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What is the difference between university or college-based and school-based training?

Courses based in universities or colleges consist of lectures at the institution and teaching placements in at least two of their partnership schools. Primary teaching courses include at least 18 weeks on teaching placements and if you are taking a secondary teaching course, you will spend a minimum of 24 weeks in schools.

School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) consortia run their courses almost entirely within their member schools. A typical consortium might comprise about ten primary or secondary schools in the same area. You will usually be based in the 'lead school' and undertake teaching placements at other schools within the consortium. Teachers in the schools act as mentors to organise and monitor your training. Most SCITT consortia run courses that have been validated by a university or college for the award of their Professional or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). You may be required to attend some lectures at this university or college as part of your school-based course.

There are currently no SCITT consortia in Wales or Scotland.

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