New teacher training partnership launches

The University of Brighton has entered a new partnership to expand its contribution to training and developing ‘outstanding’ teachers across England.

The new partnership is with Surrey South Farnham SCITT (School-centred Initial Teacher Training) who work with over 115 schools in their area. Like Brighton, they are graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and have a long and successful history of providing initial teacher education (ITE).

Brighton has co-developed and will deliver the masters element of Surrey South Farnham’s ITE programmes leading to the award of PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). Surrey South Farnham SCITT provide the professional training, which leads to the professional award of QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).

Ann-Marie Bahaire, Director of Initial Teacher Training at Surrey South Farnham SCITT, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the University of Brighton, whose values and commitment to excellence in teacher education align so closely with our own. The Brighton team have been exemplary in their support, enabling the rapid development and approval of a PGCE programme that not only complements but deepens our curriculum.”

“This collaboration brings together two outstanding providers with a shared vision: to ensure that children across the South East benefit from high-quality, evidence-informed teaching. We look forward to building on this exciting partnership and continuing to raise the bar for initial teacher education.”

Both partners will benefit from sharing expertise, and up to 120 trainees are expected to participate in the PGCE each year.

Senior lecturer, Richard Harvey-Swanston, course convenor said: “It has been a real pleasure to welcome our first cohort to this exciting new PGCE route.

“Working in partnership with South Farnham SCITT is a privilege, and together we are creating a programme that blends Brighton’s strengths to give trainees an exceptional start to their teaching careers.”

Deputy Dean of Education, Sport and Health Sciences, Andy Davies, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working in this new partnership with such as superb provider of teacher education as Surrey South Farnham SCITT.  We are enjoying collaborating and learning with these new colleagues, and we are excited to welcome them to the University of Brighton team.”

Since 2019 Brighton has delivered successful PGCE partnerships with SCITT providers such as Inspiring Future Teachers across England. If you’d like to discuss a future ITE partnership with the university, please contact Andy Davies at A.J.Davies@brighton.ac.uk.

Learn about the University of Brighton’s School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences.