School direct Vs University led PGCE

I had some experience in a trust a few months ago and would happily apply there for some training, however, I am just unsure whether a school direct PGCE at the trust partnered with an ex-poly university and a random SCITT company would e as valued as a university led PGCE.

Is there any meaningful differences in how the different routes would be seen after I've qualified?

By the way, I know by 2024, they are removing the school direct name and simplifying the different routes, but the same questions would still remain.

Read the SCITT Ofsted report. Some are not very good - my preference is the uni-led route as you can't be thrown into the classroom on day one.

Only concern with the uni one is getting chucked into a school that I really don't like. I know this trust and agree with almost all of the policies etc.

Just had a look at the SCITT company's Ofsted and almost all of the concerns were either in primary or on the different route than the one I would be on. Obviously, that doesn't mean the route I'd be on is perfect, but there wasn't anything overly concerning for me.

Only good or better schools can be used for placements ...

Yes, I know. That doesn't mean I would actually like the school

I would be more concerned about how mentors are selected. In some schools its a timetable filler not someone who is effective in supporting a trainee teacher.

Ok...?

How does that have anything to do with what I wanted to know?

It's question to ask ... is there a mentor in your specialist subject or not?

Ok, but can you now answer my original question or not?

II did in my first reply - I find that uni-led trainees are better prepared for the classroom. The blocks of 'theory' and placements seem to work better for the mentees I've supported.

It's your choice ... a SCITT can be a bit too focused on their own way of doing things rather than preparing you to be a teacher.

So is there a meaningful difference or not? And rather than just your opinion (considering I will likely never meet you), please try to give it based on the teaching sector in general.

Yes - there is - please read my replies thoroughly. Uni-led courses have theory in blocks but in a SCITT it tends to be a day a week. Find out the specific model in the one you are considering. I have taught in three different schools in three different LAs and I do speak to other mentors. If you are not super-numerary then run - you do not want to be chucked into the classroom on day one.

If you want to teach in one of the SCITT schools go for that as you will be trained 'in their way'. If you want to be more flexible in the way you learn to teach ie be allowed to develop your own 'style' within what is good practice, then go for a uni-led course.

I don't know which SCITT or uni you are considering either so can only give an opinion based on my years of experience, I am speaking as someone who is involved in interviewing for new staff and mentoring.