What is Initial Teacher Training (ITT)? Everything You Need to Know

What is Initial Teacher Training (ITT)?

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is the essential first step for anyone who wants to become a qualified teacher in England. It provides aspiring educators with the professional knowledge, skills, and hands-on classroom experience needed to begin a successful teaching career.

Whether you're graduating from university, changing careers, or looking for a route into teaching that fits your lifestyle, ITT is your gateway into the profession. In this blog, we answer the question: “What is Initial Teacher Training?” and cover everything you need to know to apply.

What does Initial Teacher Training Involve?

ITT programmes are designed to prepare you fully for life in the classroom. Throughout your training, you will learn how to:

• Understand educational theory and pedagogy

• Learn how to manage classrooms effectively

• Gain subject-specific expertise

• Develop inclusive practices to support diverse learners

• Experience real-life teaching through placements in schools

One of the core strengths of ITT is the blend of real classroom experience and academic study. Most training routes include structured school placements, giving you the chance to teach pupils, work alongside experienced mentors, and gradually take responsibility for planning and delivering lessons.

Routes into Teaching

There are several pathways into ITT, allowing you to choose the route that best fits your background and learning style. Common ITT routes include:

• SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training)

• Teacher Apprenticeship (postgraduate route)

• Teacher Apprenticeship (undergraduate route)

• Undergraduate degrees with QTS (e.g., BA/BSc with QTS)

• Assessment-Only Route (for experienced unqualified teachers)

• University-led Postgraduate ITT

Each route offers its own advantages, but all provide the training required to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

What should you expect during your training?

Most ITT programmes combine three key elements:

1. Academic study

Covering child development, curriculum design, assessment, and educational psychology.

2. School placements

Trainees spend time in classrooms, planning lessons, teaching, and receiving feedback from mentors.

3. Professional development

Building reflective practice, resilience, and collaboration skills.

Successful completion of ITT leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England, or its equivalent in other UK nations. This marks the beginning of a teacher’s career, followed by an induction year (Early Career Framework in England) and ongoing professional development.

How long does Initial Teacher Training take?

Most full-time ITT routes take one academic year. Many providers also offer part-time or flexible options, allowing trainees to balance training with other commitments.

Duration

• Typically 1 academic year full-time.

• Some providers offer part-time or flexible options.

Entry requirements

To start an ITT programme in England, you typically need:

• A UK undergraduate degree (usually a 2:2 or above)

• GCSE English and Maths (and Science for primary)

• An enhanced DBS check and health clearance

• School experience is helpful but not essential

How much does Initial Teacher Training cost?

Fees vary by provider, and many trainees are eligible for bursaries, scholarships, or student finance depending on their subject and circumstances. You can find out more about teacher training funding by visiting our Train to Teach Bursaries and Scholarships page. 

Is ITT the same as a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education)?

No, ITT (Initial Teacher Training) is the broad term that covers all routes to teaching. All routes will give successful trainees Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).  

A PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) is a university-accredited qualification that prepares graduates to become teachers. Most ITT routes will also offer a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This means that you don’t have to take a University-led route to achieve a PGCE. You can choose the pathway that suits you best.

At Futures Teaching Alliance (FTA), every ITT route allows you to gain both QTS and a PGCE, giving you the best of both worlds.

Training Routes Offered by Futures Teaching Alliance

At FTA, we offer specialist teacher training routes across multiple phases:

• Early Years Initial Teacher Training

• Primary Initial Teacher Training

• Secondary Teacher Training

You can explore these routes via our How to Apply for Teaching Training page. 

Now that we’ve hopefully answered all your questions about Initial Teacher Training (ITT), are you ready to take the next step and start your journey into teaching?

Applying for Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

At Futures Teaching Alliance, we provide high-quality, school-centred teacher training that prepares you to thrive in the classroom from day one. Whether you're passionate about Early Years, Primary, or Secondary teaching, our experienced mentors, supportive school network, and fully accredited programmes will guide you every step of the way to gain QTS. 

Take the first step today and apply now or speak to our team to find out which pathway is right for you. Your teaching career starts with the Futures Teaching Alliance.

Visit our How to Apply page or get in touch with us to find out more about our initial teacher training.  

If you’re still exploring your options, why not join one of our Get Into Teaching Experience Events? These events give you the chance to observe real classrooms, meet our expert mentors, and discover what life as a trainee teacher is really like. It’s one of the best ways to decide whether teaching is right for you.