Teacher training ‘transforming lives through education’

Schools watchdog Ofsted has praised the University of Reading’s Institute of Education for its effective training of the next generation of teachers. 

Ofsted’s report highlights that ‘‘transforming lives through education runs as a golden thread through all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes at the University of Reading”, exemplifying the hard work, dedication and innovation of Institute members and everyone involved in the programmes. 

Leaders at the Institute of Education have expressed their pride at the inspection team’s report, but have decided they will not focus on the one-word judgement given by Ofsted, commenting on the negative impacts of Ofsted inspections on teachers and teacher educators. This decision was taken as the Institute of Education supports the campaign for change in the way Ofsted reviews schools. 

Calls for reform have increased since the suicide of Ruth Perry in January 2023, the headteacher of Caversham Primary School – one of the Institute of Education’s partner schools. 

In reflecting on the process, Dr Catherine Foley, Co-Head of Initial Teacher Education at the Institute of Education, said: “Will we be using content from the reports on our website? Yes. Colleagues worked hard, with skill and integrity over many years, to shape the programmes we have today, and their success deserves to be recognised. 

“But you won't find the one-word judgement in our email signatures, banners, or marketing materials. It's time to stand alongside all those campaigning for change – Ofsted must reform.”