What is a SCITT?

A School-Centred Initial Teacher Training provider (SCITT) delivers teacher training in partnership with schools. This means you learn on the job, supported by experienced mentors and expert trainers, while building the skills you need to thrive in the classroom.

Training shaped by current classroom practice

Portsmouth SCITT’s programmes are designed and delivered by experienced teachers and leaders who are actively working in schools. Training is rooted in the realities of today’s classrooms, ensuring that theory and practice are closely aligned. Trainees spend the majority of their time in school, applying learning immediately, reflecting on impact, and developing confidence through real teaching experiences from the outset.

This school-led approach ensures training remains responsive to curriculum change, pupil need and evolving expectations within education.

UniCAT schools plus wider partnership placements

As part of the University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust, Portsmouth SCITT benefits from access to a strong and growing family of schools, alongside an established network of partnership placements. This allows trainees to experience a range of school contexts while benefiting from consistent expectations, shared values and high-quality mentoring.

Placements are carefully selected and supported to ensure trainees gain breadth, challenge and progression across the year, while remaining firmly anchored within a supportive local network.

Trained mentors, regular feedback, targeted support

High-quality mentoring sits at the heart of Portsmouth SCITT’s provision. All trainees are supported by trained school-based mentors who understand the programme requirements and the developmental needs of early-career teachers. Mentoring is purposeful and structured, with regular meetings, focused feedback and clear targets for improvement.

This is complemented by ongoing monitoring from the SCITT team, ensuring that support is responsive, personalised and effective — particularly at key transition points throughout the training year.

A programme built around inclusion, ambition and opportunity

Portsmouth SCITT’s training reflects UniCAT’s shared commitment to inclusion, high expectations and social responsibility. Trainees are supported to develop inclusive classroom practice, strong behaviour cultures and an understanding of how to meet the needs of all pupils.

The programme promotes ambition — for trainees and for the pupils they teach — encouraging reflective practice, professional curiosity and a belief that all young people can achieve more when teaching is inclusive, intentional and evidence-informed.

Clear routes into ECT roles and development opportunities

Training with Portsmouth SCITT provides strong foundations for a successful career in teaching. Trainees are well-placed to secure Early Career Teacher (ECT) roles, including opportunities within UniCAT schools, where continuity of support and shared professional language can enhance early career development.

Beyond initial training, trainees benefit from exposure to Trust-wide professional learning, networks and leadership pathways, supporting long-term progression and retention within the profession.