Government confirms reforms for initial teacher training

EB News: 01/12/2021 - 10:16

The government has confirmed reforms to initial teacher training (ITT) courses, following consultation feedback from the sector.

The reforms are backed by £35.7 million, with £25 million allocated to ensure trainees can receive high-quality mentoring support from experienced teachers and other experts – a key requirement of the new course standards.

The measures also require training providers to ensure that all courses have an evidence-based curriculum, are subject to quality assurance checks, and include at least four weeks of intensive training to strengthen the link between evidence-based theory and practice.

To ensure that every pupil receives a great education wherever they live, all training providers will go through a rigorous accreditation process against the new quality standards, ready to start delivering new ITT courses from September 2024.

The plans reflect feedback from the sector following a seven-week consultation launched in July, based on recommendations from a review of the ITT market led by Ian Bauckham, chair of the Expert Advisory Group.

The changes to drive up standards for initial teacher training include: new intensive training and practice; new lead mentors for trainees; rigorous quality assurance arrangements to ensure a high-quality experience for every trainee; accrediting all ITT providers based on the new Quality Requirements; and utilising Teaching School Hubs to support training providers, especially locally and in disadvantaged communities.

The reforms to ITT follow a wide range of measures already taken by the government to create world-leading training and support for teachers at every stage of their career.

These include the launch of the Early Career Framework reforms in September, which 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 in autumn.