Ready to Apply?
We’ve broken down the main information you need into easy to follow sections to help you make an informed decision and get started by following the right process for the right course. We’re always happy to help, so, if you’re unsure or need clarification about any aspect of becoming a teacher – qualifications needed, or what happens next, please contact us.
Explainer Video
Lucy will take you through the technical process of applying for one of our courses in this explainer video – and there’s even more detailed information about requirements, preparation, advice and types of courses that can be found in each of the other sections on this page. This should get you started – but remember, you can always get in touch if you need more help or have a question that’s not covered on our website. We’re happy to help!
Entry Requirements
- GCSE English Language Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
- GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
- If you want to teach primary age children you will need to have GCSE science Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
- You do not need to obtain these qualifications before you apply but you do need to have gained the appropriate qualifications before you start the course. If you do not have a GCSE in English and Maths or Science then we will accept the results of equivalency tests taken through the Equivalency Testing website.
Please note that Level 2 Adult Numeracy and Literacy are not accepted as equivalents
- A UK first degree (or equivalent)
- For our Primary SCITT and Primary School Direct courses you will need an Honours Degree, normally 2.2 or better (or equiv. 360 CAT points)
- For Secondary SCITT and Secondary School Direct courses a First degree, normally 2.2 or better (or equiv. 360 CAT points)
- If your qualifications were not gained in the UK, you can visit the National Academic Register Centre (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 NARIC statement with your application verifying this
Excellent subject knowledge is an important element of being a qualified teacher
- We expect applicants to Secondary SCITT courses to have knowledge of the subject they wish to teach
- If you wish to teach primary age children and have yet to start your degree, whilst a specialist subject is not required, consider taking one in Education, Early Childhood Studies, or a National Curriculum core subject – English, Mathematics or Science
- We also expect good and accurate use of spoken and written English.
- As an ITT provider, we have to assess your competency in literacy and numeracy.
- Your invitation to a Task Day will inform you of the arrangements we have made to assess the level of literacy and numeracy skills and also if needed, we will provide guidance about how they can be improved.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- The Disclosure and Barring Service has taken the place of the CRB check and it is a condition of all ITT courses that trainees must have a satisfactory enhanced DBS check before commencing training
- In the case of School Direct Salaried, the employing school will arrange this with trainees
- For those on student based courses, arrangements for completing DBS check applications will be explained as part of the selection and induction process
- If you have spent more than three months overseas in the past five years you will need to obtain a certificate of good conduct from each country you have resided in. Details of how to obtain this can be found here: Overseas checks.
- Whilst it is not a legal requirement, you may find it helpful to gain school experience in order to prepare for your application and/or interview to one of our programmes
- Please note that any experience of working with children in a voluntary context or in any out of school activities e.g. sports coaching or clubs etc can also be very valuable
- The Department of Education’s website will also provide you with more information and guidance about how to write an application and you can also find more information about the different phases e.g. primary or secondary that are of interest to you.
Preparing your Application
To help you prepare your application you may want to undertake the following activities:
- Go to the Department for Education website. You will find more information about how to apply and what phase you may wish to apply to e.g. Secondary or Primary
- Read current educational materials, e.g. Times Educational Supplement or follow educationalists on Twitter
- Attend one of the Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT Roadshows (see events page).
Primary SCITT Tuition PGCE
There are two ways to apply for this course.
- Directly to “Suffolk & Norfolk Primary SCITT”
- Via one of our Lead Schools.
- Click here for more detail about this route.
Please look for courses accredited by “Suffolk & Norfolk Primary SCITT (S13)”.
Primary SCITT Salaried PGCE Course
- You can only apply for Primary SCITT Salaried PGCE through one of our Lead Schools.
- Click here for more detail about this route.
You will notice that the courses are accredited by “Suffolk & Norfolk Primary SCITT”.
Secondary SCITT Tuition PGCE
- You can apply for Secondary SCITT Tuition PGCE Ahere, at the Department for Education website for ITT applications
- You need to apply through one of our Lead Schools and you can find the list of the nearest ITT Providers and Lead Schools using government Find tool
- Type in Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT Secondary to the Search box to find us and then look for Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT
- You will know it is a Tuition course if it says next to Financial Support – “bursary if you are eligible”
- The Lead Schools do not have any implications for the location of your training or interviews. The Lead Schools have a range of schools within their partnership
- Choose one Lead School in the county you live in and that will mean that if you are successful you will be placed in a partnership school local to your home address
- Only choose one Lead School as doubling up your applications don’t help as they still end up with us
- Please look for courses accredited by “Suffolk & Norfolk Secondary SCITT”.
- Click here for more detail about this route.
Secondary SCITT Salaried PGCE
- You can only apply for Secondary SCITT Salaried PGCE through one of our Lead Schools
- Click here for more detail about this route.
You can apply directly on the Department of Education website for ITT applications.
- For salaried, you need to apply through one of our Lead Schools and you can find the list of the nearest ITT Providers and Lead Schools using the government Find tool
- Type in Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT Secondary to the Search box to find us.
- You will know it is a Salaried course if it says next to Financial Support – “Salary”
- The Lead Schools do not have any implications for the location of your training or interviews. The Lead Schools have a range of schools within their partnership
- Choose one Lead School as the location of the Lead School is not relevant for Salaried applications as you will always be placed at the school which is supporting your application.