Sydney Catholic Schools students ready to Step Up Into Teaching

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is pleased to announce that 49 Year 11 students from 22 different schools have been awarded funded places in the 2025/26 Step Up Into Teaching (SUIT) program. 

SUIT is an early entry university program run by the Australian Catholic University (ACU), offering high school students considering a career in teaching a head start on their learning journey.

Students participating in SUIT have the opportunity to study two modules equivalent to university level units while completing their high school studies.

Students are then able to receive an offer to study a Bachelor of Education degree at ACU, receiving credit for specified units in early childhood, primary or secondary teaching courses.

Jo Thompson, SCS’ Teacher Development and Pathways Specialist, says the program engages with students early, giving them a chance to both explore their passion for teaching and get a taste of what university life is like.

“What this program offers is a real avenue for students to explore teaching as a genuine career option, well before they’ve committed to university, meaning they can make more informed choices and hit the ground running,” she said. 

“When students experience what it means to plan, collaborate and reflect like a teacher, they’re not only preparing for tertiary study, they’re also building the kinds of transferable skills that will serve them in any career path.”

Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights student Alessia Pisano said she applied for the program to help kickstart her teaching career. 

“I have always aspired to be a teacher and it was a great opportunity to get my university studies done quicker,” she said. 

“I’m looking forward to learning more about teaching and hopefully move on to a role in primary school.”

Fellow Freeman student Mia Kovacevic said the opportunity to receive early entry into university was a big factor in her applying for the program. 

“Teaching is something I definitely am looking to pursue after school,” she said. 

“I want to be a teacher as I think it’s a valuable career and allows me to share my passions and interests with younger generations.”

The program has grown exponentially over recent years, with 10 SCS students having participated in 2021. This year, the 49 SCS students will complete the program alongside a total cohort of 166 students from other schools across Sydney. 

2025/26 Step Up Into Teaching Students