The controversial reforms to initial teacher training will do nothing to boost recruitment, says Helen Osgood. The plain fact is that teaching is not attractive enough for too many people


Conjure up images of punting on the river, elegant spires and dusty corridors. Faces eager to learn from some of the greatest minds in the country – possibly the world.

Now face the reality that Cambridge University has yet to reapply for government approval following reforms to the initial teacher training (ITT) system, raising concerns that the changes “enforce a high level of standardisation” and “constrain our ability to provide an innovative, personalised curriculum” (University of Cambridge, 2022).

We also raised concerns last summer about the ITT core content framework (DfE, 2019) and the market review (DfE, 2021a). Teachers need agency to be able to adapt the curriculum and their approach. At the time, we said: “Teaching is not just about delivering what we are told to, it is about recognising and understanding the learning that needs to take place and leading pupils on that journey.”

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