How to apply for
Leeds SCITT

Essential

• For postgraduate teacher training programmes, you will need to hold an undergraduate degree awarded by a higher education provider in England and Wales. We also accept GCSE English and Mathematics equivalency qualifications.
  
• GCSE grade C or 4 and above in English Language or Literature and Mathematics or equivalent

Overseas Applications:

We are open to overseas applications for a limited number of courses.

Please note bursaries are only available to overseas applications if you are applying for Languages or Physics courses.

If all or part of your qualifications are from outside the UK, to make the final decision if your qualifications meet the minimum requirements –  you may be asked to formally recognise any overseas qualifications through UK ENIC. 

Please note that overseas applications are required to meet the eligibility criteria of holding an equivalent of a UK 2:1 classification and their UG degree to be in the subject they are applying for in order to be eligible for the Relocation Payment.

Applicants who require a Student Route Visa

If you require a Student Route Visa in order to study in the UK, then you must apply to us by Tuesday 30th April 2024. You must also meet all the conditions of your offer and present all supporting documentation required for the visa application no later than Friday 31st May 2024.

We recommend reading: Train to teach in England as a non-UK citizen | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK (education.gov.uk)

Please note the skills test is no longer part of the entry requirements for teacher training in England. We will ensure candidates are provided with any necessary support with fundamental literacy or numeracy skills before or during the course.

• A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Certificate  
• A satisfactory occupational health screening If offered a place you will be sent information regarding these checks.  All offer conditions must be met by July 2024.  

Preferred

• A good understanding of the subject knowledge required for teaching your chosen subject.  This can be shown through a relevant degree and / or  your A-Level (or other Level 3) qualifications.
• A good understanding of schools and teaching as a profession.  Here at Leeds SCITT we will do everything we can to support you in organising visits within our partnership schools prior to starting the course.

Interviews and Interpersonal skills – who are we looking for?

No one is born a great teacher. Great teachers continuously improve over time, benefitting from the mentoring of expert colleagues and a structured introduction to the core body of knowledge, skills and behaviours that define great teaching.

• People who are passionate, enthusiastic and have a strong understanding of their subject
  
• People who are innovative and excited about learning new ideas to support pupils in making good progress
  
• People who are organised and can prioritise their work
  
• People who have networking abilities and can build relationships
  
• People who have a proactive and reflective approach in their own development
  
• People who have high expectations for young people, are willing to support and help them to succeed
• To view our full Trainee Secondary Teacher Person Specification click here

Online Interviews – what to expect

• The interview will take place via Microsoft Teams.
• The length of the video interview will be approximately 1.5 hours
• Prior to the interview you will be asked to prepare some Pre-Interview Tasks to support the process:
• Share your strengths and areas for development from our subject knowledge audit with fundamental literacy and numeracy skills. Please click the relevant link below to download the subject knowledge audit for your specific subject focus.

⇒ Art & Design
⇒ Computer Science with IT
⇒ Dance
⇒ Design Technology
⇒ Drama
⇒ English
⇒ Geography
⇒ History
⇒ Maths
⇒ MFL
⇒ Music
⇒ PE, including PE with EBacc
⇒ RE
⇒ Science with Biology
⇒ Science with Chemistry
⇒ Science with Physics

• For practical subjects including Art & Design, Dance, Drama, D&T, MFL, Music and PE, candidates will be expected to share a portfolio and or complete a short video showcasing their skills in a particular area.
• A 5-minute presentation on a subject specific topic area and how this could be taught.

If you are offered a place you will be invited to visit the Lead School at a later date.

Check out our videos

Want to hear more about training at Leeds SCITT? What do Trainees experience on the Leeds SCITT Course and what support is offered? What are the benefits of the Leeds SCITT course? Find out what our tutors and trainees have to say – Our Videos

Course Fees

If you are a UK home resident you may receive a training bursary.

The fees for Leeds SCITT PGCE course (including QTS and 60 masters credits) for the academic year 2024-25 is £9,250.

For Overseas students the course fee is £15,000

Available Student Bursaries

The Government provides incentivised monetary awards to encourage high quality candidates into the teaching vocation, which are called bursaries. Unlike student loans, a bursary is organised through your college or university and does not require you to repay the awarded amount.

If you are currently enrolled on a PGCE course you will not need to fill out an application to apply for a student bursary. The bursary you may be entitled to will depend on the subject you are studying and the undergraduate degree classification you have achieved.

The table below shows the bursaries and scholarships which are available for the academic year 2024 – 2025. 

Bursaries and scholarships

There are three types of funding available for teacher training – depending on your circumstances, you could receive all three:

• Tax-free bursary or scholarship
• Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan
• Additional financial support if you’re a parent or have a disability

An overview of the bursaries and scholarships available can be found in the table below. You’ll need a first, 2:1, PhD or Master’s to be eligible for a scholarship though in exceptional circumstances they may be awarded to a graduate with a 2:2 and significant relevant experience. Applicants may be eligible for a bursary if they have 1st, 2:1, 2:2, PhD or Master’s. Further information on funding options two and three can be found on the funding my training page. If you’re a non-UK EU national, you could also receive this support.

Bursaries and scholarships for International Students

As an international applicant we recommend you read the funding information carefully to ensure you have adequate funds to support yourself during the PGCE year:  Fees and financial support for non-UK trainee teachers | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK (education.gov.uk).

Bursaries and scholarships are only available to international physics and languages applicants.

*If you are applying for maths as an international student you will NOT be eligible for the bursary nor the scholarship*