The DfE’s Schools White Paper says that “high-quality teaching must be at the heart of our school system.”
As a leader, you understand the importance of attracting and retaining top teaching talent. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Here’s an overview of the different pathways you could offer to make teaching more accessible, support the progression of talented staff, and ease recruitment pressures.
Attract your own talent
A school-based ITT route or apprenticeship allows trainees to work in your school while completing their qualification.
Training your own teachers means that trainees are embedded in the school culture from the start – getting to know staff, pupils and parents – and are more likely to stay.
Our local Teaching School Hubs are available to support you in identifying the right candidates and choosing the most suitable pathways for your school.
Improve retention: Level up existing staff
There are many individuals already working in schools who have the potential to become excellent teachers. A ‘grow your own’ strategy recognises this potential and helps you support them to develop and remain within your workforce.
For unqualified teachers
An Assessment Only route offers a way to gain qualification based on existing experience—without the need for a full training year or second school placement.
For staff such as HLTAs who may not yet meet the requirements, Tes Institute’s Straight to Teaching course helps prepare them for QTS. This option is especially popular due to its flexibility; the course duration varies from 1.5 to 5 terms depending on the individual’s experience.
For those who do not already have a degree, there are also distance learning options available for this, such as BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree course. Some schools have successfully supported staff through this route by allowing one day per week at college to complete a foundation degree, followed by enrolment onto Tes Institute’s Straight to Teaching programme.
Find out more
If you'd like to learn more about these opportunities, along with other training and apprenticeship options, visit your employer resources area on Teach in Herts or contact the team on teachinherts@hfleducation.org/ 01438 544468.
Lucy Makins
