Outstanding Teacher Training in Telford

Following an inspection in June, Ofsted has graded the West Midlands Consortium Teacher Training Programme as outstanding.

The Consortium is a school-centred initial teacher training provider led by Thomas Telford School and involves 33 secondary schools locally and regionally and trains about 75 graduates each year to become teachers. Most of these schools are based in Shropshire and the West Midlands. The Consortium delivers both the Graduate Training Programme (GTP) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Inspectors praised the Consortium, saying that: "The schools share a powerful sense of purpose and commitment with the programme’s managers. They have formed a strongly collaborative partnership where high expectations are the norm."

They found that: "The overall effectiveness of the provider in securing high quality outcomes is outstanding."

Ian Williams, Director of Teacher Training said: "The Consortium strives to produce teachers of the highest quality. Its success is due to the hard work of our staff and the dedication and commitment of our partner schools. It is good to have the outstanding achievements of the Consortium recognised by Ofsted."

Thomas Telford School Headmaster, Sir Kevin Satchwell, who is Chairman of the Consortium, added: "Being able to train as a teacher based in a school for all aspects of your work is different from the traditional route via university. We have 17 years experience of delivering teacher training with many past graduates in schools across the region. I am sure they will be delighted to hear the news that we are graded as outstanding. Alan Fowler, former Director of ITT who retired in July, created a fantastic team which has worked very hard with colleagues from partner schools to achieve Outstanding Status. I am delighted to have his former Deputy, Ian Williams to continue to build on this successful legacy."