Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a selection of FAQs we have been asked at SCITTELS by many of our prospective applicants. If you would like us to answer a specific question that is not listed here, please email scittels@colegrave.newham.sch.uk

Do I have access to student support?

We pride ourselves on the exceptional level of support we provide for every trainee. From the very start of the programme, trainees work closely with lead mentors to discuss their goals and the support they’ll receive throughout the year. Placement schools are carefully chosen to ensure each trainee’s needs, experience, and development are fully supported.

Every trainee is paired with a school-based mentor - a dedicated member of staff from their placement school who oversees their day-to-day training and assessment. In addition, each trainee is supported by a lead mentor, employed by SCITTELS, who visits regularly - typically every half term, and more often if needed. These visits are more frequent than those offered by most providers, ensuring trainees receive ongoing, personalised guidance and care.

Our programme managers and centre-based staff are also on hand to offer additional support whenever it’s needed.

We also understand that training to teach can be both exciting and demanding, and we take trainee wellbeing seriously. To support this, SCITTELS has bought into Education Support’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). This confidential service gives all trainees free access to emotional, mental health, and practical support, including a 24/7 helpline, counselling sessions, and expert advice on a range of personal and professional matters.

If you have a special educational need or disability, we encourage you to discuss this with us as early as possible. This allows us to make any necessary adjustments and ensure you receive the right support to thrive during your training year.

Does SCITTELS training lead to an academic qualification?

Trainees who successfully complete the PGCE programme will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) worth 60 Master’s-level credits. This qualification is validated by our Higher Education Institution (HEI) partner, Goldsmiths, University of London.

Trainees undertaking the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) will receive a Level 6 Apprenticeship qualification on successful completion of the programme.

What resources will I have access to?

Centre-based training takes place in a purpose-built training room at Colegrave Primary School. The training room is fully equipped with a class set of laptops for use during sessions, and trainees can also borrow books to use off-site.

All trainees have access to Google Classroom, where they can find programme materials, submit work, and share resources with peers and tutors.

Trainees enrolled on the PGCE programme also have access to university library facilities, including online catalogues and digital resources. Through the SCONUL scheme, they can use the libraries of any participating Higher Education Institution (HEI) within the M25, providing excellent opportunities for research and further study.

Who will teach me during my training?

School-based training is delivered by practising teachers and senior members of school staff who bring their classroom expertise and real-world experience to every session. Many trainees are placed in outstanding schools and work alongside outstanding teachers, providing excellent models of effective teaching and learning.

Centre-based training is delivered by experienced tutors who combine strong academic knowledge with practical classroom expertise. Our SCITTELS lead mentors also bring significant experience in both primary education and initial teacher training (ITT), ensuring that all aspects of the programme are grounded in high-quality, evidence-informed practice.

How will I be assessed during my course?

When working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), all trainees must demonstrate that they meet the Teachers’ Standards in full by the end of the programme.

At SCITTELS, we use a robust and supportive assessment process designed to help every trainee make consistent progress through our coherent, high-quality, evidence-informed, and personalised curriculum.

Throughout the year, formative assessment plays a key role in helping trainees master the different components of the SCITTELS curriculum. Carefully planned assessment points enable us to monitor progress, identify strengths, and provide targeted support to ensure every trainee remains on track to meet the Teachers’ Standards.

Our approach combines target setting, professional practice, academic study, and reflection, following the model of research, plan, teach, assess, reflect. This ensures trainees build both confidence and competence in their teaching while continually refining their professional understanding.

High-quality mentoring and effective target setting are central to successful assessment at SCITTELS. Our partnership schools and mentors work closely with trainees from the very beginning to help them reach their full potential and become effective, reflective teachers.

How do I get school experience in preparation for interview?

The Department for Education (DfE) can help you gain valuable classroom experience through their School Experience Programme. You can find out more or register at getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/getting-school-experience. You can also contact local schools directly to arrange experience. Many schools are happy to welcome potential teachers for short periods of voluntary work. It’s worth noting that not every school will have availability, so it’s important to persevere and contact several schools.

If you have personal connections - such as friends or family who work in education - it can be helpful to reach out to them for support in finding opportunities.

If you’re unable to arrange school experience yourself, please email SCITTELS, as we may be able to help you find a suitable placement.

Do I need to have a DBS check before I apply?

You do not, and you may not request it yourself. If you are successful at interview, you will complete the necessary paperwork and we will request DBS clearance for you, before you can begin on the programme.

Will I get a job at the end of the course?

The majority of our trainees secure ECT positions in schools in which they have trained or in another school in east London. If you decide not to work in east London the skills that you develop prepare you well for teaching further afield.