Mid Essex ITT has been training teachers within local secondary schools in Essex since 1994, making it one of the oldest SCITTs in the country. We are excited to have launched a new course, starting in September 2025, in partnership with local schools offering specialist provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The course will run alongside Mid Essex ITT’s existing outstanding teacher training course with the following benefits and differences:

• You will spend three days per week in a special school (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
• You will spend one day per week in a mainstream, secondary school (Friday)
• You will attend the Thursday morning training with the rest of the secondary cohort
• You will attend the Thursday afternoon training with the rest of your subject cohort
• You will attend an additional eight days of training, focused on teaching in a special school
• Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE from Anglia Ruskin University

Am I eligible to train?

To be eligible to train as a teacher, you will need the following qualifications:

1. Degree at grade 2:2 or above (you can apply in your final year of your degree)
2. GCSE in English at grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
3. GCSE in Maths at grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Candidates must be eligible to study in the UK. We are unable to sponsor student route visas.

You can read more about the eligibility requirements here

When is the deadline to apply? What is the interview process?

The final deadline to apply is 30th June 2026, though we always recommend submitting an application as soon as possible. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. Dates are TBC. Successful candidates will also be asked to attend our two days of induction training in July. You can apply to up to four courses here.

Do I need to pay for the course? Can I pay using a tuition fee loan?

Tuition fees of £9,535 are payable by the candidate to Mid Essex ITT. A loan from Student Finance England is available for trainee teachers and you can find out more here.

Trainee can also access maintenance loans / grants from Student Finance England visit Support with living costs from gov.uk to find out how much you could borrow. 

What subjects are available?

Mid Essex ITT is a secondary teacher training provider, so you will be training part of the week in a secondary school. You will need to choose a subject specialism to teach in both of your placements. To be eligible you should ideally have a degree in this subject, or a related subject, or at least an A Level (grade C or above). You can find the list of subjects below, and the funding that is available.  

How do I apply?

You apply through the Department for Education’s Apply for teacher training website:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training 

You will need to provide details of your qualifications, paid/unpaid work experience and write a personal statement. You will also need to provide details of two referees who will only be contacted if you are offered a place. You can find out more about the application process here.  

Will I get paid while training?

Whilst you are training, you might be eligible to receive a bursary, the same as the other secondary trainees. Bursary payments are tax-free and paid to you in ten, equal monthly instalments. Bursaries range from £5,000 - £29,000 and availability depends on your subject. You can find a list below. Further information about bursaries can be found here.
Candidates are advised to check their eligibility for the bursaries.  

What schools will I train in?

Our new course has been put together in partnership with the SEAX Trust. The SEAX Trust is a multi academy trust of five academies, each with their unique style and specialism. The SEAX schools are:

• Thriftwood School and College in Chelmsford
• Kingswode Hoe School in Colchester
• Grove House School in Brentwood
• Langham Oaks School in Colchester
• The Hawthorns School in Chelmsford 

What is the deadline to apply?

Our final deadline to apply is 30th June 2026. However, we strongly recommend making an early application as places are limited. 

What are the course dates?

The course runs from 1st September 2026 – 30th June 2027. You will need to attend our two days of induction training, before the summer, on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th July 2026. 

What qualifications will I receive?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE from Anglia Ruskin University. You can read more about the PGCE course here. 

What will the training involve?

The eight additional training days will take place at different special schools, where you will have a chance to have a tour of the school, meet staff and students and receive training from expert colleagues. The training will cover topics such as:

• SEN policy and legislation; ECHPs
• The areas of need and barriers to learning
• The child as a learner; inclusive practice and supportive environments
• Classroom strategies in special schools
• Adaptive teaching
• Behaviour management, including de-escalation techniques
• Communication, including the use of assistive technology to support learning and teaching
• Developing an understanding of different types of special schools and their curricula
• Working with external agencies
• Preparation for adulthood

Mid Essex ITT have developed this new course in conjunction with senior leaders from special schools in Essex to ensure it meets the needs of the children and schools in the area. It has been underpinned by the latest guidance from the Department for Education regarding ITT and special schools, ensures fidelity with the ITTECF and ensures compliance with the ITT criteria and supporting advice.  If you have any questions about the course content, please contact our Director, Sophie Allchin who would be happy to help - [email protected]