Important Update regarding ITT provision at Gateway Alliance (January 2023)
Gateway Alliance have run a very successful School Direct Programme in partnership with the University of Warwick since 2012, training well over 100 teachers during this time. The success of the programme is very much down to the support and commitment from our network of partner schools who work tirelessly to support the trainees to become the best teachers they can be!
Recruitment to ITT programmes both nationally and regionally was down last year and the trend has continued into this year’s recruitment cycle, with our own applications down by 50% again when compared with the same point last year. There has also been a recent DfE market review of ITT provision and this will lead to changes from September 2024 in terms of routes into teaching.
In light of the challenges outlined above and after much thought and consultation, we must share that Gateway Alliance will not be offering a School Direct Programme from September 2023. This has been a difficult decision for us to come to, particularly after having been involved in developing the programme since 2012 but we feel it is the most sensible decision at this time.
Just to confirm, trainees that are on the programme this academic year (2022-23) will not be affected.
We have been working closely with our partner ITT providers in the locality in order to ensure that our valued network of partner schools have an alternative programme to engage with should they wish to. We would like to share the following options:
- University of Warwick are keen to encourage schools to support Core PGCE placements for trainees across the year.
- Coventry and Central Warwickshire Teaching School Hub are currently offering a Primary School Direct Programme for 2023 and would welcome new schools to join their partnership.
- Contact your local Teaching School Hub if your school falls outside of the Coventry and Central Warwickshire area.
We would also like to share that, separate to this decision, Sally Hewitt will be joining the team at the Coventry and Central Warwickshire Teaching School Hub from 1st February and will be leading the Primary School Direct Programme on behalf of the hub from September 2023. This provides some continuity for schools wishing to work in partnership with the TS Hub. Please contact Sally on before 1st February or Coventry and Central Warwickshire Teaching School Hub after this date if you would like further information.
We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of the schools who have worked with us as part of our School Direct Programme. Without your support, it would not have been possible to sustain such a valued and high-quality programme over the last 10 years!