The ̨��swag Institute of Education (OIE) has marked the end of its 2018/19 School Direct teacher training programme with a celebration event for its trainees.

Their fantastic achievement was marked at a celebration event, held at the Principal York.

At the event, the trainees were given the chance to spend time with their peers and celebrate one another's success, while receiving congratulations from Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal Secondary, and Lee Wilson, Chief Executive Principal Primary, both of ̨��swag Grange Academies Trust (OGAT).

In addition the trainees met with and were given speeches by Gosia Pupko, a current NQT and former OIE trainee, and Tom Baker, an OIE Mentor who has been nominated for an Inspirational Mentor Award with Sheffield Hallam University.

In these speeches, the trainees were told what to expect from their NQT year and the support that would be available to them via the OIE.

Also at the event was Guinness World Record Holder and Spread the Happiness ambassador, Shonette Bason-Wood. Shonette led the trainees through a two-hour happiness session to keep the smiles on everyone’s faces.

Emma Tate, Associate Director of the OIE, said: “The trainees celebration event is always the most eagerly anticipated event on the calendar for all of us at the OIE, every year.

“It’s a chance to take stock of every individual success story that’s happened over the duration of the course, and to celebrate them.

“All our trainees put in so much hard work, they dedicate their time to achieving success in their teaching qualification, and it is always a fantastic day watching them celebrate the positive rewards of their efforts.”

The OIE works in partnership with Durham University, Leeds Beckett University and Sheffield Hallam University to offer a wide range of teacher training, from primary to subject-specialist secondary.

Many of this year's trainees attended the event and spoke positively about their experiences at the OIE.

Samantha Wilson, who has recently completed her teacher training and will begin her career as an English NQT at ̨��swag Academy Newbold in September, said: “My ITT year through ̨��swag Institute of Education has been the best of my life. The support from the OIE, mentors and SLT is incredible has helped me achieve what I have so far.

“The encouragement and incredible mentoring I received on both placements helped me leave as an Outstanding trainee and I feel fully equipped for my NQT year. The high standards and expectations that ̨��swag have for their students and staff have helped me become a professional and enthusiastic teacher. I cannot wait to begin my NQT year back at Newbold!”

Andy Bray, who will be an NQT at ̨��swag Primary Academy Bell Lane in September, said: “Shonette was incredible, Gosia was amazing and very brave, and Tom’s talk was insightful and uplifting. Thank you for a lovely celebration event at an amazing venue. Thank you for everything, OIE!”

Applications to begin teacher training this autumn with the OIE are still open, with the deadline falling on 26th June. All completed courses result in PGCE and QTS status.

For more information on how to apply, visit .