SCITT Trainee Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it.

Our students and alumni share their experiences studying with us and explain what sets us apart.

I have fully enjoyed my time at CREC and would recommend their SCITT to anyone looking at getting into teaching. The academic tutors and my placement mentors have been beyond supportive and tailored their learning to support each student's particular needs. I feel the course has prepared me for starting as an ECT and I would like to thank the team at CREC for their continued support, creative ways of teaching and their passion for the Early Years".

— Darian Bourke, SCITT 2022-23

What our students have said

  • My confidence has been massively boosted throughout my time at CREC.

    Both placement mentors and academic tutors have provided an amazing support system. I feel that the CREC team genuinely care about the wellbeing of the cohort and ensure that everyone’s individual needs are being met. I would highly recommend this course for anyone looking into PGCE teacher training.

    Jenna Dewis, 2023 - present

  • I have found CREC so supportive on this journey.

    They make sure you are seen as an individual, recognising your background and guiding you towards new knowledge. The experience I have had has been an excellent start to my teaching adventure.

    Lizzie Philips, 2023-present

  • I have been given a great amount of support to help me flourish as a teacher.

    I feel that my wellbeing has been considered by mentors and tutors. With CREC’s support, I have gained great confidence in myself and my teaching. I would highly recommend CREC to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in teaching.

    Sanita Rahl, 2023-present

  • CREC is a wonderful place to study, I am so glad that I came across the course. You always worry if you’ve chosen the right place to study but with CREC I have never questioned that.

    “They have been supportive since day one and have always only been an email or phone call away. I feel that I have learnt so much since starting in September, throughout placement and taught sessions. I am very grateful to have been accepted onto a brilliant course, with great, supportive staff and have met some wonderful peers that will remain friends for life.”

    Daisy Secker, 2022-23 cohort

  • CREC has given me a head start into my career of becoming a teacher. From day one, they immersed me into the classroom, so I felt part of the teaching team in September and the extended time in school meant that I was able to get a real feel for life as a teacher.

    “With such a small cohort, the course is very personal and adaptive to your needs and that of others on the cohort. It's also lovely being able to share ideas and participate in group work; where you feel like a little CREC family. I've always felt supported by CREC and the other students on the course. I would definitely recommend CREC if you’re looking at starting your teaching career.”

    Zoe Jackson, 2022-23 cohort

  • My time at CREC has been nothing short of enriching.

    The course structure is designed to foster deep learning and growth, offering a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Both my academic tutors’ and placement mentors’ dedication is shown through their support. The collaborative environment among peers fuels stimulating discussions and encouraged innovative thinking. I am grateful for the valuable insights and skills I have gained.

    Megan Bartlam, 2023-present

  • I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with CREC and would highly recommend them to anyone considering entering teaching.

    The programme itself provides you with immediate access to working within a range of settings which has been the perfect way to truly gain a feel for what the life of a teacher involves.

    Familiarising yourself with a school over a longer period allows the learning process to be natural and manageable.

    CREC always made me feel supported and valued and working collaboratively with a small group of trainees has been highly beneficial when learning the theoretical side of the teaching techniques.

    I feel very prepared to start my NQT year and would like to thank CREC for their inspiration, passion and enthusiasm."

    Stephanie Douglas 2019/20 cohort

  • The tutors at CREC really encourage you and challenge you to think for yourself and to reflect on your own practice and to follow your own needs and ideas which I have been very grateful for.

    I think it has really built my confidence in my own thoughts and ideas in regards to research and my own practice.

    The days at CREC are great, I always love returning to see everybody. They really allow you to come together as a group and to catch up with the other students and share your own research, share any challenges that you have come across, and just to have that interaction with each other to share what you’re all going through.

    Face to face days are also great for getting that one-to-one support with the tutors, sharing your ideas on your research and getting some advice from them on how to take it further and extend your knowledge.

    Clair Sammons, CREC SCITT and CREC MA, 2015-2020

  • It was great to be a part of a close learning community and go on the journey together.

    "Being a trainee teacher is full time, it means a lot of hard work and long days but I can assure you, if you’re cut out for it, you will thoroughly enjoy the course, as I did!

    It was great to be a part of a close learning community and go on the journey together. I met some very inspiring people who I think have helped me be the teacher I am today."

    Lauren Coates, CREC SCITT and CREC MA, 2015-2019

  • Taking the leap into teacher training was daunting but from the very start everyone at CREC have been very supportive and helpful during the whole process.

    “I have enjoyed getting to know everyone and I truly believe that the SCITT programme has given me the opportunities and experience to develop my teaching knowledge.”

    Jessica Wyatt, 2022-23 cohort

  • I'm really glad I chose to study at CREC.

    "The course allows for flexibility and the knowledge and support from staff, along with the great resources, helps to create a stimulating and nurturing environment, which naturally encourages growth and confidence in developing my pedagogy."

    Liz McKinlay, 2018/19 cohort

  • The support I have received from both my academic tutor and my placement mentors has been truly amazing. I genuinely could not have asked for a better support system.

    “They have tailored their support to my individual needs, and I feel there is a genuine care about my well-being and development.

    I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with such a wonderful, inspiring, and motivated team (...). Training during the time of the Coronavirus pandemic has not been without its challenges - but it has also provided me with practical experiences of being adaptable, versatile, and resilient."

    Yazmin Hunter, 2020/21 cohort

  • The experience and support that I have received during my time on the SCITT has been outstanding.

    “CREC have supported me to develop my subject knowledge and I have been able to apply this regularly with guidance of teachers and mentors on placement.

    Reflecting on my time and how much I have developed to become a teacher is overwhelming and an experience that I am so grateful for.”

    Nicole Curtis 2022-23 cohort

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I highly recommend the SCITT run at CREC because it immersed me in the role of a teacher very quickly and allowed me to find practical ways to exercise my newly acquired knowledge every day.”

— Onkar Phul, SCITT 2016-17