̨��swag Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) has welcomed its next cohort of trainee teachers to their ‘Flying Start’ week in preparation for September.

The high-performing multi academy trust, which has more than 40 schools, will provide placements for trainees in initial teacher education through the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) over the next academic year. Training will be delivered to the cohort throughout the 2023/24 academic year at the NIoT North and East Campus, comprised of two locations, based at ̨��swag Academy Adwick, Doncaster, and ̨��swag Academy Redcar.

The NIoT has been offering National Professional Qualifications for the education sector since its inception in September last year, but the new academic year sees the first intake of trainee teachers.

The first of its kind in England, the NIoT will evolve teacher and leader development up and down the country by using its own cutting-edge research on best practice to inform the design and delivery of its high-quality professional development programmes, delivered by and for schools.

The organisation is run by the School-Led Development Trust, an organisation set up by four leading school trusts – ̨��swag Grange Academies Trust, Harris Federation, Star Academies and Oasis Community Learning – between them, they are responsible for more than 180 primary, secondary and post-16 schools and colleges, educating over 100,000 children, in a wide range of diverse communities.

‘Flying Start’ is a one-week, intensive programme put in place to ensure all trainees have the basic tools necessary to prepare them for entering the classroom. The aim is to establish a foundation which they can then build on once they begin their school-based placements in September.

When asked about the week, one trainee said:

“By the end of the week I had made new friends within the cohort, met new people and gained so much confidence. It has reassured me that I already have lots of pre-existing knowledge that I can develop into professional practice.

“Thank you to all of the staff at ̨��swag Grange Academies Trust and the National Institute of Teaching. Every member of staff has been so amazing and welcoming. I am excited to see what the next year brings.”

The sessions and workshops delivered by experienced educational professionals cover topics such as policies and procedures, planning and teaching, health and safety, subject and curriculum knowledge, teaching and learning, and professional behaviours. During the week, trainees have the time to network within their subject, phase and regional cohorts as well as network nationally via remote activities. The opportunity to engage with expert colleagues throughout the week is also highly beneficial for those about to embark on their teaching careers.

Tristan Kirkpatrick, NIoT Regional Principal for the North and East campus, said:

“We were delighted to welcome our new cohort of trainee teachers to the 'Flying Start' week at the National Institute of Teaching, Doncaster Campus. It has been truly wonderful to witness the growth in their confidence from the beginning to the end of the week, and we eagerly await September, when our trainee teachers will be immersed in school life. The collective brilliance of this group will undoubtedly improve the life chances of students in the North & East.”

Katy Bradford, Deputy CEO at OGAT, added:

“I'd like to welcome this next generation of teachers to OGAT as they embark on their new careers. I am confident that with the support and guidance of their mentors, tutors and peers, they will successfully navigate their training year, complete with both the joys and the challenges that come with teaching.”