University awarded highest possible grade for international teacher training
The University of Chichester’s International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) programme has been awarded Grade 1, the highest possible outcome, in its recent inspection by Penta International (a Department for Education-approved iQTS inspectorate).
This excellent result reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to high-quality teacher education in international settings. It follows the University’s 2023 Ofsted inspection of its UK‑based initial teacher education, which also achieved the top grade of ‘Outstanding’.
A Grade 1 judgement, which is backed by the Department for Education, confirms that “the quality of leadership and management and the quality of programme design and delivery meets all requirements and exceeds in most areas.”
The University’s iQTS programme is delivered online to student teachers across Europe, Africa, and Asia with the number of countries hosting students growing every year. The course is taught in partnership with international schools and offers the opportunity to gain an iPGCE alongside the iQTS qualification.
Dr Chris Shelton, Head of School of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, said: “We are delighted that the inspectors recognised the exceptional work of our staff and iQTS students. Our iQTS programme is built on strong partnerships with colleagues in international schools and we are pleased to see their commitment and expertise acknowledged in the report. This result also confirms the high-quality of our research-informed, inclusive curriculum that prepares teaching students to teach throughout the world and achieve the best outcomes for their pupils.”
Inspectors highlighted that the programme is underpinned by strategic leadership and robust quality assurance. The report states: “Overall, leadership and management provide strategic direction, clear operational oversight and highly effective support systems. This secures high-quality training and positive trainee outcomes.”
The curriculum was also recognised as a significant asset, with the inspection noting: “Programme design is a significant strength. The curriculum is coherent, carefully sequenced and aligned with the ITTECF and iQTS Teachers’ Standards.”
The inspection praised a number of specific features of the iQTS programme, including:
- A deeply embedded safeguarding culture across recruitment, training and placement activity, ensuring trainees implement safeguarding responsibilities confidently in international contexts.
- Clear, evidence-based assessment processes that allow accurate monitoring of trainee progress and reliable final judgements against the Teachers’ Standards.
- A research‑informed, carefully sequenced curriculum fully aligned with the ITTECF and iQTS Teachers’ Standards, supporting strong professional and classroom practice over time.
- Highly effective teaching practices, with trainees demonstrating strong learner engagement, positive relationships and confident handling of misconceptions.
- Regular opportunities for collaboration, enabling peer support and shared professional learning across international settings.
- Expert support from lead mentors, providing consistent guidance that enhances both trainee and mentor development.
- Strong emphasis on trainee wellbeing, supported through proactive monitoring, structured pastoral systems and timely intervention.
- Clear strategic direction and robust governance, ensuring the programme remains compliant, responsive and focused on continuous improvement.
For more information on our iQTS or other teaching courses, please visit https://www.chi.ac.uk/teaching/course/ipgce/ and https://www.chi.ac.uk/teaching.
