ITT information for schools

ITT Case Studies and Key Questions

Whether you’re a mentor guiding one or more trainees, or a Headteacher considering how and why to engage with Initial Teacher Training (ITT), this page is here to help.

Drawing on key questions, answers, and case studies from colleagues across the East London Teaching School Hub (ELTSH), you’ll find practical, experience-based insights into real challenges and solutions. Our aim is to provide clear, actionable guidance so you can make informed decisions and feel confident at every stage of the ITT journey.

We have developed a booklet showcasing successful case studies of local partnerships in ITT. These examples highlight the different ways schools have worked with providers to meet their specific needs and context, demonstrating the positive impact that collaboration can have for trainees, schools, and the wider community. You can explore the case studies here.

Alongside these examples, we have set out a series of key questions for mentors, induction tutors and senior leaders. These are designed to guide reflection and planning, strengthen practice, and support a high-quality experience in Initial Teacher Training.

Navigating Initial Teacher Training

To support you in making informed choices in Initial Teacher Training (ITT), please click on the role below that you are interested in or currently hold to see answers to frequently asked questions. Get in contact with us at itt@eastlondontsh.org

ITT mentor

What are the benefits of placing and mentoring a trainee teacher?

Hosting trainees allows your school to benefit from fresh perspectives, extra support in the classroom and additional teachers in your school depending on which route you choose. Also, the opportunity to develop and employ future staff aligned with your ethos and priorities. Being a mentor empowers staff to reflect on their practice whilst developing new skills — while inspiring and nurturing the journey of a new teacher.

Read our case study from Wellington Primary School about how they strengthened teacher recruitment, retention and development through partnerships.

Is there training available for mentors? How responsive and supportive are ITT providers?

High-quality training is available for mentors, ensuring they are equipped to guide trainees effectively. ITT providers are committed to offering responsive, tailored support to schools and mentors.

What happens when a trainee is struggling to meet expectations?

ITT providers work closely with schools to address challenges, offering intervention plans, additional training and support to help trainees succeed.

ITT Induction Tutor

What are the benefits of placing and mentoring a trainee teacher?

Read our case study from Mulberry Stepney Green about how they are growing talent from within through their approach to teacher development.

Read our case study from the Viridis Foundation about how they are building sustainable recruitment through teacher apprenticeships.

What are the different ITT routes? (e.g., PGCE, SCITT, apprenticeships)?

ITT offers flexible pathways such as the PGCE, school-centred SCITT programmes, QTS assessment only, apprenticeships, enabling schools to choose the best fit for their structure and needs.

Is there training available for mentors? How responsive and supportive are ITT providers?

High-quality training is available for mentors, ensuring they are equipped to guide trainees effectively. ITT providers are committed to offering responsive, tailored support to schools and mentors.

What happens when a trainee is struggling to meet expectations?

ITT providers work closely with schools to address challenges, offering intervention plans, additional training and support to help trainees succeed.

How do we ensure that ITT placements align with our school’s ethos and priorities?

Schools can collaborate with ITT providers to design placements that reflect their values, curriculum and strategic goals, ensuring a seamless cultural fit.

Read our case study from Mulberry Stepney Green about how they are growing talent from within to work within their school’s ethos and priorities.

How can we incorporate ITT into our wider CPD strategy for staff?

ITT can complement professional development by fostering a culture of coaching, mentoring and continuous improvement across the school.

Read our case study from Wellington Primary School about how they strengthened teacher recruitment, retention and development through partnerships in line with their vision and values.

Read our case study from Mulberry Stepney Green about how they developing their staff through ITT.

How can we dip our toe into the ITT world?

Start small by working with ELTSH to offer a school experience, host an ITaP (Intensive training and practice) day/week or a trainee on one of their shorter placements. You can also engage in introductory partnerships with ITT providers to explore the benefits and build confidence in the process.

ITT and the role of a School Leader

What is Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and why should our school engage with it?

ITT provides aspiring teachers with the skills and knowledge to enter the profession. Engaging with ITT supports your school in nurturing high-quality teachers while fostering a culture of learning and innovation.

What are the benefits of placing and mentoring a trainee teacher?

Read our case study from Wellington Primary School about how they strengthened teacher recruitment, retention and development through partnerships.

What are the different ITT routes? (e.g., PGCE, SCITT, apprenticeships)?

ITT offers flexible pathways such as the PGCE, school-centred SCITT programmes, QTS assessment only, apprenticeships, enabling schools to choose the best fit for their structure and needs.

Is there funding or financial support available for schools hosting ITT trainees?

Yes, schools can access funding or incentives to support their role in ITT. Specific schemes depend on the route and trainee profile.

Is there training available for mentors? How responsive and supportive are ITT providers?

High-quality training is available for mentors, ensuring they are equipped to guide trainees effectively. ITT providers are committed to offering responsive, tailored support to schools and mentors.

What happens when a trainee is struggling to meet expectations?

ITT providers work closely with schools to address challenges, offering intervention plans, additional training and support to help trainees succeed.

How do we ensure that ITT placements align with our school’s ethos and priorities?

Schools can collaborate with ITT providers to design placements that reflect their values, curriculum and strategic goals, ensuring a seamless cultural fit.
Read our case study from Wellington Primary School about how they strengthened teacher recruitment, retention and development through partnerships in line with their vision and values.
Read our case study from Mulberry Stepney Green about how they are growing talent from within to work within their school’s ethos and priorities

How can we use ITT to build a pipeline of talent in subjects or phases with recruitment challenges?

By hosting trainees in high-need areas, schools can develop a pool of skilled professionals familiar with their unique context, addressing recruitment gaps effectively.

What are the benefits of growing future leaders through ITT?

ITT creates a foundation for leadership development by cultivating teachers who understand your school’s vision and are poised to take on future leadership roles.

Read our case study from Wellington Primary School about how they strengthened teacher recruitment, retention and development through partnerships in line with their vision and values.
Read our case study from Mulberry Stepney Green about how they developing their staff through ITT

How can we incorporate ITT into our wider CPD strategy for staff?

ITT can complement professional development by fostering a culture of coaching, mentoring and continuous improvement across the school.

How can we dip our toe into the ITT world?

Last updated August 2025

East London Teaching School Hub

Mulberry School for Girls
Richard Street I Commercial Road I London E1 2JP
020 7791 7218 | info@eastlondontsh.org
@EastLondonTSH | @eastlondontsh

Mulberry School for Girls is part of the Mulberry Schools Trust which is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Company No. 10035860).

Company’s registered office: Mulberry Schools Trust, Richard Street, Commercial Road, London E1 2JP.

ITT Case Studies and Key Questions

Navigating Initial Teacher Training

ITT mentor

ITT Induction Tutor

ITT and the role of a School Leader

East London Teaching School Hub

Strategic Partners