Below you can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions around initial teacher training and the SCITT program. If you can't find what you're looking for - get in touch!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any other questions about the courses we offer, the training programme or about Huddersfield Horizon then please get in touch. Our team will be happy to help.

What are the entry requirements?

That all entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (see note 2) in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics, and that all who intend to train to teach pupils aged 3-11 additionally have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in the GCSE examination in a science subject.

All entrants hold a first degree of a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification.

Applicants with overseas qualifications should contact NARIC regarding qualification equivalency.

Which schools will I be placed in for my training?

Huddersfield Horizon ensure that you are placed in 2 contrasting schools, to give you a the best, and most varied experience possible. We work with a range of schools, each with unique challenges and strengths, meaning that you are able to gain valuable experience throughout your training.

How long does the SCITT training last?

Your training will span the full academic year. SCITT training allows you to hit the ground running.

How much does training cost?

Tuition fees are £9,250 for QTS with PGCE.

What qualification do I receive from the course?

All trainees who complete the SCITT course with Huddersfield Horizon will do so with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Qualified teacher status is required in England and Wales to work as a teacher of children in state schools under local authority control, and in special education schools.

Trainees graduate with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

The PGCE element of the programme carries 60 credits towards a Masters qualification and is accredited through Sheffield Hallam University (with the sessions being facilitated at the SCITT Centre).

How do you apply for a place?

All applicants need to apply to our courses via DFE Apply.

Our Provider Code is 2EX
Our Primary Programme covers 5-11 years of age
Our Secondary Programmes cover 11-16 years of age

How we consider an application?

As a provider of ITT we are given permission to recruit in a number of subject areas. To fill our allocated number we follow a rigorous selection process (please see below), however, once the maximum number has been reached then we will close the course on DFE Apply. Due to the DFE Apply system, there may be a period of time (up to 40 days) between offering our last place and closing the course on DFE Apply . Please do contact us to confirm whether we have places available on our programmes.

What are our selection criteria?

Upon receipt each application undergoes a rigorous selection procedure conforming to the ITT Entry Criteria. We also look for additional skills demonstrated in the personal statement and in the references.

ITT Entry Criteria
That all entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (see note 2) in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics, and that all who intend to train to teach pupils aged 3-11 additionally have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in the GCSE examination in a science subject.
Additional Skills
An ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

ITT Entry Criteria
Hold a first degree or equivalent qualification (we normally look for a 2:2 degree or above classification but will consider a 3rd in some subject areas)
Additional Skills
A passion for teaching and learning

ITT Entry Criteria
As a provider of ITT we have regard and will conduct the following checks of applicants:

  • DBS
  • The Children’s barred list
  • A Prohibition order
  • Prohibition to teach in another country of the EEA
  • A criminal check for overseas applicant
  • Childcare disqualification
  • Health and Physical capacity to teach

We will also need:

  • Photo ID and proof of right to residence

Additional Skills
A passion for the individual subject/phase

Every application which fulfils the selection criteria is invited to an assessment at one of our Partner Schools. The school used for the assessment day may not necessarily be the school which you could be placed in for your training.
The assessment will include a formal interview; a pre-planned presentation; a teaching and learning task (the focus given in advance) and a subject knowledge assessment.
The applicant will then be notified of the decision via DFE Apply.

What are our over-selection criteria?

As identified above, upon undergoing the selection process, places are allocated on a timely basis (as DFE Apply opens in the October of the year prior to the programme starting.)
If two or more applicants apply for the last place of a course, the applicant with the greatest score on the assessment day will be offered the conditional place on the programme.

Is the Training Centre accessible for disabled trainees?

The SCITT Training Centre is located at South Pennine Academies’ Training and Business Centre.

There are disabled parking spaces, clearly marked, outside the main reception area. Access to Beaumont Primary Academy main entrance is through a step free and flat surface – suitable for wheelchairs and those with walking aids.

The SCITT Training Centre is located on the ground floor.

For more information, please view the following policies ‘Accessibility Policy, Accessibility Action Plan and Disability Access Policy’ on the About Us>Policies and Accounts page of our website. If you are planning to visit the SCITT Training Centre, please telephone us on (insert number) so that we can make any necessary arrangements if you need special assistance.