THE Secretary of State for Education visited a school in Basingstoke as part of an announcement of a new apprenticeship that will support schools to recruit teachers.
South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) hosted the visit of MP Gillian Keegan on Thursday, February 1 at Brighton Hill Community School, on Brighton Way.
The visit followed the formal announcement of the new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) – an employment route to qualified teacher status that combines school-based training and a university-led degree.
Chris Edwards, headteacher, said: “We were honoured to have had the Secretary of State for Education visit our school and witness firsthand our commitment to providing quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for every student.
"It is vital every school is involved in growing its own teachers who will then make a meaningful difference to the lives of the students they educate for many years.”
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The visit preceded the Secretary of State’s formal announcement of the new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA).
South Farnham Educational Trust is the chair of the Trailblazer Group, which was responsible for developing the new undergraduate apprenticeship as well as the successful Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship.
Ms Keegan had conversations with teachers and school leaders about the importance of teacher recruitment and the benefits of apprenticeships.
She spoke enthusiastically with current postgraduate apprentice teachers and teaching assistants.
Other distinguished guests included Basingstoke's MP Maria Miller and Jennifer Coupland, CEO of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Ms Keegan toured the school and observed a maths lesson as well as talking to Brighton Hill’s newly recruited apprentice maths teacher.
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CEO, Sir Andrew Carter, said: “At South Farnham SCITT, we always strive to create an enriching and supportive environment that enables aspiring teachers to reach their full potential; to thrive, not just survive.
"Our relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that our trainee teachers are equipped with the latest teaching methods, techniques, and tools and are well-prepared to excel in today's dynamic and diverse educational landscape. We are delighted that the Secretary of State for Education has chosen to visit us to see this in practice.”
MP Maria Miller said it was brilliant to welcome Ms Keegan to the school.
She said: "We already have a fantastic selection of schools across our borough – 86 per cent of which are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted - and this new apprenticeship scheme will help to attract even more people into the teaching profession."
Anyone interested in becoming a primary or secondary teacher should contact 01252 717408 or email scitt@sfet.org.uk.
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