Applicants can tell us if they have a preference from the list of partner schools we work with. Formal placement decisions are made once the course begins, as this gives us time to get to know you and understand your needs. We look carefully at mentor availability, class needs and any operational changes within schools. Our priority is to match each trainee with the right mentor and environment, taking into account your strengths, areas for development, personality and practical arrangements such as travel.

You are welcome to share your circumstances with us. We will always try to make placements practical and manageable, though our first priority is to secure the right placement that will give you the best possible training experience.

At Portsmouth SCITT, we want you to feel supported from the very start of your training. If you need help - whether related to your wellbeing, workload, personal circumstances or a specific adjustment - you can speak confidentially to a member of the SCITT team, or your school-based mentor.

With your consent, we will share only the necessary information with your placement school so that they can support you effectively. We aim to make this process as smooth as possible, which means you should not need to keep repeating your story to multiple people. Once you have discussed your needs with us, we will help coordinate the right support and ensure the appropriate individuals in school understand what is required.

Our priority is to create a training environment where you feel safe, respected and able to thrive, and where accessing support is straightforward, sensitive and without judgement.

Not driving is not a barrier to joining the programme. When allocating placements we look at feasible transport options such as walking routes, buses and trains. We will work with you to make sure your placement is accessible.

Yes. As a small provider, we get to know our trainees well and take personal circumstances into account wherever possible. We consider a range of factors to make sure your placement is both suitable and supportive.

If travel costs are becoming difficult, please speak to us as early as possible. We will look at your situation on a case-by-case basis and may be able to offer support or suggest practical solutions.