Every child deserves a great teacher.  

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)  

At St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust (STCAT), we believe teaching is one of the most profound ways to serve others. Every day, teachers use their gifts, talents and dedication to inspire children, nurture confidence, and unlock potential. In doing so, they help young people flourish not only academically but also personally, socially and spiritually.  

This belief lies at the heart of our mission: “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.” We are committed to providing an education that nurtures faith, love, hope and learning, enabling every child to flourish. To achieve this, we must first invest in the people who make that vision a reality - our teachers.  

Through our School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) and Early Career Teacher (ECT) programmes, we are developing the next generation of educators, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to transform lives and shape the future.  

Developing the Next Generation of Teachers  

This year, STCAT has supported seven Primary SCITT trainees as they begin their journey into the teaching profession. Looking ahead, we are delighted to see this programme continue to grow, with projected numbers of 15–20 trainees across both Primary and Secondary phases joining us in September.  

Our SCITT programme provides aspiring teachers with the opportunity to learn through a blend of high-quality professional training and extensive classroom experience. Trainees work alongside experienced practitioners, receive expert mentoring and become part of a supportive network that encourages both professional and personal growth. We are blessed to be working in partnership with Xavier Teach Southeast, who are one of the leading teacher training providers in the country.   

For many trainees, joining the programme represents a significant life change.

One trainee, who entered teaching as a career changer, reflected:  

I've had an amazing, transformative year on the SCITT programme with STCAT. As a career changer, I was nervous and excited to make this change, but the support I received throughout the year helped me overcome challenges and grow in confidence. I’m very pleased to say I’ve secured an ECT position within the Trust and I’m ecstatic to be staying as I begin my teaching career. 

Another trainee shared:  

My experience as a SCITT trainee with STCAT has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. The programme has allowed me to develop a much deeper understanding of teaching practice while building my confidence in the classroom. The relationships formed with peers and leaders created a supportive learning environment where we could encourage one another and grow together throughout the year. I am very grateful for the support, opportunities and sense of community that STCAT has provided. 

These experiences reflect what makes STCAT distinctive. We are more than a collection of schools; we are a family of schools united by a shared commitment to excellence, service and human flourishing. Our trainees are not simply learning how to teach, they are becoming part of a community where they are encouraged to discover and develop their God-given gifts.  

Supporting Teachers to Thrive  

Learning to teach is only the beginning of a professional journey. The first years in the classroom are often the most challenging and the most formative. That is why STCAT places such importance on supporting teachers during their Early Career Teacher years.  

This year, we have supported 27 Year 1 ECTs and 26 Year 2 ECTs, with projected numbers of approximately 60 ECTs across Years 1 and 2 from September.  

Our ECT programme combines expert mentoring, instructional coaching, professional development and collaborative networking opportunities. It is designed not only to strengthen classroom practice but also to build confidence, resilience and professional identity.  

One Year 2 Primary ECT described their experience:  

My experience as an ECT at STCAT has been incredibly positive and rewarding. Throughout the programme, I felt consistently supported by both my tutor and mentor. The seminars were particularly valuable, providing opportunities to meet teachers from different schools, share experiences, exchange ideas and learn from one another. Every session gave me something new to reflect on and apply in my own teaching practice.

A Year 1 Mathematics teacher highlighted the wider impact of the programme:  

The Trust has provided a nurturing environment where the dignity and potential of every learner and every teacher are genuinely valued. Through regular coaching, high-quality professional development and subject-specific seminars, I have strengthened my teaching practice and developed greater confidence in meeting the needs of all learners. STCAT’s commitment to developing the whole person has shaped not only my teaching but also my character.

These reflections capture something that is central to our approach: great teaching grows in environments where people feel supported, valued and challenged to become the very best version of themselves.  

Why Choose STCAT?  

Whether beginning a teaching career through SCITT or progressing through the Early Career Framework, STCAT offers a unique environment in which teachers can learn, grow and flourish.  

Our trainees and ECTs benefit from:  

• A family of schools committed to academic excellence and whole-person development.  

• Expert mentors and experienced educational leaders.  

• High-quality professional development, rooted in evidence-informed practice.  

• A collaborative network spanning Primary and Secondary education.  

• Opportunities for career progression within a growing Trust.  

• A values-led culture grounded in Faith, Hope and Love.  

Most importantly, our teachers become part of a community that believes education is about developing the whole person. Just as we seek to help every child flourish, we are equally committed to helping every member of staff discover their strengths, deepen their expertise and fulfil their potential.  

Join Us in Shaping the Future  

As we prepare to welcome a new cohort of SCITT trainees and Early Career Teachers this September, we remain inspired by the impact that dedicated educators have on the lives of young people every day.  

Teaching is far more than a profession; it is a vocation rooted in service, compassion and hope. Through our SCITT and ECT programmes, we are investing in educators who will help children discover their gifts, fulfil their potential and become fully alive.  

If you are considering a career in teaching or looking for a Trust that will support your professional growth while sharing your commitment to educational excellence, we would love to hear from you.  

Together, we can continue building communities where every child and every teacher can flourish.