About Prestolee SCITT
We are Prestolee SCITT, a Greater Manchester Primary ITT provider who has been delivering high-quality teacher training since our accreditation in 2015. Recently graded Outstanding by Ofsted (July 2023), our excellent and dedicated team will help you discover who you are as a teacher, providing you with the necessary challenge to ensure you are an outstanding practitioner. We are passionate about transforming talented individuals into outstanding teachers who will go on to make a real difference in the outcomes for children in their local area, giving them the best chances in life.
Our Vision and Values
A culture of excellence is promoted within our schools, for both staff, trainees and pupils alike. We do this by focusing on our four key values.
Supportive
We support and value our staff, our children, our trainees and our wider school communities.
Innovative
We embrace new teaching ideas and progressive ways of working.
Collaborative
We learn from each other and solve problems as a wider team.
Inclusive
We harness the power of diversity and use it to learn and grow.
Our Journey
Innovating in Education for 100 Years
The man who started #TeamPresto
Edward (Teddy) F. O'Neill
Edward (Teddy) F. O’Neill was the Headteacher of Prestolee Primary School from 1919-1953 and a pioneer of innovative teaching. Not afraid of backlash from the Local Authority, he battled on with his belief that children required freedom, trust and discovery to learn.
In addition to breaking with the tradition of the same-old route, Prestolee Primary School developed a community centre called the ‘Palace of Youth’; a playground constructed by the children containing a windmill, water gardens and a paddling pool. A yearly calendar of community events and widely attended illuminations. The school, the Headmaster and his innovative systems gained national recognition, and in 1950 Teddy received an MBE for his services to education.
Facilitating Excellence
We continue to aim high and be at the forefront of educational innovation, connecting with the community and committing to improving educational life and outcomes for all pupils.
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This passion for educational innovation drove the creation of Prestolee SCITT. After many years of leading initial teacher training as a School Direct Lead School, Prestolee SCITT received accreditation in 2015 and we began delivering our own curriculum for teacher training in Bolton and Bury.
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From here, our ambition has only grown, expanding our initial teacher training with the creation of our Tameside hub.
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Under the strong support of Michael Tonge, CEO of Prestolee Multi-Academy Trust, we continue to evolve and develop as we strive to create a hub of teaching excellence, providing exceptional opportunities and training for teachers and enabling the very best educational and life outcomes for pupils. Our outstanding teacher training has led to a number of our graduates progressing into teaching within our Trust schools and beyond.