Teacher training in Norfolk and Suffolk 'outstanding'

A joint Norfolk and Suffolk scheme to train primary school teachers has been rated outstanding by watchdog Ofsted.

While the training of secondary teachers was rated good.

Ofsted praised the high quality of leadership and the strength of the partnership between local schools and Norfolk and Suffolk county councils.

The School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) sees trainees spending most of their time alongside experienced teachers in local schools.

Three Ofsted reports - Norfolk and Suffolk Primary SCITT, Secondary SCITT and the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) - were examined by Ofsted inspectors.

Leadership at the GTP scheme was rated outstanding while its effectiveness was rated good.

Geoff Robinson, Suffolk and Norfolk Initial Teacher Training leader, said: "To have so many aspects of our training recognised as 'outstanding' is extremely pleasing.

"The secret of our success has been strong teamwork, high quality input from local schools and the full support from both local authorities."

The three programmes, together with the Overseas Trained Teacher Programme, provide 200 qualified teachers to take up posts in Norfolk and Suffolk each year.