Bishop Challoner TRAINING SCHOOL ALLIANCE
TRAIN TO TEACH PRIMARY or SECONDARY In schools across Birmingham and the West Midlands
www.bctsa.org
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
www.bctsa.org
Contents
Welcome
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Why train to teach with BCTSA?
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Our Partners
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Our University Partner
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Our Primary Programme Our Secondary Programme
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Funding and Fees
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Bursaries and Scholarships The entry requirements The application process
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from our SCITT Director Welcome
Welcome to Bishop Challoner Training School Alliance.
As an established provider of Initial Teacher Training (ITT), with over 20 years of experience, we deliver an exceptional teacher training programme which is evidence-led and built through collaboration with expert, subject specialist, practitioners. Through our SCITT you get the best of both worlds: excellent theory based training with highly skilled practitioners and an opportunity to put your learning into practice directly in a classroom within a school local to you.
Emily Giubertoni
We are committed to supporting teachers to excel in their vocation through highly rewarding, sustained and successful careers in schools. Our brilliant professional growth model provides teachers with subject specialist training and leadership development opportunities from their early career through to headship and beyond.
At the core of what we do are the children in our schools. We want every child to have teachers who inspire and encourage them, who enable them to do their best, and surpass expectations.
At BCTSA SCITT, our mission is to empower both pupils and teachers to fulfil their potential; we will give you the best possible support and help you fulfil your own potential.
This training year will transform your professional knowledge and skill, equipping you with a vast toolkit to take forward in a career we hope will last many years. You will work with, and learn from, expert teachers in many subjects and fields, all working their hardest to support you and enable you to become the best teacher possible. Our ultimate goal is to grow great teachers that will transform the lives of the pupils they teach. We want to inspire our students, our trainee teachers, our mentors, and everyone who works with us.
Your teaching journey STARTS HERE
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Why choose to train with BCTSA?
We strive for the highest quality teaching, for our students, and for anyone on our training programmes. We know everyone who works with us wants to excel in their professional practice, and we work hard to create the conditions where everyone can achieve their ambitious goals.
Train in a school local to you We partner with many schools across the West Midlands and Birmingham. Our network of schools continues to increase every year allowing us to provide an opportunity to place you in a school that is local to you. Experienced and highly skilled Practitioners. Our programmes have been designed with you in mind. The materials have been developed by subject specialist practioners using evidence-led research. Inclusive and Diverse environment We expect all participants in our community to foster an environment of respect, dignity and inclusion in which everyone can thrive. The SCITT acknowledges that embracing and valuing diversity is fundamental to securing equality of opportunity for all. We work to support access to teacher training for all our potential trainees throughout the process of applying, interviewing and training.
A sense of community You will never be alone during your training with Bishop Challoner Training School. We have a diverse, inclusive and dynamic community of trainees who actively support one another. We encourage a student voice through our trainee council Supportive environment Our aim is to help you fulfil your potential and become the best teacher you can. We believe that with the right support, preparations, and guidance that you can do this. We pride ourselves on the support that we offer, not only during the training year but also throughout your teaching career.
It is a team of very experienced and supportive people. They are experts and lead us very professionally to our targets. I feel it is the best place to train as a teacher. Nida - Primary Trainee
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OUR PARTNERS All about
Our network of schools grows every year. We currently work with Primary and Secondary schools across Birmingham and the West Midlands, which ensures that we offer a diverse experience for trainees as well as an opportunity to teach local to you. Our Lead Partners are located across the West Midlands, each of them delivering our training. We work closely together to facilitate training days and Intensive Training Practice days throughout the year.
Lead Partners
Bordesley Multi Academy Trust Primary and Secondary Schools in Worcestershire Caritas Christie St Paul’s School for Girls in Birmingham Bishop Challoner Catholic College Secondary School in Birmingham Drb Ignite Multi-Academy Trust Primary schools across Birmingham and Dudley
Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School Broadway Academy Hodge Hill College Kings Heath Secondary School King Edward VI King’s Norton School for Boys Queensbridge School Swanshurst School Secondary schools
Emmaus Catholic Multi-Academy Primary and Secondary Schools across Hagley, Smethwick and Dudley
Holy Cross Multi-Academy Primary and Secondary Schools across Coventry.
Primary schools Billesley Primary School Featherstone Primary School
Our Lady of the Magnificat Multi-Academy Primary and Secondary Schools across South Warwickshire and Worcestershire Our Lady and All Saints Catholic Multi-Academy Primary and Secondary Schools across Solihull The Romero Catholic Academy Primary and Secondary Schools across North East Coventry St John Paul II Multi-Academy Primary and Secondary Schools across North Birmingham St John Bosco Catholic Multi-Academy Primary and Secondary Schools across Dudley. St Teresa of Calcutta Multi-Academy Primary and Secondary Schools across Birmingham
St Alban’s Catholic Primary School St Dunstan’s Catholic Primary School St Catherine of Sienna Catholic Primary School
The Oaks Primary School Yardley Primary School
*not an exhaustive list, just a small sample of schools we work with
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OUR UNIVERSITY PARTNER All about
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Bath Spa University to provide the PGCE element of our course.
This particular PGCE is designed specifically for those training through a School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme. Bath Spa University delivers and assesses the academic assignments and, subsequently, awards the PGCE. As the PGCE is inextricably linked to QTS, it can only be awarded following the successful completion of two assignments and confirmation of a recommendation for QTS.
The SCITT PGCE aims to provide you with structured opportunities to explore what educational research says about the classroom, school and the educational system as a whole. It is intended to make you pause, think, analyse, explore, reflect and question. The SCITT PGCE is made up of 60 Level 7 Masters credits; each assignment aims to extend your understanding of a key aspect of school life and will involve you in some in-depth analysis of professional practice, such that the ideas that you encounter in research and reading will have a direct impact on your practice as a developing teacher. The assignments focus on the concept of learning in the classroom, developing your criticality of theory and research, as well as your reflection on practice. This programme has been designed with SCITTs, so that it complements the programme of training; it is a PGCE designed for SCITTs, with SCITTs.
T he PGCE is made up of 2 assignments, each worth 30 credits: Each assignment is assessed through 3 elements: 2000 word written essay 15 minute recorded presentation Portfolio of evidence
Module 1: pedagogy focus In this module, you will explore how the learning of pupils can be planned for and developed within different lessons or a series of lessons. You will consider a range of pedagogies and then explore specific methods that you have observed and can put into practice in your own school classroom. In doing so, you will use and evaluate pedagogic approaches to teaching, considering the impact that these can have in enabling pupils to learn. Module 2: adaptive teaching focus In this module, you will explore how adaptive teaching can create inclusive classrooms in schools, so that all pupils can be supported in their learning. You will consider the different approaches that can be taken to support a variety of pupil needs, through academic reading, observation of colleagues, discussions with specialists and implementation in your own school classroom.
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OUR PRIMARY PROGRAMME All about
Our Primary SCITT programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). It is designed to prepare our trainees to start their journey to become an outstanding teacher, delivering high-quality, purposeful and inclusive learning experiences, inspiring a love of learning.
Primary with PE
Primary with Maths
Primary with SEND
Primary (5-11)
Primary (3-7)
You can choose to follow a QTS programme only, as well as full-time and part-time options on all of the above.
During the training year you will spend the majority of your time based in a school alongside experienced teachers and leaders.
One day a week you will attend training which is underpinned by current evidence-informed practice and research.
These days will focus on professional studies, core curriculum (English, Maths and Science) and foundation subject pedagogy. Sessions will be delivered by expert practitioners and specialists, and will include:
Behaviour Management Learning environment Planning Safeguarding Adaptive teaching Subject and curriculum knowledge
You will be in your school from day one. At the beginning of the year you will observe expert practitioners, moving towards leading small parts of a lesson and gradually building up to teach whole lessons. You will receive the support of school-based mentors/class teachers, as well as members of the BCTSA Central Team and subject specialists. The well- being of our trainees is very important to us and we take pride in the personalised provision we offer.
To enrich your professional practice and develop your expertise you will complete 2 PGCE assignments, which will contribute 60 credits towards a Master’s degree.
“I had advice and guidance every step of the way. I would recommend this experience to anyone interested in teaching”.
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OUR SECONDARY PROGRAMME All about
Our Secondary SCITT programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The majority of your time during the secondary teacher training programme will be spent in the classroom, developing your subject knowledge and effective classroom pedagogy. You will be supported by a school-based mentor.
During the training year you will spend the majority of your time based in a school alongside experienced teachers and leaders.
We offer the following subjects;
Art & Design Biology Business Studies
Chemistry Computing Design & Technology
Drama English Geography
History Health & Social Care Maths
Music MFL Physics
Psychology PE Religious Education
You can choose to follow a QTS programme only, as well as full-time and part-time options on all of the above.
You will be in school 4 days a week where you will be fully involved in all aspects of teaching. At the beginning of the year you will observe expert practitioners, moving towards leading small parts of a lesson and gradually building up to teach whole lessons.
One day a week you will have your pedagogical training, which will provide a mixture of specific Subject Studies and more general Professional Studies sessions.
Your training will include a combination of: Observations Online training sessions Face to Face training and workshops Assignments Engagement with academic and professional research
To enrich your professional practice and develop your expertise you will complete 2 PGCE assignments, which will contribute 60 credits towards a Master’s degree.
You will receive the support of school-based mentors, as well as members of the BCTSA Central Team and Subject Tutors.
“Being accepted as a colleague and made to feel part of the team and not a trainee was key for me”.
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FUNDING AND FEES All about
Our SCITT Training Programme is open to all graduates and funded by tuition fees paid by the trainee. You may be eligible for the standard student support package, including training bursaries, tuition fee loans and scholarships where applicable.
BURSARIES A bursary is a tax-free amount of money you receive to train in certain subjects. You do not need to apply for a bursary. If you are eligible you will automatically receive it. To be eligible for a bursary you will need at least one of the following: • a bachelor’s degree class 2:2 (honours) or higher • a master’s degree • a PhD SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are awarded to the most gifted trainees in physics, maths, chemistry, computing or Languages in partnership with highly regarded professional subject associations. As well as financial support, as a scholar you will enjoy additional benefits ranging from free membership from the professional subject associations awarding the scholarship to access to subject specialist events and webinars held by professional bodies.
TUITION FEE & MAINTENANCE LOANS You can apply for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 to cover your teacher training so that you do not have to pay course fees up front. you can apply for a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 to help with living costs. You can still apply for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan if you have already have a student loan, and regardless of whether you get a teaching bursary or scholarship. You will only be required to make loan repayments once you are earning. Your repayments will not increase if you already have a student loan and take an additional loan for teacher training. COURSE FEES We offer PGCE plus QTS and QTS only programmes. All of our programmes are available on a part-time and full-time basis. PGCE plus QTS, full-time: £9,535 QTS only, full-time: £8,535 PGCE plus QTS, part-time: £11,500 (over 2 years) QTS only, part-time: £10,500 (over 2 years)
To be eligible for a scholarship you will need at least one of the following:
a bachelor’s degree class 2:1 (honours) or higher a master’s degree a PhD In exceptional circumstances, if you achieved a 2:2 in your degree you may still be awarded a scholarship if you have significant relevant experience.
Some subjects are available on a salaried route, please contact us directly for more information.
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All about
BURSARIES & SCHOLARSHIPS 2025/2026
Bursaries
You do not need to apply for a bursary. If you are eligible, you will automatically receive it.
Scholarships Scholarships are offered by independent institutions; they set their own eligibility criteria and you will need to apply through the relevant body: Royal Society of Chemistry (Chemistry) - www.rsc.org BCS The Chartered Institute for IT (Computing) - www.bcs.org British Council (Languages - French, German and Spanish only) - www.britishcouncil.org Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (Maths) - teachingmathsscholars.org Institute of Physics (Physics) - www.iop.org
Subject
Bursary 2025/2026
Scholarship 2025/2026
Art & Design
£10,000
Biology
£26,000
Chemistry
£29,000
£31,000
Computing
£26,000
£31,000
Design & Technology
£26,000
English
£5,000
Geography
£26,000
Maths
£29,000
£31,000
MFL
£26,000
£28,000
Music
£10,000
Physics
£29,000
£31,000
RE
£10,000
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All about ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A Degree is a pre-requisite for any teacher training course with us. For secondary programmes the degree should be related to the subject you wish to teach, or have:
an A level in the subject an unrelated degree but relevant professional experience
You need the following GCSEs at Grade 4(C) or above, or equivalent qualifications: English Maths Science (if teaching Primary)
Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) Courses You may be required to complete an SKE if any of the following apply:
finished your degree more than 5 years ago a different but related degree to the subject you want to teach an A level but not a degree in the subject you want to teach an unrelated degree but relevant professional experience studied for a languages degree, but need to improve knowledge either in a main language, second language or both to an acceptable level for teaching in schools. You can choose your SKE course provider. They are usually online, but some courses can be classroom based and/or be a mixture of both. The courses will range from 8 to 28 weeks and your training provider will advise on the recommended SKE length.
Currently SKE courses are available in 5 secondary subject: Chemistry, Computing, Languages, Maths and Physics.
Equivalency Tests If you do not have all the GCSEs required, you are able to sit an equivalency test in Maths, English and/or Science. We accept the following:
www.equivalencytesting.com www.astarequivalency.co.uk
Non-UK citizen If you have qualifications that you gained outside of the UK, we will want to see a comparability statement from the UK European Network of Information Centres (UK ENIC).
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All about THE APPLICATION PROCESS
1 We understand that teacher training can be confusing as there are so many routes available. Come along to one of our information sessions throughout the year and speak to our team and ask any questions you have. All of our events can be booked on our website (www.bctsa.org) Attend an event
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Personal Statement
Your Personal Statement should highlight your strengths and how you can bring these to teaching. Explain your reasons for wanting to teach and the qualities you have which will make you a good teacher. If you have any school experience or experience working with young people, include this as part of your statement. If you are a career changer, tell us about the transferable skills that you have. 3 In order to submit your application, you will need to have two references. They will not be contacted until you are offered a place on our programmes. Your references need to be from named individuals rather than a human resources departments or academic department. If you have been in education in the last five years you should provide an academic reference (for example from a university tutor). Your second reference should be a professional reference, if you are in employment, this should be your current employer. All references should be sent from a professional email address. Additional references may be requested if this is not the case. You should not ask a family member, partner or friend for a reference. References
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All about THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply When you are ready to apply, you will do this through the Department of Education’s Apply service. When applying you will be asked to select your chosen provider (We can be found by searching Bishop Challoner Training School Alliance - code 1K2). The DfE apply portal also includes a separate section to provide details of any school and work experience. You should provide your full work history. Remember, your personal statement is the core of the application, so it is important to take the time and effort on this section.
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4 The application window for a September start opens the previous October and ends July of the year you wish to start or when courses are full.
Full details of the interview process will be sent to all applicants who have successfully progressed to this stage. Before any interviews take place there will be an opportunity for an informal conversation to ask any questions that you may have. I nterviews will include: exploration of curriculum/subject knowledge discussions about relevant experiences a short teaching exercise written task We also look for: good communication skills potential/suitability to be a good teacher resilience and professionalism 5 Interview
APPLY TODAY USE CODE 1K2
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Trainee Highlights
Being able to transfer my skills and experience from a previous career into the classroom Jordan- Maths Trainee
Building relationships with the students and seeing their
progress day to day Pablo - Computing Trainee
Getting to experience the joy of teaching every day! Elizabeth - Primary Trainee
Having ‘Eureka’ moments with students who are struggling, witnessing the flashes of realisation when they get what you are teaching them . Anne-Claire - MFL Trainee
Creating an environment of trust and respect with the children. Tanja - Primary Trainee
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Bishop Challoner TRAINING SCHOOL ALLIANCE
Challoner House, 21 Institute Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7EG
trainingschool@bishopchalloner.bham.sch.uk
0121 441 6175
@BCTSA_training
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