A little something About us
SCITTELS stands for School Centred Initial Teacher Training in East London Schools.
We are a partnership of primary schools across East and South East London, united by a shared ambition: to develop excellent teachers who understand their communities and create high-quality, inclusive learning experiences for every child
Our trainees learn where teaching really happens - in schools. You will spend four days each week in your placement school and one day at SCITTELS, bringing together practical classroom experience with high-quality professional and subject training.We believe that the people entering the teaching profession should reflect the communities our schools serve. Your experiences, background and identity matter. From the moment you apply, we want you to feel that teaching is a profession in which you belong.
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Why choose SCITTELS?
Teacher training built around you - and the children you will teach
Exceptional for Inclusion
Inclusion isn't an additional module at SCITTELS. It shapes how we recruit, train, mentor and support our trainees. In 2026, Ofsted judged this work Exceptional.
Learn by doing
Spend four days each week in school, working alongside experienced teachers and putting your learning into practice from the beginning.
Expert mentoring and personalised support
You will be supported by experienced school-based mentors and SCITTELS Lead Mentors who know your strengths, understand your development needs and help you make progress throughout the year. Ofsted found trainees to be consistently well supported by mentors who respond to their individual needs.
Be prepared to teach every child
SEND, adaptive teaching, diversity, anti-racism and inclusive practice are woven throughout our programme. During each Intensive Training and Practice experience, trainees also visit specialist provision, helping them build a sustained understanding of how to support pupils with SEND.
Theory that makes a difference in the classroom
Our curriculum connects educational research with practical classroom strategies. Through training, rehearsal, observation, practice and reflection, you will develop approaches you can use immediately with pupils.
Train within diverse communities
Our partnership schools serve vibrant communities across East and South East London. You will learn to recognise and build upon the linguistic, cultural and social richness children bring to school.
Well prepared for your first teaching job
Ofsted found that early career teachers, mentors and school leaders consistently describe SCITTELS trainees as very well prepared for teaching, with partner headteachers actively recruiting trainees from the programme.
Placements that consider your wellbeing
Where possible, we carefully consider travelling distance when arranging placements. Ofsted specifically recognised this approach as supporting trainees' work-life balance and those with wider personal responsibilities.
Our Trainees Say...
- This has been a transformative journey thanks to the SCITTELS team. Thank you so much for setting me up to be a reflective, successful teacher.Charlotte Green
Scittels postgraduate (2025/26) - This training programme has been of a high quality. I have felt very supported by the SCITTELS lead mentors. The sessions have been very helpful and informative, particularly the maths sessions and the behaviour management and scaffolding ITAPs. I feel that I have been prepared well to begin my ECT career and would recommend this programme to others. Nadea Ahmed
Scittels postgraduate (2025/26) - I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with SCITTELS. I could not have asked for anything more and have felt so supported the entire time from the lead mentors, my general mentors and both of my placement schools!Sofia DanilovicScittels postgraduate (2024/25)
- I have enjoyed training with SCITTELS. All staff are brilliant and supportive.Anam ZafarScittels postgraduate (2024/25)
