Initial Teacher Training: Secondary
The Five Counties SCITT Secondary Music programme in 2025-26 is an exciting and innovative new initiative in partnership with the Bristol Beacon, Cathedral Schools Trust, Cabot Learning Federation and national music makers. We will train exceptional musicians, as future music teachers, to inspire all children in our schools through opportunities to experience and participate in music making.
Our outstanding School Centred Initial Teacher Training programmes combine experience, training and practice in school alongside expert teachers, with subject specialist and professional development delivered by expert teacher educators. Our trainees develop the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to enter the profession as well-prepared and highly effective teachers.
Our core training equips trainees with evidence-based knowledge and understanding that is developed and implemented in school-based training. Trainees develop skills and techniques that can be applied in their placement schools with the support of expert subject-specialist mentors and professional tutors.
As a music trainee teacher, you will brush up your subject knowledge of music theory and genres, learn how to teach singing and playing, develop your knowledge of music in the cultures of the children in our schools and extend your own music appreciation and repertoire.
There is a strong focus on professionalism and personal refection, and trainees are expected to be proactive and take responsibility for their own learning and progress. Professional learning conversations with mentors and expert tutors provide regular opportunities to guide and support trainees, ensuring continuous professional development and increasing independence in their professional practice.
Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the opportunity to gain a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with 60 Master’s level credits from our partner Sheffield Hallam University.
This is delivered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University who deliver face-to-face training at the SCITT in Bristol and provide online tutor support.
Enrolment open now for September 2025.
Course highlights
Distinctive features of the programme include:
- Intensive school-based practice weeks
- School experience all year round including two main placements
- Personalised and differentiated programme
- Exceptional pastoral support; we are ‘a family’, we care and support trainees’ well-being and management of workload
- Weekly centre-based training delivered by teaching experts and specialists
- Deep commitment to inclusive practice, celebrating diversity and championing the values of equity and inclusion
- Deep focus on adaptive teaching practice to meet the needs of learners with SEND and those experiencing disadvantage
- Cross phase and complementary training experiences in and out of school
- CPD opportunities and conferences in our partner schools and trusts in addition to centre-based training
- Support for gaining employment as an Early Career Teacher, often in one of our partnership schools
- Continuum of support in first two years as a Qualified Teacher
Entry Requirements
Qualifications needed
An undergraduate degree at class 2:2 or above, or equivalent.
If your degree is not at least 50% related to Music we would require you to have at least an AS and/or A Level (or equivalent) in the subject.
Your degree subject should be in Music or a similar subject. Otherwise you will need to prove your subject knowledge in some other way.
Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths, or equivalent qualification.
Candidates with pending GCSEs will be considered.
Personal qualities
We are looking for trainee teachers who share our ambition for improving outcomes for all children and young people through working collaboratively and inclusively, and in particular enabling equity through education for those experiencing disadvantage.
You will need to demonstrate the commitment and resilience needed to become a highly effective teacher and lifelong learner.
Contact
For queries about the course or application process, contact the training provider via the following details:
scitt@clf.uk or info@fivecountiesalliance.co.uk
Telephone
0117 244 6233
Upcoming CPD courses and opportunities
Booking for our CPD events is now open – keep an eye on this page for the latest booking information.
