ITT Review: Consultation launched to review recommendations

Trainee teachers could benefit from new, high-quality training courses as part of proposals to drive up standards of teacher training and make sure every young person can be taught by a brilliant teacher.

The government has launched a seven-week consultation on recommendations from a review of the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) market. 

The recommendations aim to strengthen quality standards for initial teacher training courses, including a new accreditation process, new intensive school placements and high-quality mentoring for trainees. 

School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said: “Supporting our teachers with the highest quality training and professional development is the best way in which we can improve pupil outcomes and is central to the government’s levelling up agenda.

“We want this country to be the best place to become a great teacher and that starts with high-quality initial teacher training.

“The proposed changes would build upon the reforms the government has implemented to create training, support and professional development which will run through each phase of a teacher’s career.”

The consultation seeks sector views on proposed changes to improve the quality of teacher training courses, such as: 

• New intensive school placements

• New lead mentor role and specialist training for mentors so they can provide high-quality support to trainees

• Rigorous quality assurance arrangements across ITT partnerships to ensure a high-quality experience for every trainee

• Accrediting all ITT providers based on the new quality requirements 

• Utilising Teaching School Hubs to support training providers, especially locally and in disadvantaged communities

The proposed reforms to ITT include the launch of the early career framework reforms this September, which will provide all new teachers with a funded entitlement to a structured 2-year package of high-quality professional development at the start of their careers, as well as the launch of a reformed suite of National Professional Qualifications for teachers and leaders this autumn.

Richard Gill, member of the ITT Market Review Expert Advisory Group, CEO of The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, said: “Every child deserves a great teacher. By investing in high quality, cutting-edge, initial teacher training and development in evidence-based practices, we can equip a new generation of teachers with an even greater, improved skillset and expertise to revolutionise teaching.

“I’m pleased this report recognises the valuable contribution teachers make to the lives of young people, along with the importance of initial teacher training across the teaching profession. 

“I’m delighted to have been part of this advisory group, who share a wealth of expertise and a passion for school improvement through innovation in education.”