A further wave of teaching schools will be officially designated by the National College next month (April 2012), entitling the successful schools to lead the training and professional development for staff.
This second wave of teaching schools is made up of 39 primary, 47 secondary and 16 special schools from across the country – bringing the total number of teaching schools nationally to well over 200.
The teaching schools initiative began last autumn, marking a shift towards school-centred training and development. The programme gives outstanding schools the freedom and autonomy to lead a group of schools, working with other partners including at least one university, to deliver high quality support for teachers and leaders at all stages in their career.
The latest ones will be formally awarded teaching school status at an induction event at the College’s Learning and Conference Centre in Nottingham next month.
Toby Salt, deputy chief executive of the National College, said: “With over 200 teaching schools around the country, we are now well on our way to establishing a national network of 500 by 2014.
“These schools must be at the top of their game for this role – outstanding in their own performance and have a track record of raising standards through school-to-school support.
“They will be harnessing the finest teaching talent in the profession to drive school improvement in innovative ways and bring real benefits to pupils and staff. Trainees can learn from the best teachers in action and those who want to move up the career ladder are exposed to excellent practice within and beyond their immediate school.”
The College has responsibility for the designation and quality of teaching schools, working closely with the Department for Education.
The first year of the programme is a design and development phase. As they develop, teaching schools working with other schools and universities will help to provide a strong supply of new teachers, develop leaders and the next generation of heads, and support schools in challenging circumstances.
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