FAQs

Who is the course for?

Those interested in becoming a primary school teacher (specialising in ages 3-7 or 5-11).

We attract applicants of all ages, from a huge range of backgrounds - our recent graduates have been aged between 22 to 54, with experience in everything from accountancy and business to zoology.

What qualification will I receive?

You'll graduate with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) validated by Northumbria University, and Qualified Teacher Status awarded by North Tyneside SCITT.

How is it assessed?

The programme has no formal examinations. Instead, trainees are assessed by written assignments, and practical work in school. The final school placement represents a vital component of this assessment. The standards for Qualified Teacher Status require trainees to be successful in all areas, and from the outset each trainee is involved in auditing their own learning and setting targets for their own professional development.

Do I need any prior school experience?

As teaching involves working with children on a daily basis, we strongly recommend that applicants have had at least five days recent and relevant experience of working with children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One or Key Stage One and Key Stage Two, prior to applying to ensure teaching is the right job for them. This experience will strengthen an application and should be detailed within the personal statement section. We however understand that this may not be possible. Your application will still be accepted if you have been unable to obtain school experience.

What qualifications do I need for the course?

Applicants must possess a good honours degree (i.e. 2:2 or above) from a UK university or a recognised equivalent qualification upon commencement of the course. The applicant's previous education must provide the necessary foundation for work as a primary school teacher. It is also a requirement that you have a grade C / 4 or above in mathematics, English language or English literature and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications.

We will also accept accept equivalency tests from Equivalency Testing and A Star Equivalency

For further information about equivalent qualifications and tests, please contact the SCITT office.

What is the application process?

Applications should be made via The Get Into Teaching (GOV.UK) portal and you will then be invited for interview if successful. APPLY opens on 8 October 2024.

All interviews for North Tyneside SCITT will be held in our partnership schools, this gives applicants the opportunity to find out about our programme first hand from head teachers, expert mentors and trainees in schools.

Trainees must be prepared to demonstrate their own suitability for an offer of a place. Interview results are communicated as soon as possible after the interview takes place, but any offer of acceptance of a place is conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory medical report, police clearance and referencing checks.

5When does the next course start?

September 2025. Induction sessions take place during the last week in August. The taught programme will then commence on 1 September and will run through to mid-July.

How much time is spend doing the formal taught elements of the programme?

There are 27 weeks of non-salaried school-based training (equating to 40hrs+ per week) and 11 weeks of full-time study (equating to 35hrs per week).

How many placements will I do?

You will have placements in contrasting North Tyneside schools. You will have a placement in the autumn term, one in the spring term and one in the summer term.

Where will my placement(s) be?

You are guaranteed placements at our partnership schools in North Tyneside. These placements are organised by North Tyneside SCITT.

Is it full time or is part time available?

The programme is full time.

How much is the course?

The course tuition fee for the 2024/2025 course will be £9,250, which is competitively priced. This includes a free Wi-Fi access and printing.

Is there any financial support available?

For more information on fees and bursaries, please contact the SCITT office on (0191) 643 8855 or email scitt@northtyneside.gov.uk. Financial support may be available for eligible applicants through Student Finance. For general information on student finance, visit www.gov.uk/student-finance. This easy-to-use website includes tools to estimate any grants and calculate loan repayments.