The focus of training schools is on initial teacher training and continuing professional development, as well as outreach and dissemination. They are expected to contribute to supporting the whole school workforce through training programmes that are personalised and relevant, and contribute to teaching and learning. When working with trainee teachers, training schools exhibit good practice.
Training schools act as centres of excellence for training, are experts in adult learning and skills transfer and provide a venue for high quality initial teacher training and professional development.
Training schools disseminate knowledge and practice through collaborative outreach with partner schools, local authorities, higher education providers and other relevant agencies that contribute to the wellbeing of the child.
TDA support programme for training schools
The TDA is funded by the DCSF to deliver a support and development programme for training schools, which consists of:
- Access to consultancy
- Induction and ongoing in-school support for training school leaders
- National events looking at training and development priorities
- Regional networks
- Exchange practice visits
- Funding for school based research
- Assistance in raising profile of training school activity
Find out more about the TDA support programme for training schools.
Benefits for schools
Research has shown that training schools have benefited from the programme in the following ways:
- Improved recruitment and retention
- Improved facilities and structures for quality professional development for the whole school workforce
- Improved pupil performance due to gains in teaching quality
