Become a teacher in your community
Join our School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme to train locally and qualify as a teacher in one year.
Secure your place for a September 2025 start – Apply today
Why choose our teacher training
Join our School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme and make a lasting impact in your community by training in diverse local schools.
In just one year, you’ll gain qualified teacher status (QTS) and a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).
Our hands-on approach ensures you’re in the classroom from the start, working alongside experienced teachers. With placements in various local schools, you'll broaden your skills and deepen your teaching experience. We care about your wellbeing, and throughout the programme you’ll get support from experienced teachers.
After your 12 months of training, you’ll start on a qualified teacher’s starting salary of at least £30,000.
Programme overview:
- Programme length: 1 year (Sept 2025 - July 2026)
- Location: Local schools across the country
- Fees: £9,250 (UK), £10,950 (international), financial support available
Key benefits:
- Hands-on experience: Step into the classroom from the start
- Community impact: Make a difference where you live
- Expert training: Benefit from renowned local training
- Dedicated support: From experienced teachers and mentors
- Career progression: Get ongoing support for your career
How to apply
- Step 1: Check your eligibility
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.
- Step 2: Find your training course
Choose your course subject and locate a training partner: Our partners are located across the country, providing high-quality training and support tailored to your local area:
- Go to our training partner page
- Choose your region to find the training partner(s) near you
- Choose your course subject
Get ready to apply: Once you've chosen your subject and identified your local training partner, you're ready to begin the application process.
- Step 3: Apply
Click directly on the subject course link in step 2. This will take you directly to the course you want to apply for on the DfE's Get Into Teaching website. You can then start your application with your chosen local training partner.
Once you’ve submitted your application, your chosen training partner will review it. If successful, you'll be invited to an interview to assess your suitability for the programme.
What to expect from SCITT
As you progress through the SCITT programme, you’ll be immersed in classroom practice and professional development, ensuring you're prepared for a successful teaching career.
- Comprehensive training: Over one full year (September 2025 to July 2026), balance theory with hands-on experience by working in the classroom four days a week.
- Dedicated mentorship: Experienced teachers and mentors will guide your development, provide feedback, and help refine your teaching skills.
- Recognised qualifications: Earn qualified teacher status (QTS) and a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) from our partner university, recognised across the UK and beyond.
Recently, they told me I was the best maths teacher they’d ever had. Honestly, I wanted to cry. It made me realise what an impact I’m having on pupils.
Subjects you can teach
Our SCITT programme offers paths in both primary and secondary education.
Whether you’re passionate about early years, primary or secondary subjects like science or languages, we have a course for you.
- Primary education: Early Primary (3–7 years), Primary (5–11 years)
- Secondary education: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, Maths, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Computing, Business Studies, Music, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), Physical Education (PE)
Our programme gives secondary trainees the opportunity to teach pupils across all secondary key stages, including sixth form.
Support throughout your journey
You’re never alone on your teaching journey with SCITT.
Experienced teachers will mentor, guide and support you every step of the way.
- Subject mentor: Deepen your knowledge and refine your teaching practices.
- Lead mentor: Oversee your overall progress and keep you on track.
- Additional support: University tutor, peer support groups, and more.
My mentor has been a source of encouragement and strength. He lets me know what’s going well and he coaches me in areas where I need to improve.
Fees and financial support
Course fees: £9,250 (UK students) and £10,950 (international students).
We understand that funding your training is important. Here’s what you need to know:
Scholarships and bursaries: Eligible subjects may qualify for scholarships up to £30,000 or bursaries up to £28,000.
Student loans: You may be eligible for a loan to cover tuition fees.
Maintenance loans: You may be entitled to maintenance support.
Why train locally
Training locally empowers you to make a direct impact in your community with support tailored to your local area.
- Community impact: Teach children from your area and shape the future of local schools.
- Local support: Benefit from strong local networks, including mentors who understand your community’s unique needs.
- Tailored training: Our partners provide relevant training based on your local educational landscape.
Why train with Teach First
You’ll benefit from initial teacher training that’s developed by Teach First and delivered by local teacher development experts.
- We’re the largest initial teacher training provider in the country, with over 20 years’ experience.
- Our initial teacher training is rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Our local training partners are experts in teacher training and development who know and understand their community’s needs.
Start your teaching journey today
Find answers to your SCITT questions here.
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.