sacred heart
newcastle scitt

Offering QTS with PGCE

2023 to 2024 Recruitment cycle

3rd October 2023 at 9.00am
Candidates can find courses for the 2023 to 2024 recruitment cycle on GOV.UK

10th October 2023 at 9.00am
Start of the 2023 to 2024 recruitment cycle. Candidates can apply for courses.

bespoke initial teacher training
in the heart of newcastle

Sacred Heart Newcastle SCITT is the largest school-based Initial Teacher Training partnership in the Newcastle and Gateshead area.  We are passionate about recruiting, developing and employing the very best graduates into the profession. We offer a unique, bespoke training programme which blends the best of both worlds; on the job experience and high-quality academic study. Join us and gain QTS with a PGCE (awarded by Newcastle University) There are over 30 Primary and Secondary schools in our partnership, located across Newcastle, Gateshead and nearby towns within County Durham and Northumberland.

our approach to training

We are looking for individuals who believe passionately in the power of education to transform lives. We know great teachers can have a significant impact on the life chances of our students. In our training programme you will work and learn from some of the best teachers in the business.  ​Train with us and you’ll be based in schools that care about your future as an educator. From day 1 you’ll be treated like a member of staff (although we won't ask you to teach until you have developed the skills through our training programme), whilst also having the benefits of university life through our integrated ePGCE programme (Newcastle University). In choosing to train with us, you will be joining an organisation of expert practitioners, with a track record of supporting and producing the very best teachers.  You will make life-long friends on the course, supporting each other on your journey. As a Sacred Heart Newcastle SCITT trainee, you will have a tailored training programme based on your prior experience, areas of interest and identified needs. In-school Mentors and Professional Tutors will always be on hand to offer advice and monitor your progress. We see the success (and employment) of our trainees as key to improving the quality of teaching and raising achievement for all students in the region.

OUR PGCE & Masters credits

As part of your SCITT programme, you will also receive your QTS and an internationally recognised and respected ITT qualification from Newcastle University, an (employment based) Postgraduate Certificate in Education (ePGCE).  

Master’s Credits: Your ePGCE will count as 60 credits towards a master’s degree – a third of the credits needed for the full qualification.

our training commitment to you

testimonials from previous trainees

TIM - science

“If you’re considering applying for a school centred teacher training programme, I would highly recommend it. It is dynamic and rewarding, you will learn a substantial amount from different members of staff, including those outside your own department. In addition to your subject specific training, you will have a pastoral role to fulfil; this is hugely beneficial and definitely adds another dimension to your training. As a Newcastle SCITT trainee, you feel a part of the school and are treated as a full member of staff. It has been an incredible experience for me so far and I would recommend it to anyone considering a career in teaching.”

anna - maths

"The training provided by Newcastle SCITT is deliveredby an incredibly supportive team, who enabled me to grow from being somebodywho had never stood in front of a class, to achieving my goal of becoming anoutstanding teacher. The staff make the effort to get to know each individualtrainee, which created a warm and supportive environment from day one. Withinthe school, the mentors and departments are all dedicated to guiding andhelping you, as they always ensure they set aside time to answer any questionsyou may have."

charlotte - geography

"The quality of training I received throughout the programme was exceptional and invaluable towards becoming an outstanding teacher."

steph - re

"The programme at Sacred Heart exceeded my expectations. The level of support that is given by all members of staff involved is outstanding and the mentors are well educated in what is required for their students to succeed."

joe - history

“Sacred Heart SCITT equipped me to hit the ground running and succeed in my first year teaching. The comprehensive training is delivered by passionate staff. The guidance, support and expertise of the providers gave me the confidence and ability to be the best teacher I can be.”

olivia - english

I would recommend Sacred Heart SCITT because of their dedication to supporting their trainees and ensuring they have confidence going into their ECT year. I feel like I progressed both personally and professionally due to the expertise of the facilitators and the qualified speakers during the sessions. Everyone I met demonstrated such a strong work ethic and were inspiring to be around; I particularly found the Subject Specialist sessions from the English Department invaluable.

leanne - primary

"The SCITT course enabled me to not only complete my teacher training but to spend more time in my placement school and other schools for training, this was a perfect route for me to complete my training through Sacred Heart SCITT, the team are professional and friendly and offer support throughout the whole course"

ismah - english

"The SCITT training was very useful. It was full of achievable practical tips and advice that I could try in my own lessons with ease. It was also convenient that the sessions were planned around the assignments and went hand in hand with the EPGCE sessions."

GRACE - english

"My experience training to teach at Sacred Heart High School (SCITT)  has been invaluable. The skills, qualities and level of training has been extremely positive. The progress and journey I took during the year equipped me immensely for my ECT journey. The level of support, the dynamic training sessions, and the well thought out programme was a catalyst, and has put me in good stead to becoming a successful teaching professional. I highly recommend this pathway into teaching’"

black & minority ethnic recruitment

We are very keen to support potential applicants from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds who are interested in going into the teaching profession. You may like to contact us directly for further advice on how we can support you or seek specialist support from our partner organisation MERIT www.merit-ne.org.uk