CREC SCITT Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Visit www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training and choose CREC (code:2MZV) as a provider.
When is the next information event?
SCITT events are listed on our upcoming events page.
To be notified of any future events please sign-up to our newsletter or email enquiries@crec.co.uk.
How is the course structured? Will I be busy full time?
As a SCITT programme we operate in line with the schools academic year starting early in September and finishing mid-July. Your days involve either training at CREC, self-directed study or placement. This means all of our trainees have the opportunity to reflect on their placement and to link the theories offered in core training days. There are regular taught days at CREC across the year and 4 weeks of intensive training and practice.
Is this primary QTS? Will I be able to get a job teaching anywhere in primary?
Yes and yes. Our programme covers the curriculum from 3-7 BUT your qualification that results is for Primary QTS. We do have current alumni teaching very successfully in year six. We specialise in Early Years and believe that an understanding of child development can inform great teaching. We cover BOTH the EYFS and the National Curriculum for KS1 in detail and focus on national priorities such as early mathematics and early language.
Do I need to find my own placement?
No, we source the placement schools and work with a wide network of Nursery and Primary Schools across Birmingham, Solihull and Warwickshire. We do take into account where our trainees live and how they commute when we arrange placement. We also consider previous experience to try and provide a bespoke experience. All trainees undertake placement in BOTH EYFS and KS1 and we ensure that the two main placements provide a contrast.
What qualifications will I receive?
When you complete your training, you will be awarded qualified teacher status (QTS) by Teach First.
You’ll also achieve your postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) from Teach First’s partner university meaning you’ll have a 60 credit Master’s level certificate in the study of education. You have the option to continue your studies part time over 2 years to gain a full MA.
How big will the cohort be?
We are a small training provider who offers a bespoke opportunity. By not exceeding a group size of 15 we are able to provide a personal experience and find we are able to respond to individual students needs.
What do I need to apply?
An undergraduate degree awarded by a UK higher education provider or recognised equivalent qualification.
Applicants are required to demonstrate academic achievement equivalent to level 4 in GCSE examinations in English, Maths Science. We accept most equivalency test providers. You will need to pass your GCSE equivalency test before starting the programme.
If you studied outside the UK, check the UK ENIC website to find out if your qualifications are of an equivalent level to UK GCSEs, A levels, and an undergraduate degree. (ENIC.org.uk).
Medical fitness: If offered a place, you will be sent a health questionnaire to find out about your medical fitness.
If you have a disability, it is helpful if you give us full details on your application, so that training providers can try to make any adjustments you may need.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in England and Wales: you will need to hold a DBS certificate.
Declaration of criminal convictions: If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily prevent you from becoming a teacher. You'll need to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions or bind-overs, and you'll need to agree to an enhanced criminal record check.
Classroom experience: We would strongly recommend that you have gained at least four weeks classroom experience to help prepare you to undertake training in a school-based route.
Is there any funding available?
The course fees for UK students in 2025 to 2026 are £9,535.
You will be registered as a full-time student throughout the programme so have access to lots of student benefits, as well as a student loan to cover your fees, subject to eligibility. There are a few different types of funding available for teacher training programmes - depending on your personal circumstances, you could be eligible to apply for multiple funding options.
We encourage potential applicants to check on the Department for Education’s website to find out more about funding options. https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-and-support.
Is financial support available to me if I am not a British citizen?
For courses starting on or after the 1 August 2021, you will be eligible for student finance if you have citizens’ rights (i.e. someone with settled status or if you are an Irish citizen covered by the Common Travel Area arrangement).
Student Finance England will ask you to provide evidence in order to be awarded undergraduate, postgraduate and further education financial support.
Someone with settled status under the EUSS; you’ll need:
evidence of your settled status
evidence that you have lived in the UK or Islands for at least the last 3 years before your course starts
EU nationals with pre-settled status; you’ll need:
evidence of your pre-settled status
evidence of your identity
evidence that you have lived in the UK, Gibraltar, EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland for at least the last 3 years before your course starts.
Will I be paid a salary?
No, you will be an unsalaried trainee during the time that you are on the programme. We encourage potential applicants to check on the Department for Education’s website to find out more about funding options. https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-and-support.
What if I do not currently hold one or more of the required GCSE?
We accept most equivalency test providers. You will need to pass your GCSE equivalency test before starting the programme.
I don’t live in Birmingham, can I relocate to undertake training?
Yes of course. Whilst we cannot organise accommodation for you we are happy to signpost you to possible places you might wish to consider living for the year, be that student accommodation or a shared house with students or professionals. Birmingham is a young vibrant city with a large student population. CREC is centrally situated and easily accessible from the main areas popular with students and young professionals. See some links below:
Citizens Advice - see: university accommodation
National Union of Students - student renters’ hub
Will I have a job at the end of my training?
At the end of the programme, you will be awarded a QTS, which means you have the right training and meet the standards to be a teacher. It is a teaching standard that is respected across the world and means that you can move around the country and teach in any state school.
You have not answered my question, what do I do?
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