ITT Strategy Group Multiple ITT Providers Case Study

The Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Strategy Group for Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay has also explored best practices among secondary schools offering placements to multiple ITT providers.

With 64% of secondary schools in the region working with two or more providers in 2024 – 2025 (up from 35% in 2023 – 2024), the study highlights the benefits and challenges of such collaborations.

Drawing on insights from four case study schools, the study identifies advantages, including enhanced recruitment, exposure to diverse mentoring styles, and stronger professional networks.

Challenges such as inconsistent systems, Mentor training demands, and calendar misalignments are also addressed, with proposed solutions like clearer communication and greater alignment across Providers.
 
The findings highlight the value of strategic planning and inter-Provider collaboration in improving ITT quality and capacity, particularly in rural settings. The study reflects a shared commitment to strengthening teacher training through flexible, inclusive, and well-coordinated school partnerships.

You can read the report in more detail below. 

1. Context
The ITT Strategy Group has been working together over the last 18 months to identify key areas where ITT Providers and schools can work together to further improve recruitment, retention and quality of training.

Analysis of placement data supplied by all Lead Providers has identified both an area of need around Secondary Placement Schools working with Multiple ITT Providers, but also schools who successfully manage these needs.

This case study seeks to set out what the benefits and challenges: 

1. What are the recognised benefits/advantages of working with multiple Providers?
2. What can be the challenges of working with multiple Providers?
3. What actions would support working with multiple Providers?

 
2. Multiple Placements
What do we mean by a multiple Provider placement?
Schools that provide ITT placements to two or more of the four Devon ITT Providers collaborating within the Strategy Group.

Some schools may have a majority Provider and then work another Provider(s) in a specific subject.
However, the schools chosen for the case studies provide placements for each provider in multiple placements.

The schools have long term partnerships with ITT Providers and partnership schools better describes their work and status within ITT but the analysis focused on placements provided from 2023 - 2025.
 
Analysis

• Number of secondary schools within the region 64.
• 92% of secondary schools providing placements in 2024 - 2025.
• 64% of these secondary schools offering placements with two or more Providers in 2024 - 2025.
• 35% of these secondary schools offering placements with 2 or more providers in 2023 - 2024.
• We have variability in recruitment at each Provider, which means year-on-year flexible in placement offers is likely to support recruitment. Providers are more likely to take on additional applicants if they know that placements can be arranged.

3. Case Study Schools
Schools were chosen if they had offered placements to multiple Providers in both 2023 - 2024 and 2024 - 2025.

Schools that worked with the greatest number of Providers were prioritised and meetings were carried out online via Teams and a transcript recorded of the semi-structured conversation.

​Results are being used to develop thinking and ascertain views with Headteachers, Mentors and Trainees.

 4. Benefits and Best Practice Drawn from Case Study Schools

• Recruitment from a variety of students. All schools said they recruited from trainees. “Creates a buzz about the school.”  Not just those that are directly placed at a school or within a Trust but also links to the wider cohort. It also helps to trainee teachers in the region gain more knowledge of the diversity of schools.
• Helps to meet the needs [including as role models] for a diversity of pupils within the schools.
• Exposure to various mentoring and coaching methods can positively impact school practice.
• Increases sharing of best practice:
  • All Providers had different aspects of their practice identified.
  • Links to research.
• Access to a wide range of experts from across providers.
• Seen as opportunity for partnership and professional networks.
• Separate Mentor meetings seen as key to multiple placements.
• Providing ownership to classes for each student.

5.Conclusion
The overwhelming view of colleagues within the secondary schools was that working with multiple Providers supported their recruitment needs, developed existing staff practice, built wider collaborative networks and supported the wider profession.

Planning and organisation allowed challenges to be overcome and the relaxation of the DfE training requirements had facilitated placements; This may account for the increase from 35% (2023 - 2024) to 64% (2024 - 2025) of secondary partnership schools working with multiple Providers.

Partnership schools valued collaboration between Providers in supporting their coordination role.
 
Our thanks to colleagues at Marine Academy Plymouth, Notre Dame School, Paignton Academy and The Spires for their time and professional generosity in sharing their insights for this case study.
Report by the ITT Area Strategy Team