert support.

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Earn after just one year

Access financial support as you train and earn a salary of at least £32k once you qualify.

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Gain recognised qualifications

Achieve your PGCE and QTS in just one year and build a meaningful career.

Explore the subjects you could teach

Teach First’s SCITT programme lets you train in primary or secondary education close to home – helping you shape young lives while building your teaching career.

Choose a category to see which 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 Languages (French, Spanish, German)
  • Music
  • Physical Education (PE)
  • Physics
  • Religious Studies

Secondary trainees will gain experience teaching across all key stages, likely to include sixth form.

Once you’ve explored your subject options, here’s what your training will look like.

Step into the classroom with confidence

You’re in school throughout your week. You train in a real classroom four days a week, with the equivalent of one day across the week dedicated to training and reflection - building your confidence and skills.

You’ll be supported every step of the way through:

  • A subject/phase 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. 

Applications open on 7 October – start exploring courses now so you’re ready when applications go live.

Check courses available

Ofsted Outstanding Provider - logo for Teach First
I’ve always believed the best way to learn is by doing. With SCITT, I’m teaching from day one and applying what I’ve learned immediately.
Haleema,
Maths trainee

Fees and financial support

Training fees are:

  • £9,535 (UK students)
  • £12,600 (International students)

Financial support is available:

  • Scholarships and bursaries: Up to £31,000 (scholarships) or £29,000 (bursaries) in eligible subjects
  • Student loans: To cover tuition fees
  • Maintenance loans: To help with living costs
  • Disabled Students’ Allowance: Extra help if you have a learning difficulty, health condition or disability

Checking funding options

How to apply

Applications for September 2026 open on 7 October. Until then, you can browse available courses and get ready to apply.

  • Check your eligibility
    You’ll need a degree, subject knowledge, and GCSEs in English and maths (plus science for primary).
  • Explore your options
    Select your subject and location to see training providers near you.
  • View course details
    Click through to DfE Apply for full information about each course.

Applications open on 7 October – start exploring now.

Check courses available

I am 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.
Ieuan,
SCITT trainee

Start your teaching journey today

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.  

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