STL SCITT Named SCITT of the Year at NASBTT Awards 2026

The School of Teaching and Learning (STL SCITT), part of River Learning Trust (RLT), has been named SCITT of the Year at the prestigious National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT) Awards 2026.

Announced at a ceremony held at BMA House in London, the national award, sponsored by Mosaic, celebrates School-Centred Initial Teacher Training providers that combine high-quality training, strong practice, and sector-wide leadership with a clear sense of moral purpose.

The accolade marks an extraordinary year of recognition for STL SCITT, following its primary and secondary provision being judged 'Exceptional' in every area by Ofsted in March 2026.

Celebrating Sector-Leading Practice and Collaboration

As the initial teacher training arm of River Learning Trust, STL SCITT works across RLT schools and an extensive partnership network operating through seven hubs across three counties. Over 13 years, the provider has trained approximately 1,200 teachers, with recent cohorts surpassing 200 trainees per year.

The NASBTT judging panel highlighted several distinctive strengths across the provision:

• Personalised Trainee Support: From application through induction, staff work closely with each trainee—known as an Associate Teacher, to understand individual starting points, circumstances, and potential barriers. Tailored training plans, early mentor intervention, and carefully matched school placements ensure trainees build confidence and agency.
• Flexible Training Pathways: By offering full-time, part-time, and postgraduate teaching apprenticeship routes across primary, secondary, and special school settings, STL SCITT makes entering the profession viable for career changers and flexible learners.
• High-Impact Mentor Development: Comprehensive, evidence-informed coaching and professional development are provided to Mentors and Senior Links before trainees arrive. This investment directly benefits wider staff development across RLT and partnership schools.
• Equity and Sector Leadership: Judges commended STL SCITT's drive in establishing a regional Racial Equity Network for trainees, mentors, and leaders from the global majority, as well as its proactive support for other providers during recent national ITT accreditation changes.

Comments from Leadership

Patrick Garton, Director of STL SCITT, said:

It is a huge honour to have received this award and I am delighted that our work as a partnership has been recognised in this way. We have a brilliant network of schools who share our commitment to ensuring that the new teachers who train with us are skilled, committed and inspired.

Children and young people deserve to be taught by great teachers – that is why we exist and what constantly drives us to adapt and improve.”

Paul James, Chief Executive of River Learning Trust, added:

Winning SCITT of the Year at the NASBTT Awards is fantastic recognition for Patrick Garton, the STL SCITT team and the partnership. High-quality initial teacher training is vital to the success of the wider education system, and Patrick and his team consistently set the standard for excellence. This national award is thoroughly deserved.”

Emma Hollis, CEO of NASBTT, commented:

The NASBTT Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to support children and young people through the training and development of excellent teachers.

It has been an absolute joy to see colleagues championing the organisations and individuals who make such a difference to their trainees, schools and communities. My congratulations go to each of our winners.”

Train to Teach with an Award-Winning Provider

Whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or looking for a school-based apprenticeship, STL SCITT offers tailored training routes designed around you.

• Explore our Primary, Secondary, and Special School Programmes
• Learn about our Flexible Part-Time and Apprenticeship Routes
• Contact our admissions team directly.