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.”