Train to Teach in Essex

Teaching is more than a job - it’s the chance to shape futures, inspire young minds, and make a lasting difference in your community. Our school-centred initial teacher training programme (SCITT) gives you the skills, confidence, and qualifications to become a teacher.

Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses, including teaching apprenticeships and PGCE teacher training courses, combine hands-on classroom experience with expert academic guidance. Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career change, we offer a clear pathway to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and long-term success working in schools.

On completion of the course, 100% of our trainees have gone on to work in schools in Essex, with 95% securing roles within our partner schools.

 

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Why choose Teach Catalyst?

Teach Catalyst (formerly Teach Thurrock) is a school-based teacher training programme in partnership with Greenwich and Derby universities. You’ll learn from experienced headteachers, outstanding practitioners, and university lecturers, gaining practical and theoretical knowledge to thrive in the classroom.

• School-based training - from day one, train in Catalyst Schools, learning alongside experienced mentors.
   
• Choice of pathways - Train to teach primary education (ages 3–7 or 5–11) with assessed placements tailored to your route.
  - A designated ITE Manager who leads the programme
  - A well-established induction programme with support from pre-application to placement in school
  - Opportunities to carry out the School Experience to strengthen understanding of a school
  - A planned subject knowledge development programme before the course starts
  - The opportunity to visit prospective schools before placement and discuss preferred year groups
   
• Recognised qualifications - achieve QTS and, where applicable, PGCE with up to 60 Master’s credits.
   
• High employment rates - 100% of our trainees secure teaching jobs in Essex, with 95% remaining in our partnership.
   
• Funding support – bursaries, scholarships, and salaried training options available. Explore our funding options here.
   
• Personalised mentoring - our mentors work closely with you, drawing on their own teaching expertise and sharing best practice through our innovative coaching model, developed by our Teaching School Hub

 

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Course Overview

The Teach Catalyst programme is designed to immerse you in the life of a teacher from day one. Over a year, you’ll combine practical classroom experience with high-quality academic training. Develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Where applicable, you can also gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

You’ll be placed in schools within our partnership, working with young people from different backgrounds and age groups. Each placement is supported by a dedicated mentor who will guide your development and help refine your teaching practice.

University-led sessions, with Greenwich and Derby, give you the theoretical understanding to complement your school-based practice. Explore areas such as child development, curriculum design, classroom management, and inclusive education.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be a qualified practitioner, ready to make a positive impact in schools across Essex, and beyond.

Course Structure

Our SCITT teacher training in Essex is a one-year, full-time route into teaching. The programme includes:

• Core placements - a minimum of 24 weeks in two different primary schools.
   
• Specialist experiences - opportunities to work in a variety of school settings across the South East.
   
• ITAP (Intensive Training and Practice) weeks - where we thoroughly prepare you for core areas of the ITTECF (Initial Teacher Training Early Career Framework)
   
• Academic study - gain a strong theoretical foundation through taught university modules.
   
• Assessment - a mixture of essays, portfolios, presentations, and practical teaching in school.

By the end of the course, you’ll meet the Teachers’ Standards at the highest level, ready to inspire and teach in your classroom. 

 

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Entry requirements

To be eligible to apply for our provider-led, school-based PGCE or postgraduate teaching apprenticeships, you’ll need:

• A UK honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent.
• GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English, mathematics, and science.
• Suitability to teach, assessed through interview, use of Standard English, and a DBS/health check.

We also welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications and experience.

Funding your training

Depending on your route and subject, you may be eligible for:

• A tax-free bursary, including our £10,000 bursary for certain PGCE Primary applicants.
• Student loans to cover tuition fees (£9,535 for 2025-26).
• You may need to purchase books for your studies (estimated £150 per year).
• You are expected to pay for your transport to your placements during the year.

Visit GOV.UK for full details on funding options and repayment.
 

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 How to apply

Applications are made through the Department for Education’s Apply service. Search for “Teach Thurrock" or "Teach Catalyst” to find our postgraduate teacher training and school direct teacher training programmes.

The selection process involved four steps. We’ll start with a short teaching task with pupils, followed by a written task, and a discussion of a research article. The final step is an interview with headteachers from our partnership schools. 

Successful candidates start full-time training in September 2026, with opportunities to gain school experience throughout the year.

 

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Progression and career opportunities

100% of graduates from our initial teacher training (ITT) courses​ progress into primary teaching jobs in Essex. 95% remain within our partnership, benefiting from ongoing professional development through school-to-school support and opportunities such as SLE coaching.

Essex teacher training apprenticeships are available for those looking to begin their career in education before progressing to QTS. This is a valuable first step towards working with local authorities and building confidence working in schools.

Start training to be a teacher with Teach Catalyst. Register your interest and take the first step towards an inspiring, secure, and fulfilling teaching career.

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