Research was carried out by a team from Durham University School of Education on behalf of the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA), to find out more about the potential barriers that people with disabilities face when applying for initial teacher training.

This was also extended to cover the recruitment and retention strategies of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) providers and early professional development of disabled teachers. The research will provide the basis for TDA guidance on good practice and support for positive recruitment and retention of trainees with disabilities.