FAQs
What’s the difference between SCITT and a PGCE?
SCITT is a type of teacher training course – SCITT programmes are school-based teacher training programmes. A PGCE is an academic qualification – A Postgraduate or Professional Certificate in Education.
By successfully training with Cornwall SCITT you would gain a PGCE qualification.
Do I need a PGCE to teach?
No, you do not need a PGCE. The qualification required to teach in England and Wales is QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) but Cornwall SCITT’s course leads to the award of QTS and a PGCE.
How do I apply to Cornwall SCITT?
Applications to Cornwall SCITT are made via the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) at www.gttr.ac.uk.
Recruitment begins for the SCITT course from September until the subjects courses are full. However, we continue to accept applications in shortage subjects right up until July. We operate a waiting list and will contact candidates should a place became available.
Do you offer Primary training?
We are a secondary provider. If you are interested in training to teach in primary schools, visit the GTTR website for a list of all training courses www.gttr.ac.uk
How do I get experience in a school?
It is imperactive to gain some in-school experience prior to interview; you will find your perspective as an adult will be very different to when you were a pupil yourself! Visiting schools to talk to teachers, observe lessons and speak with pupils will help you to discover what teaching today is really like. Ring the Teaching Information Line on 0800 389 2500 for the school experience programme or visit the TDA website at www.tda.gov.uk
You might also try a three-day taster course to gain even more insight into the career.
What are the Q Standards?
The Q Standards must be met by all trainee teachers before they can be awarded qualified teacher status; the 33 Q Standards set out what a trainee teacher must know, understand and be able to do in order to achieve QTS.
How can I get funding?
Visit the finance page of this website for information about funding for ITT. You may be eligible for a maintenance grant towards your living costs and can apply to Student Finance England (SFE) or equivalent national bodies, for a loan for your tuition fees.
I want to apply to Cornwall SCITT but I live out of the county? Am I still eligible?
Yes, you are eligible. However, there is an expectation that you would be able to travel easily to and between our partner schools. Schools start early in the day and finish late, so you would need to arrange your own transport and accommodation.
