Staff Profile

I can confidently say that my training year was one of the most transformative and rewarding experiences of my professional life. From the very beginning, I was immersed in the realities of teaching, given full responsibility for my own classes, and trusted to take ownership of the learning that took place in my classroom. This approach, while undoubtedly challenging, provided me with a level of professional growth that I believe would have been impossible without the support of the ITE team. 

One of the most valuable aspects of the training was how it encouraged autonomy while still offering structured support. From day one, I felt like a real teacher, not just a trainee. Being trusted to manage my own timetable, plan lessons, and deliver content gave me a sense of professional identity and confidence that has stayed with me throughout my career. It wasn’t about being thrown in at the deep end; rather, it was about being empowered to swim, with mentors and colleagues always on hand to offer guidance, feedback, and reassurance when needed.

The training was both rigorous and practical. Weekly CPD sessions, mentor meetings, and opportunities for reflection helped me to constantly refine my practice. I always felt that the expectations were high—but in the best possible way. There was a genuine belief in trainees’ potential, and that belief translated into a strong sense of purpose and drive among everyone in the cohort.

Crucially, my experience gave me everything I needed to succeed in the profession long-term. It didn’t just prepare me to pass an assessment or complete a placement—it prepared me to thrive in the classroom. I developed strong behaviour management strategies, learned how to adapt my teaching to meet a range of student needs, and built the resilience required to sustain a demanding but rewarding career.

Six years on, I’m proud to say that I’m now a Lead Practitioner and Head of Department for Religious Education and Sociology. I also have the privilege of being the Managing Mentor in my school, overseeing the development of new trainees. Supporting early career teachers and watching them grow reminds me every day of how impactful high-quality training can be. I strive to provide them with the same level of support, challenge, and encouragement that I received during my own training.