Apply now for on the job teacher training in the North East – here’s how it works
The School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme is a one-year course where skills are learned and developed in the classroom.
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is working with Teach First to provide the programme.
Teach First is a national charity which develops and supports teachers and leaders and runs the SCITT courses.
For those who want to make a difference to pupils and the community from the start, it is ideal. All the trainees are working with pupils each day and are a member of the teaching staff at a school close to them.
The research-led programme gives a practical approach to subject-specific training, providing an in-depth understanding of effective teaching methods.
Applications are open and you could be in the classroom with the support of a trained mentor from September 2025. On completing the programme, trainees will gain qualified teacher status (QTS) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Rukhsaar’s story
Rukhsaar Hussain, 26, is teaching at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School in Newcastle
What were you doing before you applied for the SCITT?
Working in a local nursery Noah’s Ark in Hebburn as a nursery practioner. I really enjoyed working with the children and wanted to find a career when I could use my passion for education to support pupils and the wider community. The SCITT is a professional development opportunity for me to become a teacher.
Why did you apply to do the BCCET SCITT?
I am passionate about reducing the educational attainment gap for children, having seen this first hand during my role at the nursery and when studying for my level 6 qualification in early childhood studies.
When researching providers of SCITT programmes BCCET really stood out to me as having values I could relate to. The delivery of the programme and the course structure reassured me that it would support me to be a great teacher.
EYFS is so important to setting pupils off on the right path in their education journey.
How are you feeling about your SCITT? What are you expecting? What are you enjoying?
It is amazing, even better than I expected I feel really supported and genuinely excited every day.
My placement is at St. Aloysius Infant school working with reception pupils. I am really enjoying getting to know the children, building a rapport with them and the staff. Seeing how the pupils have developed already in just a few weeks.
I am excited to get embedded in school life. One project I am looking forward to is working on protected characteristics with the pupils and helping them to see how everyone is different and the importance of respecting difference.
How is the support from the Trust – what advantages were there in being part of the Trust?
The Trust is great we are a group of trainees working across the schools and the connection is great. There is a fantastic support network. I feel that support is very personalised. Suzanne, the director of teacher development is very helpful, and it is great to have one point of contact for any queries.
The Trust is a community and the fact there are so many schools, means there are more opportunities. Knowing schools have good reputation, made me want to be part of that.
What would your advice be to anyone thinking of applying for our SCITT?
Any route is challenging but you need to find somewhere you are supported – the supportive network of the SCITT is great. Knowing what you have selected will provide quality training and you will get the skills and qualifications you need to secure a teaching role. I believe that Trust is the best fit for me and so far, I have had a fantastic experience.
What do you think is the best thing about the BCCET SCITT?
Getting to know the school and seeing pupils settle in to their routines and start to flourish.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to secure a teaching role in EYFS/KS1 and then embed my teaching career and become a great teacher. Looking further ahead I would like to be an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) lead so that I can contribute further to supporting the closing of the attainment gap for pupils locally.
How it works for teachers
Courses cover Primary to Secondary education and include Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, RE, Music, PE and MFL.
To be eligible to apply you will need – an undergraduate degree or equivalent; have the ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the subject you are applying to teach (either through your degree qualification, your A Levels or relevant experience); a Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths GCSEs, or equivalent qualification. To teach Primary, you will also need Grade 4 (C) or above in Science GCSE.
Applications for September 2025 places are now open. To find out more about SCITT click here.