Further education initial teacher training reform
Feedback updated 25 Jan 2024
We asked
The Department for Education published a consultation asking for sector views on a range of questions covering two broad themes to drive up quality in further education (FE) initial teacher training (ITT):
- proposed changes to student support funding eligibility for FE ITT courses
- longer term proposals to improve FE teacher training quality.
You said
A total of 78 responses were received from individuals and organisations spanning a variety of stakeholder groups, including FE colleges, universities, awarding bodies, unions, other learning providers, and representative bodies.
All parts of the consultation were positively received by a majority of respondents.
We did
As a result of the responses received – and broader evidence reviewed by government – we have updated the eligibility for student support funding for FE ITT courses, effective from academic year 2024 to 2025: Recognised further education teacher training courses eligible for student support: 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). As a result, only those FE ITT trainees at English higher education providers with degree awarding powers, or their validated partners (including FE colleges), will be eligible to receive student support funding for FE ITT courses.
Government is undertaking further work to develop longer term plans for reform of the FE teacher training system. It is highly likely that this will require regulations to be made under section 17 of the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022. This section of the Act has not yet been commenced. A first set of regulations made under this section would be subject to affirmative resolution by Parliament. No timetable for commencement of the relevant section, or the making of regulations, has yet been set.
Overview
We're seeking views on proposed reforms to Initial Teacher Training for the Further Education sector, including changes to public funding.
Why your views matter
The Department for Education is consulting on proposals to further strengthen the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) system for the Further Education (FE) sector in England. We want to ensure that publicly-funded ITT is creating a strong supply of new teachers to the FE sector, particularly where vacancies are currently hard to fill, and that courses are the best possible quality.
We are also seeking views on longer-term changes to the way in which FE ITT is regulated by Government, including a requirement for providers to be accredited and to provide Government with data.
Audiences
- Teachers
- Training providers
- Further education colleges
- Sixth form colleges
- Independent specialist colleges
- Unions and representative organisations
- Universities
Interests
- Recruitment
- Training and development
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