Train to be a teacher

School Centred Initial Teacher Training

The Bellevue Place Education Trust (BPET), of which we are part of, have partnered with Teach First to deliver a School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme. Teach First is a national charity that trains teachers with a focus to make a difference in their local communities. They have been training teachers for 20 years and are the largest initial teacher training provider in the UK.

All BPET schools including Evendons, we have a clear vision to deliver the highest standards of education, blended from the best of the state and independent sectors, and we want aspiring teachers to join us to deliver this exciting vision for the benefit of the pupils we serve.

The SCITT programme is one-year long and involves a mix of live training in class, self-directed study and one-to-one support. The training is ideal for people who are eager to learn on the job and make a difference in their community from day one. Read more details here on the programme and eligibility requirements.

Alison Colenso, Interim Director of Education, said: “Training to teach is probably the most powerful way to have a positive impact on society. We want to nurture future teachers just as much as we nurture and educate our pupils. Joining us will enable aspiring teachers to hit the ground running and learn from experienced BPET staff. This is ultimately a great opportunity and we look forward to welcoming our first cohort.”

Liz O’Mara, Head of School Partnerships SCITT at Teach First, said: “We are delighted that he Bellevue Place Education Trust have joined up with Teach First for Initial Teacher Training. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for graduates or career changers to learn from expert teachers and mentors within their vibrant trust, alongside benefiting from initial teacher training developed by Teach First who are the largest initial teacher training provider in the country, with over 20 years’ experience. Our collaborative approach will enable the start of a meaningful career, making a real difference to children in your communities.”

The SCITT programme

The programme is one-year long and involves a powerful mix of live training in class, self-directed study and one-to-one support. Our approach is to train teachers as individuals, just like we teach our pupils: individualised learning is at the heart of what we do.

The training will enable you to develop your skills in the classroom and it is ideal for people who are eager to learn on the job and make a difference in their community from day one. As a trainee, you will be interacting every day with pupils and working as a member of teaching staff in a school local to you. You’ll receive plenty of practical experience as well as subject-specific training and a deep understanding of effective teaching methods.

As we have teamed up with the Campfire Education Trust, you have the opportunity to train in either one of the BPET schools, including Evendons, or in one of the six Campfire Education Trust schools across West Northants, Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire.

You’ll benefit from:

  • a structured one-year programme of training and support
  • online and face-to-face training modules
  • access to expert training materials
  • the support of an experienced mentor throughout your training
  • the opportunity to train in one of the BPET schools or in one of the six Campfire Education Trust schools
  • at the end of the programme, you will gain qualified teacher status (QTS) and Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) awarded by Sheffield Hallam University
  • after your 12 months of training, you’ll start on a qualified teacher’s starting salary of at least £30,000. Pay increases after that are performance-linked and reviewed every year.

Eligibility

To apply you need:

  • An undergraduate degree or equivalent
  • To demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the subject you are applying to teach, either through your degree qualification, your A Levels or relevant experience
  • Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths GCSEs, or equivalent qualification, and Grade 4 (C) or above in Science GCSE in order to teach primary.

Fees and financial support

You will be registered as a full-time student throughout the programme so will have access to student benefits and discounts, as well as a student loan to cover your fees. Depending on your subject and qualifications, you may also be eligible for a bursary or grant to support you throughout your training. Find out more on this website regarding scholarships and bursaries: Get Into Teaching.

We encourage applicants to check on the Department for Education’s website to find out more about funding options.

How to apply

  1. Read the Teach First SCITT brochure
  2. Check where the BPET schools or the Campfire Education Trust schools are located
  3. Visit the Teach First website for more details
  4. Apply on the Department for Education’s website (you’ll need to create a login); search for Bellevue Place SCITT.