Supporting Initial Teacher Training

Supporting Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Teachers at St Dunstan’s 

At St Dunstan’s, we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of outstanding educators. Our commitment to initial teacher training (ITT) and early career teachers (ECTs) ensures a supportive and enriching environment where new professionals can thrive, develop their confidence, and achieve their aspirations. 

At St Dunstan’s, we are proud to invest in our staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and continuous professional growth. Whether you’re beginning your teaching career or looking to join a school that champions development, we invite you to explore our vacancies and become part of the St Dunstan’s community.

A Comprehensive Approach to Development 

We work with leading institutions such as ISTIP and the University of Buckingham to deliver high-quality training for ECTs, PGCE students, and unqualified teachers. In addition, our bespoke Teacher Development Programme (TDP) provides tailored in-house support to ensure all new teachers are equipped to excel. 

Our ITTs and ECTs enjoy autonomy in their development from the start, by engaging in reflective enquiry projects that address areas for development, culminating in presentations at our annual ECT Symposium.

Read some of the summaries in our CPL bulletins.

A Culture of Mentoring and Coaching 

At St Dunstan’s, we believe that mentoring and coaching are essential to supporting staff at the outset of their careers. ITTs and ECTs are each paired with a dedicated mentor who provides personalised guidance, offering feedback, encouragement, and strategies for growth. Additionally, our coaching approach enables them to engage in structured conversations focused on professional development, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. 

 

The culture at St Dunstan’s is incredibly supportive. Throughout my ECT year, colleagues have offered guidance on everything from navigating parents' evenings to practical tips for lesson planning. My peers have gone above and beyond, allowing me to observe their lessons and learn from their successes. This collaborative and accommodating environment has been invaluable to my growth as a teacher, and I’ve benefited greatly from the wealth of experience and generosity of the staff here.

A particularly rewarding experience was being invited to present strategies that have worked well in my own teaching to the entire school. It was empowering to be recognised as both knowledgeable and growing, rather than being seen as someone with limited experience. St Dunstan’s treats its ECTs as valued contributors to the school’s success.

- Molly Pridmore