As hundreds of pupils across the North-East prepare to move on to the next stage of their education this summer, one education leader is celebrating a different kind of graduation.

Suzanne Robinson, director of teacher development at Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust (BCCET), says seeing trainee teachers complete the Trust's School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme, gives her the same sense of pride and achievement she experienced throughout her career as a primary school teacher.

Now responsible for helping to shape the next generation of educators, Suzanne is reflecting on another successful year for BCCET's SCITT programme, which trains aspiring teachers across East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland in partnership with Teach First.

"There is a very similar feeling," said Suzanne.

"As a primary teacher, seeing children grow in confidence, develop new skills and move on ready for their next challenge was always incredibly rewarding.

“Watching our trainee teachers make that same journey – from their first days in the classroom to becoming confident, qualified professionals – brings exactly the same sense of pride. You see just how far they've come and know the positive impact they'll go on to have on the lives of young people."

The programme will welcome its fourth cohort in September and has seen steady growth since launching. This year 16 trainee teachers are set to begin their training this September. Despite a significant drop in teacher training applications nationally, BCCET is seeing an increase in applications for their SCITT.

Among the 2025/26 year’s successful trainees is Bobbi Bowman, 23, who studied business management at Durham University before volunteering at her alma mater, St Godric’s Catholic Primary School, Thornley. Bobbi completed her SCITT placement teaching Years 3 and 4 at the school and has now secured a teaching role there.

"The best thing about the programme is how well equipped it makes you to become a teacher,” she said.

“Because it's so school-based, you gain real classroom experience from day one in a way that's very different from a university-based course."

Alex Dysell, 34, spent several years teaching English to Key Stage 2 pupils in South Korea before relocating to the North-East. Inspired by his passion for education, Alex joined the programme and completed his placement at St Matthew's Catholic Primary School, Jarrow, teaching Year 4.

Alex said: "The support from staff, the programme team and fellow trainees has been incredible. It's a wonderful, shared experience and you're never on your own."

Applications for the 2027-28 programme open in October 2026.

Suzanne's passion for teacher development comes from years spent working in primary schools across the North-east. The leadership role she found the greatest satisfaction in was supporting trainee teachers, Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and their mentors.

"The part of the job I've always loved was taking trainee teachers, ECTs and mentors under my wing. I absolutely loved that and knew that was the direction I wanted my career to take.

"When the opportunity came up at BCCET to establish the SCITT, support the ECT programme, and oversee National Professional Qualifications, I jumped at it because it combines everything I love doing. Luckily, I was successful and was appointed as director of teacher development across our 31 schools."

A key feature of the programme is its personalised approach. Suzanne leads the SCITT alongside a team of lead mentors based in Trust schools, while every trainee is assigned an individual mentor within their placement school.

She believes the quality of mentoring is one of the most important factors in a trainee teacher's success.

"Whenever I have spoken to trainee teachers in the past who were struggling, it often came down to not having the right mentor match," she explained.

"At BCCET, we work closely with schools to identify staff who have both the capacity and the passion to support trainees. We carefully match mentors with trainees and make sure placements are right for both the individual and the school."

The recruitment process also focuses on ensuring trainees feel welcomed and supported from the outset. Applicants are given the opportunity to visit schools, meet staff and familiarise themselves with their placement well before their official start date.

"By the time September arrives, many of them already feel part of the school community," Suzanne said.

"It helps reduce those first-day nerves and allows them to focus on their development."

Each year, current trainees also join incoming cohorts at a welcome event where they share experiences, advice and memories from their training year.

"I always find that day quite emotional," Suzanne added.

"They are my class. We celebrate everything they've achieved and reflect on the challenges, successes and funny moments from the year. Then they move on into their own teaching careers and that's incredibly rewarding. Those who have secured jobs within our trust are also supported by me for their ECT two years. I can see them flourish beyond the SCITT course which is wonderful. Some of my teachers who were in the first ever cohort, completed the Early Career Training Programme and are now starting NPQs with BCCET to further their development.”

Having worked extensively with trainee teachers, Suzanne believes that subject expertise alone does not make an effective educator.

"There is a big difference between being able to lecture and being able to teach," she said.

"Someone may have excellent subject knowledge, but being a good teacher is about adapting learning for every child so they can flourish. It's about understanding progression, knowing where pupils are in their learning journey and being able to pitch lessons appropriately. It is about developing strong relationships with every pupil, without that you cannot develop, nurture and support that pupil. That's what makes a great teacher."

BCCET's SCITT programme offers training across primary and secondary education, with placements available throughout East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Trainees benefit from high-quality classroom experience, individual mentor support and training delivered in partnership with Teach First.

The Trust reports that historically all their trainees have secured teaching roles, many have secured jobs within the Trust. Some are using the qualification to teach in international schools in places such as Switzerland, China, Australia and Dubai.

Courses are available in Primary (3-7 and 4-11 years) and Secondary subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Computing, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Physics and Religious Education.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification, have sufficient subject knowledge and possess GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths. Primary applicants also require GCSE Science.

For more information about teacher training opportunities with Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, visit www.bccet.org.uk  or email [email protected]

ENDS

 

Photo captions: Suzanne Robinson with this year’s cohort.

 

Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582.