Teaching training leadership judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted
Posted on 18 April 2024
The inspection was carried out in January 2024 and we are delighted to have received such a positive outcome.
The Ofsted report for our initial teacher training provision highlights that York trainees are given the training and support that they need to succeed.
Inspectors said: "Local headteachers are impressed by the resilience and professionalism of trainees and their readiness to become confident practitioners.”
The quality of the initial teacher education curriculum was also praised by inspectors: “Leaders have carefully structured an ambitious curriculum that prepares trainees to be reflective and competent practitioners.”
The report also noted: “Course leaders demonstrate commitment to educational research. The seamless interweaving of education theories and research into the subject-specific aspects of the curriculum makes trainees’ experiences
here distinctive. University staff and expert colleagues from partner schools provide trainees with deep insight into education research that is continually applied to classroom practice.”
York currently offers teacher training in Secondary (11-16) specialisms of Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, History, Maths, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German and Spanish), and Physics. From September 2024, we will also offer a Primary specialism for students wishing to train for the 4-11 age group.
The programme is co-constructed and co-delivered with teaching staff and senior managers in over 100 secondary schools in the York and North Yorkshire region, who work with the University of York ITT Partnership. In their report, Ofsted inspectors recognised that the University: “closely engages all stakeholders in the delivery of the ITE curriculum. Partner schools are well informed about what trainees learn at university and ensure that school experiences complement this. Regular training, strong communication and clear review systems ensure that trainees receive effective mentoring.”
The work of the ITT team contributes to the civic mission enshrined in our University Strategy, which was also recognised by inspectors: “The University is committed in its mission to work for the public good. Course leaders fulfil this by providing a stream of high-quality teachers to the region’s schools. This provider is the central hub around which an exceptionally strong network of schools has been built. The University of York is an innovative and outward-facing institution leading the continual development of ITE locally and beyond. The relentless drive for excellence from the leaders here is one that is benefiting schools across the local area.”
Claire Ball-Smith, Director of Initial Teacher Education, said: “This report is a testament to the hard work of teacher education colleagues both at the University and in our partner schools, to produce excellent new teachers for all children in our region’s schools.
"The University of York ITT Partnership is committed to delivering excellent initial teacher education precisely so that generations of Yorkshire and Humberside children succeed in reaching their potential as learners as a result of outstanding teaching from York graduates. We are extremely pleased that our Ofsted report so clearly recognises this commitment.”