Teacher Training in Sunderland & the North East
Train to teach with Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust (BCCET). Our school-centred teacher training programme offers practical classroom experience, dedicated mentoring and professional development across Sunderland, South Tyneside and East Durham.

Become a Teacher in Sunderland, South Tyneside & Durham
Start your teaching career with school-based training in the North East.
Looking to become a teacher in Sunderland, South Tyneside or Durham? Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust offers school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) opportunities across our family of primary and secondary schools in the North East.
Whether you are interested in primary teacher training or want to specialise in a secondary school subject, our programme combines practical classroom experience, expert mentoring and high-quality professional development.
Working in partnership with Teach First, BCCET provides aspiring teachers with a supportive route towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Our training programme is designed to help you develop the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to begin a successful teaching career.
Hear From Our Teacher Training Trainees
Discover what it is like to train to teach with BCCET.
Hear directly from previous trainees about their classroom experience, mentoring, professional development and the support they received throughout their teacher training.
Why Choose BCCET for Teacher Training?
Practical experience, professional development and dedicated support.
Develop your teaching practice through meaningful classroom experience in our North East primary and secondary schools.
Receive dedicated one-to-one support and guidance from experienced teaching professionals.
Complete an intensive school-centred route into the teaching profession.
Build the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to begin your teaching career.
100% of last year's trainees secured teaching roles after completing their training.
Previous trainees have praised the organisation and support provided throughout the course.
Primary & Secondary Teacher Training Courses
Explore our teaching subjects and entry requirements.
Teacher Training Courses
- Primary Teacher Training – Ages 4 to 11
- Early Primary Teacher Training – Ages 3 to 7
- Secondary Teacher Training:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing
- English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- History
- Geography
- Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
- Music
- Physical Education (PE)
- Religious Education (RE)
Teacher Training Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
- Sufficient knowledge of the subject you wish to teach.
- GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics.
- GCSE Science if applying for Primary or Early Primary teacher training.
Teacher Training Fees & How to Apply
Take the next step towards becoming a qualified teacher.
Our Teacher Training Partnership With Teach First
BCCET & Teach First
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust partners with Teach First to deliver high-impact teacher training and professional development across the North East of England. We welcome trainees of all faiths and beliefs who share and support the values of our Trust.
Teacher Training Locations Across the North East
Opportunities in Sunderland, South Tyneside and East Durham.
Training with BCCET gives you the opportunity to gain experience across our family of primary and secondary schools in Sunderland, South Tyneside and East Durham, learning from experienced colleagues working in a range of school communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Training
Everything you need to know about becoming a teacher with BCCET.
How do I become a teacher in Sunderland?
To become a teacher in Sunderland, you will normally need an undergraduate degree and the required GCSE qualifications. You can then apply for a teacher training programme such as BCCET's school-centred initial teacher training route, which combines classroom experience with professional training.
Can I train to teach in South Tyneside or Durham?
Yes. Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust provides teacher training opportunities across schools in South Tyneside, Sunderland and East Durham. Training placements depend on course availability and the schools participating in the programme.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher?
Applicants normally need an undergraduate degree, GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics, and sufficient subject knowledge. Primary teacher training applicants also require a GCSE in Science at Grade 4/C or above.
Can I train to become a primary school teacher?
Yes. BCCET offers primary teacher training routes for teaching children aged 4 to 11 and an early primary route for children aged 3 to 7.
What secondary school subjects can I train to teach?
BCCET offers secondary teacher training opportunities in subjects including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education and Religious Education.
Does teacher training lead to QTS and a PGCE?
BCCET's teacher training programme provides a route towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), helping trainees prepare for their teaching careers.
Is funding available for teacher training?
Depending on your circumstances and the subject you wish to teach, you may be eligible for student finance, teacher training bursaries or other financial support. Visit the Get Into Teaching funding and support website for current information.
How do I apply for teacher training with BCCET?
You can apply through the government's Apply for Teacher Training service . For questions about BCCET's training programme, email [email protected] .
Useful Teacher Training Links
Teacher Training Programme Documents
Talk to our Teacher Development team about primary and secondary teacher training opportunities, our North East schools and the support available.