Northumbria is Top of the Class

The Initial Teacher Education programmes, which are run by the University’s School of Health, Community and Education Studies, were inspected by Ofsted in April this year.

Their reports state that the University’s courses, which train Early Years, Primary and Secondary School teachers are “outstanding” in relation to the consistently high quality of the course provision and the attainments of the trainee students.

Further training programmes, including School Centred Initial Teacher Training courses run with the North East Partnership and the North Tyneside Young People and Learning Directorate, were also rated as “outstanding”, as was a partnership programme which leads to Qualified Teacher Status for Secondary School Design and Technology teachers, and programmes to train Further Education teachers were rated as “good”.

The inspectors assessed evidence from all aspects of the University’s provision in initial teacher education, including its partnerships with 200 primary schools, 50 secondary schools, employers and local authorities, and even the close links enjoyed with schools in the London borough of Newham, which provide Northumbria students with the opportunity to teach minority ethnic groups to help to develop their confidence in inclusive education and working with children in the early stages of learning the English language.

The Ofsted report commended Northumbria University for the:
• “excellent communication and support given to trainees through innovative and personalised training;”
• “high quality partnerships featuring a strong commitment to local and regional workforce development;”
• “excellent leadership and management of programmes where the ethos is focused on developing skilled, reflective practitioners,” and;
• “focus on ensuring trainees’ wellbeing.”

The University was praised for the flexible programmes it runs, which allow modules and sessions to be easily adapted to meet the needs of individuals and groups as well as incorporating teaching on new initiatives, developments and research.

The inspectors also commended the effective selection of high-calibre students to study on the teacher training programmes and the subsequent high employment rates for graduates.

Gerry Rice, Associate Dean for Education and Social Care in the School of Health, Community and Education Studies, said: “The Ofsted report is a hugely encouraging commendation of our efforts to provide an outstanding experience for our trainee teachers.

“We are delighted with the outcome and see the results as a tribute to the hard work of University staff, students, school and college partners. We are all very proud of the strength and quality of our partnerships and our work together to provide future teachers of the highest quality.”

Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, added: “These reports confirm the excellence of the University’s teacher education programmes and recognise some of the key strengths and innovations of our curriculum.”

“I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the high quality programmes that have been developed in this area, which are providing first-rate experiences and opportunities for our students, and benefitting the wider community who are able to access the skills and expertise available at Northumbria.”