High praise for Teesside University’s innovative approach to training the teachers of tomorrow

Teesside University’s innovative Initial Teacher Training programmes have been praised for using effective partnerships to develop resilient teachers for the Tees Valley region, by a government inspectorate.

The University received an overall ‘Good’ rating by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Ofsted inspectors visited Teesside University in February 2024 to assess its courses and approach against rigorous national standards.

They reviewed the University’s Primary, Secondary, and Further Education age-phase courses and rated them based on the quality of the education and training provided, programme leadership and management, and overall effectiveness.

The result represents an exceptional achievement for the University as its Initial Teacher Training programmes had only been operational for a short period of time at the time of the inspection.

Secondary Education courses were launched in September 2022 and the Primary Education programme was first introduced September 2023 meaning some of newest trainees had only been studying at Teesside University for three months.

The final Ofsted report praised academic leaders’ clear vision in developing highly effective and resilient teachers for the Tees Valley, and highlighted the institution’s relationships with schools, partner colleges, and other stakeholders.

Ofsted noted trainees were able to build strong and trusting relationships with academic staff and received valuable support. Additionally, the student teachers spoke highly of the training opportunities provided and reflected on the positive impact they had on their teaching abilities.

Inspectors spoke to 55 trainees representing all three educational phases, and observed them on placements, and in centre-based training face-to-face and online meetings.

Ofsted Inspectors also interviewed senior leaders at the University and a range of academic leaders involved in the programmes.

The achievement is deserved recognition for the commitment and efforts of the University’s Teacher Training team, as well its schools and college partners.

The University has worked assiduously to develop a partnership approach with local schools and colleges to deliver innovative teacher training solutions and meet the current national challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers at all levels.

Teesside University’s Initial Teacher Training approach recognises teachers as highly skilled frontline professionals. Its courses lead to qualified teacher status (QTS) and combine quality teaching and support with real-world experience to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers.

Professor Natasha Vall, Dean of Teesside University’s School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, said: ‘We are delighted with this result. It endorses our approach and recognises the enormous value of our collaborations with partner schools and colleges to improve educational outcomes and tackle place-based disadvantage.

‘Trainees study with us because they aspire to be skilled teachers who can enhance the educational outcomes of all children, especially those who are underprivileged.

‘Many students are in the early stages of their learning journey. To witness them interacting with the process so capably, whilst meeting the demands of an academically rigorous programme, is testament to the quality of the support and teaching they receive.’

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates and inspects institutions to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.

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