Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
CST schools currently work in partnership with local universities and institutions to provide placements for Initial Teacher Training (ITT). For the 2025-2026 ITT recruitment cycle, we will continue to work with the following universities:
- Bath Spa University for primary and secondary phase
- University West of England for our primary and secondary phase
- Five Counties Teaching SCITT for primary and secondary phase
- University of Bristol for most secondary subjects
A significant number of our student teachers go on to their first post in the teaching profession in one of the Trust's schools. In previous academic years, one in three of our student teachers took up their first posts in teaching with CST.
New Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses for Music
CST is joining forces with Bristol Beacon, Cabot Learning Federation and the Five Counties SCITT in a groundbreaking partnership to deliver two Initial Teacher Training courses. Starting in September 2025, these courses train primary teachers with a specialism in music and specialist music teachers for secondary education. If you are a talented musician with a passion for teaching, and a desire to shape the future and help children discover the joy of music, we want you to be part of this journey. A summary of the courses and how to apply is available on the Bristol Beacon website.
Funding for initial teacher training
Further information on funding for ITT is available here. Graduates applying to train as teachers in high-demand subjects can apply for a range of bursaries, details of which can be found by following the link above.
What do our trainees say?
"Staff across the school were really welcoming and made us feel part of the community."
"The induction at the start was very clear and helpful."
"I had a really strong mentor and department who supported me throughout my placement."
"Having a good space to work and congregate was really helpful. Sharing this with experienced staff was also really positive as they were always willing to share their experience and answer any questions we had."
"Lots of opportunities to observe lessons outside our specialism."