Sheffield Hallam University in deal to train teachers of future

Sheffield Hallam will work with Teach First as its initial teacher training provider for applicants wanting to work in both primary and secondary schools.

Students taking part will achieve qualified teaching status (QTS) and undergo a leadership development programme.

The two-year course will combine training and qualifying as a teacher with coaching and mentoring to develop leadership skills.

Participants teach in schools for a minimum of two years and during that time work with pupils to raise their academic achievement and increase their aspirations for the future.

During their first year, participants work towards achievement of a post-graduate certificate in education (PGCE) and QTS.

Each student on the course is also assigned a leadership development officer – a qualified teacher who acts as a point of contact and support during the two years.

Sheffield Hallam is one of nine regional providers for Teach First across the country.

Paul Dickinson, head of teacher education at Sheffield Hallam, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Teach First to train teachers and leaders of the future.

“It is an excellent way to get into teaching and it offers huge benefits to the schools where students are placed.

“The most recent Ofsted report for our provision of Teach First graded every category as outstanding and we are committed to retaining such excellent external recognition.

“We are rightly proud of all our courses and of our research in education and this contract is further recognition of our significant strength in the field of teacher education.

“Sheffield Hallam is privileged to be able to work with tomorrow’s educators, who will have a huge impact on the communities in which they work and the individuals that they teach.”

Reuben Moore, acting director of leadership at Teach First, said: “All our providers share Teach First’s passion and purpose to address educational disadvantage.

“This partnership will deepen our relationship with schools; tailoring the initial teacher training to the needs of the pupils and allowing schools to contribute to and inform our training.

“We believe that by having an increased accountability for the training of our teachers we can make an even greater impact for the pupils and schools we work with.

“We will be continuing to work in close collaboration with education professionals who are already delivering great work in schools to end educational disadvantage.”

Since launching in 2002 Teach First has placed more than 3,700 post graduates in schools across the country teaching more than 400,000 young people in low-income communities.