ITT

ITT partnerships to help ‘cold spots’ fall through

Two proposed plans involving four universities have collapsed

Two proposed plans involving four universities have collapsed

24 Jun 2023, 5:00

More from this author

Proposed ITT partnerships in 'cold spot' areas for teacher training have fallen through
Exclusive

Two potential initial teacher training (ITT) partnerships that would plug gaps in “cold spot” regions with little training provision have fallen through.

A proposed partnership between the University of Cumbria (UoC) and University College London (UCL) will not go ahead after “detailed discussions” led to a dead end. 

Similar talks between the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Roehampton are also understood to have collapsed. 

UoC, which was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted in its last inspection and is in an area previously identified as a cold spot by the Department for Education, was not reaccredited to provide ITT in the government’s market review of the sector. 

After all appeals against unsuccessful bids were turned down, it announced in January that it was in “early stage discussions” to form a partnership with UCL, which is accredited to continue ITT from September 2024.

Unaccredited providers are able to remain in ITT as “delivery” or “lead” partners to an accredited provider. 

Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer, Cumbria’s Institute of Education director, earlier said the talks presented an “exciting route to continue to provide our county and communities with the teachers needed”.

“UCL shares our core mission and values…and we are intent on maximising the benefits of a partnership approach.”

‘Difficult decision’

But in a statement shared with Schools Week this week, UoC said after “more detailed discussions, UCL has made the difficult decision not to proceed any further”. 

“UCL [has] stressed that this decision is in no way a reflection on us or of any doubts as to the potential mutual benefits of partnership”, a spokesperson said.

They added that UCL had “indicated” it was keen to explore “other opportunities for broad partnership working” between the institutions, and it was UoC’s “intention” to continue to deliver ITT through a partnership. 

A UCL spokesperson confirmed the decision. 

Meanwhile, it understood that initial discussions between UEA and Roehampton did not lead to a formalised partnership, but neither institution would comment. 

A UEA spokesperson said: “We are working to establish a new partnership and due to the commercially sensitive stage of discussions we are unable to comment further at present.”

Government-funded grants for ITT partnerships between accredited and unaccredited providers were only available for 11 eligible areas, understood to be the “cold spot” areas identified in the government’s market review of the sector. 

Latest education roles from

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Romero Catholic Academy Trust

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Ormiston Academies Trust

Principal & Chief Executive

Principal & Chief Executive

Truro & Penwith College

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

London & South East Education Group

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

AI Safety: From DfE Guidance to Classroom Confidence

Darren Coxon, edtech consultant and AI education specialist, working with The National College, explores the DfE’s expectations for AI...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

How accurate spend information is helping schools identify savings

One the biggest issues schools face when it comes to saving money on everyday purchases is a lack of...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Building Character, Increasing Engagement and Growing Leaders: A Whole School Approach

Research increasingly shows that character education is just as important as academic achievement in shaping pupils’ long-term success. Studies...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Educators launch national AI framework to guide schools and colleges

More than 250 schools and colleges across the UK have already enrolled in AiEd Certified, a new certification framework...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

ITT

Teacher trainers deluged by unsuitable international applicants

DfE is trying to stay 'on the front foot' to help teacher trainers deal with a huge influx of...

Samantha Booth
ITT

Teach First offers £2k cost-of-living payment to trainees

Grant will be paid to 150 recruits who need to relocate under a pilot starting in September

Amy Walker
ITT

Reject fewer teacher applicants, DfE tells trainers

Letter to providers seen by Schools Week flags 'significant rejection rates', even in shortage subjects

Samantha Booth
ITT

Revealed: the experts advising ministers on teacher training reforms review

Academy bosses and Oak chief sit on new panel to 'challenge' government over ECF and ITT reviews

Samantha Booth

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *