SCITT Director - Primary Catholic Partnership SCITT

About us

The Holy Family Partnership of Schools is committed to developing high quality teachers who will transform outcomes for children and young people, enabling them to become architects of a better world. Our Outstanding PCP SCITT Programme has a strong reputation locally/regionally and we are seeking an inspirational and strategic leader to build on our success and take the next step.

The Role

As Leader of the SCITT Programme you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management of the SCITT, ensuring compliance with I DfE ITT criteria, the requirements of the 2024 ITT Market review and inspection readiness.
• Lead the recruitment, selection and training of trainee teachers, apprentices and practitioners, securing high quality placements in partner schools.
• Design, deliver and evaluate the training curriculum (including subject, pedagogy, professional behaviours and mentor training) linking theory to practice.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with schools, Teaching School Hubs (TSHs), other ITT providers and relevant external agencies.
• Manage the core SCITT team (tutors, admin, mentors) ensuring high quality teaching, mentoring and support for trainees.
• Oversee quality assurance, data monitoring, continuous improvement, and ensure outstanding trainee outcomes, employment rates and programme growth.
• Lead change, innovation and research led practice in teacher education.

You will have

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a strong track record in teaching (secondary or primary) and significant recent experience of ITT/mentor work or school leadership.
• Successful School or Centre Leadership experience and the ability to think and act strategically, manage teams, budgets and multiple partnerships.
• Experience of designing and delivering high quality curriculum, training, coaching and mentoring adults (trainees, mentors).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build trust and influence across organisations.
• A commitment to school led teacher training, the development of high quality teaching and learning, and educational improvement.
• A commitment to school led apprenticeships and practitioner training.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Flexibility, resilience and the willingness to travel across partner schools as required.

What we offer

• A leadership role with genuine strategic impact on teacher recruitment, training and retention across the South East
• Professional development opportunities and access to national networks (e.g., NASBTT, Teaching School Hubs and the Chartered College of Teaching).
• Collaborative, supportive culture within our partnership of schools committed to excellence.
• Competitive salary, teachers' pension, and staff benefits (subject to terms).
• Term time working pattern (plus agreed INSET days) which enables a focus on training and programme leadership.

How to apply

Please submit an completed application form, a covering letter (max 2 pages) - please find this here () outlining how you meet the person specification and why you are excited about this role.

Application deadline: Midday, 12th January 2026

Interviews: 9th and 10th February 2026

For an informal discussion please contact: Jeff Sendall, Chair of Board

The Holy Family Partnership of Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Job Description Purpose of the Role

To provide strategic leadership, direction, and management of the SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) programme to ensure high-quality teacher training and compliance with DfE, Ofsted, and NASBTT standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the SCITT provision.
• Ensure compliance with statutory ITT frameworks, including mentor training and curriculum design.
• Maintain robust systems for quality assurance and data monitoring.
• Collaborate with partner schools to ensure effective placements and mentor support.
• Deliver and evaluate core training sessions for trainees and mentors.
• Liaise with external partners, Teaching School Hubs, and universities.
• Manage budgets and resources efficiently.
• Report to the Board/Partnership on outcomes and strategic developments.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in teacher training, apprenticeships and practitioner training.
• Lead continuous improvement and innovation in ITT delivery.
• Promote and uphold the Catholic ethos & Develop and maintain strong partnerships with the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth and Diocesan schools.

Person Specification Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - essential
• Degree-level qualification - essential
• Postgraduate Qualification - desirable
• Leadership qualification (NPQH / NPQSL or equivalent) - desirable
• Experience of teacher training, mentoring, or working within an ITT/SCITT environment - essential
• Experience of senior leadership within education, including managing teams and budgets - essential

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent understanding of DfE ITT criteria and Ofsted frameworks
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• High-level communication and interpersonal abilities
• An understanding of how to approach marketing and budget management
• Competence in data analysis and quality assurance processes
• Ability to design and deliver professional learning for adults
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of trainees and pupils

Personal Qualities

• Inspirational and values-driven leader
• Strategic thinker with the ability to operationalise vision
• Reflective and values-led, with a strong commitment to a life rooted in prayer, faith, and service
• Collaborative and supportive approach to partnership working
• Resilient, reflective, and open to change
• Commitment to equality, inclusion, and continuous professional growth