Primary (5-11 years) and Secondary (11-16 or 14-19 years)
We offer these programme on a full time basis, to be completed within one year. Trainee teachers will complete teaching placements in two contrasting schools.
The full time route lasts for one academic year (September-the end of June). On completion of your training year you will be recommended for QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) to the DfE and awarded a PGCE from Bath Spa University.
The training consists of one day in training and four days in school to enable all trainee teachers to be part of the full academic school year, and to feel part of the school community from day one. The four days in schools are an opportunity for observations of expert colleagues, team teaching opportunities and full class solo teaching. Our bespoke programme allows trainee teachers to develop at their own pace and to be supported by a range of highly skilled expert practitioners. Our trainees learn from real teachers in real classrooms.
The programme starts with a pre-course July induction training day and a range of summer tasks to complete during August.
The programme consists of school-based training, centre-based training and academic training days.
Our primary and secondary programme has three key areas of learning:
- Centre Based Learning – session based activities delivered at The Coventry SCITT
- School Based Learning – learning activity completed at your placement schools
- Academic Learning – learning completed in relation to the PGCE
It is really important to us that these learning areas fit together to ensure a cohesive and progressive programme of study.
We offer a range of secondary subjects to train to teach in. The list of subjects can be found on: https://www.coventryscitt.org.uk/courses/
Part Time Training route
This route to achieving QTS status is specifically designed for trainees that have other commitments. This route spreads the training over a period of two years which allows for a more gradual introduction into the profession.
The training will be completed over a three day working week with Friday training day being one of the mandatory days.
To find out if there are any part time courses available in your subject please check our live courses on the DfE find portal: https://www.gov.uk/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses
or alternatively contact us to discuss further about part time opportunities.
In order to qualify for this route into teaching at secondary level, you must hold a GCSE grade C (4) and above in English and Mathematics and sufficient subject knowledge of what you want to teach. In order to qualify to teach in a primary school, you must have a GCSE grade C (4) in English, Maths and a Science subject.
Each candidate must also hold a first degree or equivalent qualification awarded by a UK institution or an equivalent degree or other qualification that has been awarded by a foreign institution. This would mean having attained 360 higher education credit points including 60 of them having been at level 6 of the qualifications credit framework.
There are subject specific bursary and scholarship opportunities available for both of these routes to anyone who holds a 2:1, 2:2, PHD or Masters. These include a tax free scholarship, a tuition fee + maintenance loan and additional financial support if you’re a parent or have a disability.
Assessment Only
The Assessment Only (AO) Route is for experienced graduate teachers without QTS who are already employed as unqualified teachers or HLTAs and can demonstrate meeting the Teachers’ Standards without further training. Candidates must have a supporting school to complete a 12-week assessment.
Typically, applicants need over two years of full teaching experience with the full responsibilities of a class teacher, assessed under school performance management. Primary candidates should have experience across the primary curriculum; secondary candidates should have subject-specific experience. Part-time experience can be accumulated over a longer period but non-teaching roles (e.g., cover supervisor, teaching assistant) do not count.
Entry Requirements:
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Applicants must have taught in at least two schools or settings across the relevant age phase.
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One placement must be in a mainstream state-funded school for at least 25 days (five weeks).
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If insufficient experience in a second school is shown, a second school placement is required.
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Short-term supply, cover teaching, or observation roles do not count.
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Placements must involve a full teaching load to provide sufficient evidence of meeting the Teachers’ Standards. Reduced teaching loads require longer placements.
Cost:
- From September 2025, the fee for our Assessment Only (AO) route will be as follows:
- £2,750 for candidates based in schools that are part of The Coventry SCITT partnership
- £3,000 for candidates based in schools outside of our partnership.
A partnership school is defined as one that either hosts placements for our current trainee teachers or actively supports the delivery of The Coventry SCITT curriculum.
Fees may be paid by the AO candidate directly or by the candidate’s school. Please see the detailed breakdown of costs below:
Fee Breakdown:
| Component |
Cost (£) |
| Pre-assessment meeting (up to 45 minutes) |
Free |
| Application fee (non-refundable) |
£500
£250 for a partnership school |
| Assessment of evidence portfolio |
£450 |
| Professional interview |
£300 |
| Assessment visits in school |
£1,600 |
| Recommendation to the DfE and administrative costs |
£150 |
| Total |
£3,000 |
Can I go through this route if I do not teach full time?
Yes, though you must have experience of teaching both key stages in your phase, and for at least 50% of a teacher’s timetable.
I am a teaching assistant. Can I apply?
Only if you are a HLTA and teach at least 50% of a teacher’s timetable and meet the rest of the requirements.
I have a third class degree. Can I apply?
Third class degrees will be considered on a individual basis.
I have a degree from overseas. Can I apply?
Yes, as long as you have had your qualifications checked by NARIC and they are equivalents.
I am cover supervisor. Can I apply?
Only if you have been teaching 50% of a teacher’s timetable in the subject in which you wish to gain QTS and have experience of teaching both key stages in your phase.
I have a year’s experience of supply teaching. Is this suitable?
No. You must be employed by a school.
I have been an unqualified teacher for two years, but I haven’t had any lesson observations. Can I apply?
Lesson observations form a large part of the evidence towards the Teacher’s Standards and your school must be able to support your application and comment on the quality of your teaching. We recommended that at least three months of regular lesson observation feedback is presented in your evidence.
What needs to be included in my evidence towards the Teachers’ Standards?
We recommend you use the Teachers’ Standards audit and Teachers’ Standards criteria. There is an example template and exemplar also provided. There is no set format in which it should be presented. The templates do give guidance on the types of evidence you could collate.
How much evidence do I need to submit?
You will need a portfolio of evidence prior to application that covers at least a 6 month period of your teaching. We recommend that you need at least 10 examples of evidence towards the Teachers’ Standards that must cover all substandards. You should not duplicate evidence across the standards as you will need to demonstrate depth and breadth.
Do I need a degree specific to the subject I have been teaching at secondary?
No. Though you do need to have a breadth of experience of teaching the subject you wish to gain QTS in. You will also need to demonstrate that you meet Teacher Standard 3.
If I do not pass the assessment only route this time, can I re apply?
No. You will not be able to reapply again and the DfE will be informed that you have not met the Teachers’ Standards.
Will I be given any training during the assessment period?
No. the assessment only route is only suitable for candidates who have met the Teachers’ Standards without any further training.
Is there a support plan process if I am struggling during the assessment period?
Yes. If at any point you demonstrate that you are not meeting the Teachers’ Standards, you will be set specific targets by the SCITT which you will have to meet over a two week period. If the targets are not met, you will not be able to continue with the course.
