Local MP Steve Brine has congratulated the University of Winchester after it was recognised as a provider of outstanding Initial Teacher Training.
Ofsted Inspectors stated that as a result of highly effective training, students display great enthusiasm for teaching, reflect incisively on their own practice and demonstrate extremely positive attitudes.
Amongst other things, they also noted the flexibility of Winchester’s training programmes and commended education in equalities and diversity, mentioning that students showed impressive levels of confidence and understanding about how to be effective teachers in a diverse society.
Head of Initial Teacher Education at the University of Winchester, Kriss Turner, said: “This is a fantastic result for the University as it confirms our position as one of the best providers of teacher education in the country.
“This report is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, students and partnership schools.”
Steve Brine commented: “This confirms what anyone connected with the University of Winchester knows to be true, we educate excellent teachers. This Ofsted rating is as heartening as it is timely, following hot on heels of the Government’s Education White Paper which poses some potential challenges to teacher training provision within the Higher Education sector.”
Professor Joyce Goodman, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Social Care, continued: “We’re delighted that Ofsted has recognised the excellence of both primary and secondary initial teacher education at Winchester.
“This inspection report highlights just how well the University prepares teachers, of whom we are rightly proud.”
The report covers the five teacher education routes run by the University: Primary PGCE full-time and part-time, PGCE Secondary Religious Education and BA Primary Education (3 year and 4 year routes).
The University is a major provider of trained primary teachers in Hampshire. The University works in partnership with seven local authorities and around 500 primary schools, 18 secondary schools and 23 special schools to provide excellent work-based placements for its trainee teachers.
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Find out more about the University of Winchester via www.winchester.ac.uk.