Teacher training provision at the University of Bristol has been ranked as outstanding in every category by Ofsted, which praised the standard of newly qualified teachers who are ‘exceptionally well-prepared’ for their first job.

The inspection assessed the University’s School of Education’s PGCE programmes through visiting partner schools, discussions with headteachers and senior leaders within schools, as well as observing and speaking to a range of trainees and newly qualified teachers.

Ofsted inspectors found the Bristol initial teacher education (ITE) courses, which train around 200 secondary school teachers every year, to be outstanding in all four categories: overall effectiveness, outcomes for trainees, quality of training, and quality of leadership and management.

The inspectors highlighted the contribution that is made to the local school community by the partnership, noting that a majority of trainees secure employment in Bristol and within the region. Headteachers stressed the “strong professional characteristics, subject knowledge and understanding of pedagogy that Bristol trainees show” so that when employing NQTs, they see the University of Bristol partnership as their “first port of call”. Bristol trainees therefore “swiftly secure employment”.

Quotes from the Ofsted Inspection

"Trainees are highly complimentary about the quality of the subject training they receive."

"The partnership offers research-led training that leads to trainees’ deep pedagogical understanding. This builds on the strong academic calibre of trainees and their professionalism, and develops highly effective teachers."

"A large and increasing proportion of trainees complete the course to a very high standard and swiftly secure employment."

"Well-trained, highly committed school-based mentors ensure that trainees are well supported through their training year, assess progress accurately and challenge trainees to be the best."

"Placements are of a consistently high quality. Decisions to place trainees in schools are thought through with care and are planned well to ensure that trainees experience contrasting schools."

"Completion rates have remained consistently high since the previous inspection, exceeding the national average."