Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if places are available?
Our courses are always up to date on the Apply system, if you look for the course and find it on Apply with ‘vacancies’ next to it then there should still be places available.
We will also update our own website and social media as soon as possible. Remember that places are awarded on a first-come-first served basis to the right candidates who meet our criteria.
Each year we are open for applications between mid October and early June, or until we have filled our places in a particular subject.
What qualifications do I need to have?
To meet the national criteria you must have a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English of grade C/ new grade 4 or above, those applying for primary must also have a science grade C/ new grade 4 or above. You will also need to have completed an undergraduate, first degree before the start of the programme.
If you do not have a GCSE qualification you will need to undertake a certified Equivalency Test, please see the section below for more information.
If your qualifications were not gained in the UK, you can visit the UK ENIC ( formerly NARIC) website to find out whether your qualifications are considered to be equivalent to UK GCSEs and degrees. Please note that the onus is on you to prove that your qualifications are equivalent and you must include a UK ENIC statement with your application verifying this.
How much academic training is there and how much will I learn ‘on the job’?
Our programmes provide a careful balance of time in your placement schools, central training days and subject specialist input designed to provide you with school experience and an essential teacher’s toolkit. This balanced approach means that you will be ideally prepared to start your career as a great ECT (Early Career Teacher).
What qualification will I gain?
On successful completion of our programmes you will be awarded QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). This is the professional qualification for teachers in England and is the qualification that nearly all schools, academies and free schools expect applicants for teaching jobs to have. For everyone who trains with us there is also the option to add a Masters level PGCE to your programme, subject to an extra fee. The PGCE element is supported and verified by the University of Buckingham. You can register for the PGCE element, on application or once you have started your QTS programme with us.
Do I get to choose which school my placements are in?
There are many factors that affect decision-making for placements but ultimately the decision will be made by the SCITT Director and/or Primary Programme Leader and partner schools.
Our intent is to be able to be flexible in our placement arrangements so if you have any specific concerns or a preference for a school or area of Suffolk, then you may let us know at interview. We aim to try to accommodate preferences but cannot make any guarantees.
I am working as a Teaching Assistant, can I do my training at my current school?
If you are successful it may be possible to complete your main placement at your current school, you should discuss this with your Headteacher in advance of application and they must contact us to confirm that they would be happy to place you, should you be successful on gaining a place on one of our programmes. Please note, EAST SCITT will not be offering salaried training programmes for the academic year 2023/4.
Remember that you will complete two placements and will need to be successful in the normal recruitment and selection process; working in a school is not a guarantee of a place on the programme.
I’m not a recent graduate, can I still apply?
Absolutely, all of our programmes are open to people of all ages and backgrounds.