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Urgent help with itt please

I have been looking for salaried ITT, due to the high demands, it is really hard to find one, which is why I started applying to all the fee routed ITT courses. I really want to choose Cambridge University, but my main concerns are the placements, which are a bit far for me due to my current situation. My main reason of leaning towards Cambridge University is because, if I'm paying over £9k to do training in other institutions, I might as well do it at Cambridge, as it's the same price? Do you think I should just 'live with it', and try really hard to manage the far commute because of the reputation Cambridge holds, or should I ease off and do it where placements are close to me and not have that worry of placement?
At the moment I am really unsure on what to choose, any advice will be appreciated :smile:
My options so far are:

1. Cambridge University
Placements: up to 1.5 hours (could possibly get closer placements due to my situation, but no guaranteed), Training : I'm not too sure, not confirmed.
2. Active Teacher Training
Placements: up to 30 minutes (local). Training: 15 minutes away.
3. CTSN
Placements: up to 20 minutes, Training: 15 minutes away.

Reply 1

Firstly it’s important that you research into the difference between the University-led route and the SCITT route (I’m under the impression the active teacher training is a SCITT route ?). I considered applying to the University of Cambridge but in the end I only applied to SCITT programs because I knew that I wanted to immerse myself into a school setting and get a feel of being part of the team from the start. I will attend university only one day a week. I also liked the ideal of knowing which school would be my main placement (and in my experience, the interviews were held at the schools).

There isn’t a better route, it’s really down to what your learning preference is.

Secondly, take into consideration that the course is going to be exhausting and time consuming with essay writing and class prep, so I would argue that travel time is very important. You want to minimise the stress the most you can.

Finally, I’ve heard that as long as the training provider doesn’t have a bad reputation, who you go with won’t have a real impact on your job opportunities. Incase that’s your main reason for considering Cambridge University but prefer the SCITT route.

If you’re not sure what’s best for you, why not contact the providers and see if you can have a chat with them about their course. Perhaps visit potential schools as well. Some providers offer open days, or have events either in person or online, some offer experience days. I attended some events and found them really helpful.

Any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Good luck with everything

Reply 2

Original post
by Halimium
I have been looking for salaried ITT, due to the high demands, it is really hard to find one, which is why I started applying to all the fee routed ITT courses. I really want to choose Cambridge University, but my main concerns are the placements, which are a bit far for me due to my current situation. My main reason of leaning towards Cambridge University is because, if I'm paying over £9k to do training in other institutions, I might as well do it at Cambridge, as it's the same price? Do you think I should just 'live with it', and try really hard to manage the far commute because of the reputation Cambridge holds, or should I ease off and do it where placements are close to me and not have that worry of placement?
At the moment I am really unsure on what to choose, any advice will be appreciated :smile:
My options so far are:
1. Cambridge University
Placements: up to 1.5 hours (could possibly get closer placements due to my situation, but no guaranteed), Training : I'm not too sure, not confirmed.
2. Active Teacher Training
Placements: up to 30 minutes (local). Training: 15 minutes away.
3. CTSN
Placements: up to 20 minutes, Training: 15 minutes away.

I'm not sure that in a country where teachers are in such high demand, having Cambridge University on your tie counts for that much. It isn't hard to get a job, especially in secondary. That said, most providers state you could commute up to 90 minutes each way. If this is an issue, it might be worth considering training options in bigger cities that have more schools in a smaller area. I imagine there are a few schools in Cambridge but then the rest are out in the sticks.

I would also consider thinking about doing School Direct or SCHITT as these are often led by academy trusts and placements are in trust schools which you know where they are in advance.

When choosing your training, ask about what extras they do. For example, my School Direct provider offered me voice coaching and a mental health certificate which the people on the university course did not get.

Reply 3

Hi there.
The ITT year is a challenging one and the days will feel busy and demanding. A 3 hour round commute each day does not seem ideal but if you are totally committed to one provider then I would certainly take the travel time into account. Where you choose to train is very much a personal choice and the route you take is also upp to you. Some prefer a more academic training experience whilst many prefer a very hands on approach with lots of contact time. Most providers wiill offer at least two long placements in two differing schools but some vary. It is entirely a matter for the individual.

Reply 4

Original post
by humane-magnum
Firstly it’s important that you research into the difference between the University-led route and the SCITT route (I’m under the impression the active teacher training is a SCITT route ?). I considered applying to the University of Cambridge but in the end I only applied to SCITT programs because I knew that I wanted to immerse myself into a school setting and get a feel of being part of the team from the start. I will attend university only one day a week. I also liked the ideal of knowing which school would be my main placement (and in my experience, the interviews were held at the schools).
There isn’t a better route, it’s really down to what your learning preference is.
Secondly, take into consideration that the course is going to be exhausting and time consuming with essay writing and class prep, so I would argue that travel time is very important. You want to minimise the stress the most you can.
Finally, I’ve heard that as long as the training provider doesn’t have a bad reputation, who you go with won’t have a real impact on your job opportunities. Incase that’s your main reason for considering Cambridge University but prefer the SCITT route.
If you’re not sure what’s best for you, why not contact the providers and see if you can have a chat with them about their course. Perhaps visit potential schools as well. Some providers offer open days, or have events either in person or online, some offer experience days. I attended some events and found them really helpful.
Any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Good luck with everything


Thank you for your advice and you’re right about the course being time consuming so I should minimise the stress. Thank you overall - it has helped me to consider which course would be better for me!

Reply 5

Original post
by hotpud
I'm not sure that in a country where teachers are in such high demand, having Cambridge University on your tie counts for that much. It isn't hard to get a job, especially in secondary. That said, most providers state you could commute up to 90 minutes each way. If this is an issue, it might be worth considering training options in bigger cities that have more schools in a smaller area. I imagine there are a few schools in Cambridge but then the rest are out in the sticks.
I would also consider thinking about doing School Direct or SCHITT as these are often led by academy trusts and placements are in trust schools which you know where they are in advance.
When choosing your training, ask about what extras they do. For example, my School Direct provider offered me voice coaching and a mental health certificate which the people on the university course did not get.


Thank you for this!

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