Working through a smaller SCITT like YTCA means you have a much more personal experience, and you don’t get swallowed up as just a number in the system. It also means you get to know the people you’re studying with much better and build a really close group. The PGCE year is hard, everyone says it and it’s true. But I found the people I studied with at YTCA really supportive – everyone’s going through the same thing and will try their best to help you out.

You’ll also spend a lot more time in the classroom, right from the get go, which means it’s a really hands on course. Take the opportunity to ask as many questions, and observe as many teachers, as you can – watching other people doing it and talking to them about it is a great way to find your feet at the beginning.

I was given an opportunity to follow a dream. Being a teacher was a million miles away from my previous life in the construction industry. The YTCA SCITT gave me the platform and incredible support to fulfil my potential. 4 years later and I am an established English teacher (and assistant head of year) in a great team, in a great school.