New Initial Teacher Training courses
Join us in shaping the future of music education with the Five Counties SCITT programmes for 2025-26!
Bristol Beacon, Cathedral Schools Trust, Cabot Learning Federation and the Five Counties SCITT are joining forces in a groundbreaking partnership to deliver two Initial Teacher Training courses. Starting in September 2025, these courses train primary teachers with a specialism in music and specialist music teachers for secondary education.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, addressing the crisis in music education as many university-based courses for music teachers are closing down, and government targets for music teachers are being missed.
This programme is designed to train exceptional musicians to become inspiring music teachers, bringing the joy of music to every child in our schools.
Our collaboration with Cathedral Schools Trust is a cornerstone of music education and teacher development. The Five Counties SCITT is the outstanding ITT provider leading both the primary and secondary courses. Bristol Beacon will enhance the programme with specialist music training and connections to world-class partners like the LSO, BSO, and NOYO, offering a unique and enriching experience.
Together, we are delivering two standout courses with national reach, leveraging our exceptional partnerships to inspire the next generation of music educators.
If you are a talented musician with a passion for teaching, and a desire to shape the future and help children discover the joy of music, we want you to be part of this journey.
Course summary
The Five Counties SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) courses combine experience, training and practice in schools, alongside expert teachers, with subject specialist and professional development delivered by expert subject practitioners and teacher educators. Trainees develop the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to enter the profession as well-prepared and highly effective teachers.
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.
The provision was judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in March 2024.
Find out more and apply
Primary Initial Training Course
Primary Initial Training Course
A ground-breaking Primary (5-11) with Music specialism teacher training programme, a route for those interested in primary teaching and music education.
Secondary Initial Training Course
Secondary Initial Training Course
The Five Counties SCITT Secondary Music programme trains exceptional musicians as future music teachers for secondary-aged children.
