What is a SCITT/What to Expect

What is a SCITT route into Teaching? 

School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) is a practical, school-based route into teaching. Unlike university-led courses, SCITT programmes are delivered directly by schools and trusts, giving trainees hands-on classroom experience from the start. In GLF SCITT’s course, you will get to start with the children from the first day of term. 

SCITT combines immersive school placements with academic study, ensuring that trainees build subject knowledge, classroom management skills, and confidence while working alongside experienced teachers. Most SCITT programmes also award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) upon completion, with the option to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) too. 

Why choose SCITT for teacher training? 

SCITT is a popular pathway because it allows trainees to: 

• Know your placement schools ahead of starting the course, helping you plan ahead.
• Learn in a real school environment from day one. 
• Gain immediate, practical teaching experience. 
• Work closely with mentors and experienced teaching staff. 
• Build strong professional networks within the schools you train in. Many of our trainees go on to stay and work in the school they train in. 
• Access structured academic study that supports and runs alongside practical learning. 

For many aspiring teachers, SCITT offers the best of both worlds: professional practice in the classroom alongside recognised academic qualifications. 

How long does a SCITT programme take? 

Most SCITT programmes take one academic year to complete full-time. During this time, trainees are based in schools across the trust or partner schools, gradually taking on more responsibility for planning, teaching, and assessing pupils’ progress, depending on their prior experience and chosen route. 

GLF SCITT offers flexible SCITT routes, which take five terms. This flexible option is particularly useful for those balancing training with other commitments. 

If you are ready to take the first step, explore our range of programmes for teacher training in Surrey, Croydon, Oxford and Reading to see how GLF Schools can help kick-start your career in teaching!