Primary ITT (PITT): programme guide

Primary Initial Teacher Training (PITT) offers two school-centred routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): a fee-funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT) route and a Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship. Both combine classroom experience with weekly professional training.

Which primary teacher training routes are available?

Best Practice Network offers two primary teacher training routes:

• Fee-funded Initial Teacher Training: for graduates who are not currently employed by a school. You can study full-time or part-time.
• Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship: for graduates who are already employed by a school. This route is not available part-time.

Both routes use school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT). You are in classrooms from the start of the programme and attend weekly training alongside your in-school experience.

Which primary teacher training route should I choose?

If you already work in a school, the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is designed for you. Your school must employ you for the apprenticeship and support your training.

If you are not currently employed by a school, the fee-funded Initial Teacher Training route is usually the best fit. Best Practice Network can arrange your placement through this route.

What qualification will I receive?

Both primary teacher training routes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which allows you to teach in schools in England.

The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship also awards a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship qualification when you complete the programme.

How long does primary teacher training take?

• The full-time fee-funded Initial Teacher Training route takes around 11 months.
• The part-time fee-funded Initial Teacher Training route takes around 18 months.
• The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship typically takes 10 months and is not offered part-time.

How is the training week structured?

On either full-time route, you will typically spend four days each week in school and one day training with Best Practice Network. This combines practical classroom experience with structured professional learning.

On the part-time fee-funded route, you will spend two days each week in school and one day training with Best Practice Network.

How are school placements structured?

The primary teacher training placement structure is:

1. Begin the programme with an induction.
2. Spend Term 1 in your host school.
3. Complete a six-week contrasting placement during Term 2.
4. Return to your host school in Term 3 and prepare for the QTS recommendation.

Who organises my school placement?

Best Practice Network arranges placements only for the fee-funded Initial Teacher Training route. It will identify suitable schools in your area and support you in applying for a placement.

For the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship, you must already be employed by a school. Your employing school is your placement, so Best Practice Network cannot arrange it for you.

Your employing school must also agree to provide a six-week contrasting placement as part of the apprenticeship programme.

Who is primary teacher training suitable for?

Primary Initial Teacher Training is suitable for graduates seeking their first teaching role and career changers moving into education. It offers a national network, school-centred training and clear progression to Qualified Teacher Status.

What are the academic entry requirements?

To apply for primary teacher training, you need:

• A bachelor’s degree, normally at least a 2:2.
• General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) English at grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification.
• GCSE mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification.
• GCSE science at grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification.

Do I need previous school experience?

Previous school experience is not mandatory when applying for Initial Teacher Training. However, some classroom experience is recommended to help you confirm your interest in teaching.

What are the visa and residency requirements?

Best Practice Network cannot sponsor visas. You will generally need to provide evidence that you have valid residency for the full programme.

Current guidance notes that you need three years of UK residency to be eligible for the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship route.

What support will I receive?

During primary teacher training, you will be supported by experienced mentors in your placement schools and a Best Practice Network tutor. This support includes visits and observations to guide your progress and help you develop towards Qualified Teacher Status.

How do I apply?

You apply for primary teacher training through the Best Practice Network website.

1. Submit your application.
2. Best Practice Network completes an initial check.
3. If your application is suitable, you are invited to an interview.
4. If you are successful and have applied for fee-funded Initial Teacher Training without a supporting school, Best Practice Network will search for a school placement and support you in applying for it.