Ofsted recognises University of Chichester teacher training as ‘outstanding’
Teacher training programmes delivered by the University of Chichester have been praised as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted following a recent inspection. Inspectors highlighted ‘a superbly designed curriculum that is brought to life by high quality teaching, mentoring and guidance.’
The inspection, which took place last month, assessed the University’s teacher education programmes for primary and secondary teachers. Inspectors met with a range of leaders, trainees, mentors and headteachers and observed placements at a number of schools as part of their report. They said: ‘Trainees flourish at this provider, where they develop into skilled and knowledgeable global citizens.’
Professor Jane Longmore, Vice-Chancellor of the University welcomed the report. “Securing a double ‘outstanding’ for our teacher education programmes is a clear acknowledgement of our ‘pursuit of excellence’ for our trainees. We are committed to supplying schools across the region with inspiring new teachers.”
The University of Chichester has been training teachers for over 180 years, since foundation in 1839 as a training college by William Otter, Bishop of Chichester. Students can follow degree or PGCE courses in either Primary or Secondary Education. These award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which allows them to teach at any school in England and Wales after graduation.
Dr Chris Shelton, Co-Director of the Institute of Education and Social Sciences at the University of Chichester said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the strength of our programmes and the excellent support that our partnership schools give our students. We are very proud of our research-informed courses that enable students to become outstanding teachers who are dedicated to ensuring inclusive education for all their pupils.”
The Primary Education programmes were praised as ‘dynamic and responsive’, while Secondary Education was described as ‘exceptionally ambitious’. Inspectors also highlighted the support for trainees throughout the course, saying: ‘Trainees are supported to engage critically with research, reflect on their own development and learn to evaluate different approaches to teaching. This helps them to develop their own philosophy of teaching, so they are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities in their future careers.’
The University of Chichester works with over 250 primary schools, more than 100 secondary schools and seven teaching alliances across seven local authorities.