Job Introduction
The Holy Family Partnership of Schools is committed to developing high‑quality teachers who will transform outcomes for children and young people, enabling them to become architects of a better world. Our Outstanding PCP SCITT Programme has a strong reputation locally/regionally and we are seeking an inspirational and strategic leader to build on our success and take the next step.
The Primary Catholic Partnership SCITT, a highly respected and long-established School Centred Initial Teacher Training provider based in Southampton, is seeking to appoint a visionary and dynamic Director. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspirational leader, with a strong personal faith, and a deep commitment to Catholic education, who will share our passion for developing the next generation of teachers and drive forward an innovative, research-informed training programme that meets the evolving needs of schools and pupils across the South East region.
The PCP SCITT has a proud record of excellence, delivering primary PGCE programmes in partnership with Bath Spa University and achieving Outstanding status from Ofsted since 2005. In our most recent inspection in 2024, Ofsted commended the partnership for its "careful thought in every aspect of this highly ambitious programme" and for its "clear shared vision, exceptional collaboration and meticulous attention to quality and impact."
Building on this strong foundation, we are looking for a leader who will continue to evolve and innovate our offer, integrating cutting-edge educational research, digital technologies and inclusive practices into every aspect of our training. You will champion creativity and continuous improvement, ensuring that our trainees are not only classroom ready but future ready, equipped with the skills, confidence and insight to make a lasting difference in diverse school communities.
We offer a progressive and personalised training experience within a supportive and faith-informed environment. Our trainees benefit from a range of routes into teaching including PGCE and Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships, with flexible and tailored placements across our extensive network of 40 partner schools throughout Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, the Portsmouth Diocese and Dorset. As we continue to grow, we are expanding our reach into neighbouring regions and exploring new partnerships that will further strengthen our impact and influence.
We are proud to be recognised as an outstanding provider and an accredited partner in the Southern region committed to excellence, inclusion and innovation in teacher education.
If you are an ambitious educational leader with a passion for shaping the future of teacher training and a drive to build on our exceptional reputation, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The Role
As Leader of the SCITT Programme you will:
• Provide strategic leadership and operational management of the SCITT, ensuring compliance with I DfE ITT criteria, the requirements of the 2024 ITT Market review and inspection readiness.
• Lead the recruitment, selection and training of trainee teachers, apprentices and practitioners, securing high‑quality placements in partner schools.
• Design, deliver and evaluate the training curriculum (including subject, pedagogy, professional behaviours and mentor‑training) linking theory to practice.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with schools, Teaching School Hubs (TSHs), other ITT providers and relevant external agencies.
• Manage the core SCITT team (tutors, admin, mentors) ensuring high‑quality teaching, mentoring and support for trainees.
• Oversee quality assurance, data monitoring, continuous improvement, and ensure outstanding trainee outcomes, employment rates and programme growth.
• Lead change, innovation and research‑led practice in teacher education.
You will have
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a strong track record in teaching (secondary or primary) and significant recent experience of ITT/mentor work or school leadership.
• Successful School or Centre Leadership experience and the ability to think and act strategically, manage teams, budgets and multiple partnerships.
• Experience of designing and delivering high‑quality curriculum, training, coaching and mentoring adults (trainees, mentors).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build trust and influence across organisations.
• A commitment to school‑led teacher training, the development of high‑quality teaching and learning, and educational improvement.
• A commitment to school‑led apprenticeships and practitioner training.
• Strong attention to detail
• Flexibility, resilience and the willingness to travel across partner schools as required.
What we offer
• A leadership role with genuine strategic impact on teacher recruitment, training and retention across the South East
• Professional development opportunities and access to national networks (e.g., NASBTT, Teaching School Hubs and the Chartered College of Teaching).
• Collaborative, supportive culture within our partnership of schools committed to excellence.
• Competitive salary, teachers’ pension, and staff benefits (subject to terms).
• Term‑time working pattern (plus agreed INSET days) which enables a focus on training and programme leadership.
How to apply
Please submit an completed application form, a covering letter (max 2 pages) – please find this here (www.pcp-scitt.org.uk/scitt-director/) outlining how you meet the person specification and why you are excited about this role,
Application deadline: Midday, 12th January 2026
Interviews: 9th and 10th February 2026
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
