Elizabeth Carter-McQueen - Headteacher
I completed my training in 2006, when the SCITT was known as the Graduate Teacher Programme. I was initially drawn to this form of ITT as I knew that I would be training within a school and would therefore be immersed in the day-to-day job. The combination of external training through the SCITT and in-school experience was extremely beneficial. It enabled me to put theory into practice immediately and to have pedagogical discussions about how best to improve my practice with highly skilled professionals on a daily basis. This regular, highly-focused feedback made it possible for me to rapidly develop my teaching expertise and ultimately gain the most I possibly could from my training year.
In my opinion, one of the greatest benefits of the scheme is the high-quality mentoring. My mentor both supported and challenged me; many of the key principles she instilled within me I use today and I often hear her voice in my head when having discussions with colleagues who are new to teaching. Feedback was always delivered in a supportive way and, because it was so regular, its impact was immediate.
My SCITT experience gave me a great initiation into teaching and enabled me to start my NQT year with confidence. After 2 years I became Year 6 coordinator with my training school. I then went on to assistant and then deputy headship in other schools before being appointed Head of School at New Haw in 2016.
I am delighted to be taking up the Headteacher position at The Raleigh School from January 2024.
Elizabeth Carter-McQueen
Headteacher, The Raleigh School
I have continued to be an avid supporter of School Centred Initial Teacher Training throughout my career. Many of the staff at New Haw and The Raleigh School have completed their training through the South Farnham SCITT programme, including a number of our senior leadership team.
Training in an outstanding school with the support of both my mentor and the programme enabled me to have an extremely strong start to my career and I would wholeheartedly recommend this training route for any aspiring teachers.