As centres of excellence for training, Training Schools act as experts in adult learning and the transfer of skills, and provide a venue for high quality professional development. It is expected that they will contribute to supporting the whole school workforce through providing a balance of training programmes that are personalised, relevant and contribute to teaching and learning. When working with colleagues that are joining the profession, Training Schools must expect their school-based support to model good practice and complement any professional standards. Other features of the role will be to extend the spread and reach of the school's work as an advocate and adviser for education and training, both locally and nationally.
New and existing Training Schools should demonstrate training experiences that go beyond that expected of a well-managed institution. This 'additionality' will be seen in the spread of work with other schools, and through strong links with initial teacher training providers, local authorities and related agencies. In confirming the added value of this work, Training Schools should show how whole staff involvement and flexible practices are generating innovative approaches to learning. It is expected that a clear idea of the impact of the Training School role will be embedded in all aspects of the school's plans and corroborated by evidence from research, including the school's own research.
The TDA's expanded remit is replicated by the support given by Training Schools to develop the whole school workforce. The TDA has been identifed as a key partner in transforming the school workforce and it is expected that Training Schools will be a key agent for change, within this process.
The Training School programme is jointly managed by the Department and the TDA. The Department has policy lead whilst the TDA manages the operational support for Training Schools.
Background to the programme
The establishment of Training Schools was proposed in the 1998 Green Paper 'Teachers- meeting the challenge of change'. The proposal was for a network of high quality Training Schools to develop and disseminate good practice in initial teacher training, train mentors/school-based tutors and undertake research.
The Five Year Strategy, published in July 2004, makes it clear that in future the Training Schools Programme will be aligned with the Specialist Schools network. Further information is on the re-designation page.
