The Path to Becoming
a Qualified Teacher
At the heart of the Five Counties SCITT programme is the goal of helping you qualify as a confident, highly-skilled teacher. On successful completion of your training year, you’ll be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – the professional accreditation required to teach in schools across England. In addition, most of our trainees also gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), delivered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University. The PGCE includes 60 Master’s-level credits, giving you a strong academic foundation and the option to continue your professional development later in your career. This combination of school-based teacher training with academic study means you’ll graduate with both the practical experience and theoretical understanding to thrive in the classroom. The Five Counties SCITT programme is designed to ensure you leave fully prepared to meet the Teachers’ Standards and make a real difference to pupils across the South West. Prefer to focus on QTS alone? A QTS-only route is also available and can be considered on an individual basis.
Qualified Teacher
Status (QTS)
PGCE with
Sheffield Hallam
University
A Supportive and Progressive Journey
Training to teach is exciting, rewarding, and sometimes challenging. That’s why our programme is designed to start gently and build over time, giving you the chance to grow in confidence while gradually taking on more responsibility in the classroom. Early weeks focus on observation, reflection, and supported practice. As the year progresses, you move towards leading your own lessons with increasing independence. By the end of your placements, you will be ready to take responsibility for whole classes – equipped with the skills, resilience, and professional understanding to succeed.
Programme Features
Induction (September)
Your journey starts in September with an induction designed to build your confidence. You’ll meet other trainees, take part in safeguarding training, and begin developing reflective practice so you feel prepared for the year ahead.
Intensive Training & Practice
Throughout the year, you’ll take part in focused, intensive training and practice weeks. These give you the chance to explore specific aspects of teaching in depth, working closely with expert practitioners and visiting a variety of schools. Each experience is designed to help you link theory to practice through guided observations, key tasks, and deliberate practice of subject-specific teaching approaches.
Weekly Centre-Based Training
Alongside your school placements, you’ll attend weekly training at our dedicated centre in Redfield, Bristol, and with lead partner schools. These sessions bring you together with fellow trainees and programme leaders to reflect on your experiences, build subject knowledge, and engage in professional development. Expert teacher educators lead sessions on both academic study and classroom practice, while our strong pastoral support ensures you feel well looked after throughout your training year.
School Experience (Placements)
You’ll spend most of the year in schools, with two contrasting placements. Teaching responsibility increases from around 20% to 80%, supported at every stage by experienced mentors who guide your development.
Cross-Phase & Complementary Experience
Beyond your main placements, you’ll gain insight into different settings such as Primary, Secondary, Post-16, or specialist provision. Experiencing a variety of phases and contexts, including schools rich in cultural diversity and with high numbers of pupils who speak English as an additional language, will deepen your understanding of education and strengthen your practice as a teacher.