A North East teacher training provider has been identified as the best provider of postgraduate teacher training in the country.
The North East Partnership SCITT (which stands for school-centered initial teacher training) was named the best provider of postgraduate teacher training in the latest Good Teacher Training Guide.
The North East Partnership SCITT, based in North Tyneside, is a partnership of 30 secondary schools specialising in training for secondary physical education teachers. John Spence Community High School in North Shields is the lead school and Churchill Community College in Wallsend is the associate lead school. Northumbria University awards the PGCE.
The North East Partnership SCITT was also graded as outstanding in every category by Ofsted in November 2013.
The Good Teacher Training Guide 2015 ranks providers according to the entry qualifications of its trainees, the course quality – according to both Ofsted and trainee ratings – and teaching take-up, using information from those who went through training in 2013-14 and into employment last year. The guide was produced by Alan Smithers and Mandy-Diana Coughlan from the Centre for Education and Employment Research (CEER).
As well as acknowledging the best providers of postgraduate training, the report also revealed that trainees on school-led routes are more likely to go straight into the classroom.
Programme Leader, Helen Ostell said "We are delighted to get this recognition which reflects the very hard work of all schools, staff and trainees involved in the partnership".
“The North East Partnership SCITT programme aims to create the next generation of outstanding physical education teachers who can inspire and motivate young people to foster a love for physical education and sport and thus achieve their full potential – in sport and in life. Highly effective partnerships and innovative teaching and learning are at the heart of all we do.”
North Tyneside Council’s Head of Health, Education, Care and Safeguarding Jacqui Old said: “This is a fantastic achievement. It demonstrates the great work that is taking place here in the region and the high quality of education and training provision being offered by the North East Partnership SCITT.
“This is a partnership with a proven track record, having already received an outstanding grading in every category by Ofsted. It’s great to see the North East Partnership SCITT receive the national recognition it deserves.”