Welcome to PCP Scitt

The Primary Catholic Partnership is based in Southampton and offers a one year PGCE programme to those seeking to become primary school teachers.

This outstanding School Centred Teacher Training (SCITT) programme leads to:-

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and
• a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) with the option to gain credits towards a Masters in Education.

The Primary Catholic Partnership (PCP) runs a highly successful primary PGCE. The partnership was formed in 2000 by a group of primary schools in the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth.  In the Ofsted inspection which took place in 2011, Ofsted commended the partnership for 'the excellent quality of both the central and school-based training which provides an exceptionally effective balance of academic and practical experiences.'  

Employment - Trainees from the PCP have a great record of securing posts because the partnership was set up by schools to train the high quality teachers they need.   Although we can't guarantee you'll walk into a job when you finish, we do spend a lot of time preparing you and the long-term record of PCP trainees securing posts is over 91% within a year of completing.  This may vary.    By the end of 2011, every trainee from the 2010-11 programme had secured a post - a remarkable record.  

Our trainees benefit from a small, friendly, supportive environment with a mix of ages and backgrounds. Lectures are delivered by outstanding practising teachers who have the credibility and respect needed to help you develop successful and relevant teaching strategies.

All placements are in our Partnership schools, with whom we have strong links.  While you are in school, you will be supported by a mentor and a tutor assigned from the base.  This will enable you to follow an individual action plan which makes the most of your strengths as you develop your professional practice.  Many of our training sessions are run in high quality schools in Southampton and Hampshire, providing great experience of diversity.

Our expertise lies in training high quality teachers who see training as a vocation requiring strong, professional skills.  You do not have to be a Catholic to gain a place on the course.  Many of our successful trainees come from other faith backgrounds.  However, you will be expected to have empathy with the values of our schools and teach religious education as part of the curriculum when you are placed in them.

The PGCE is awarded by St Mary's University College, Twickenham, London.