The Initial Teacher Training delivered through the Embrace School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme has had a profound and sustained impact on the quality of teaching, leadership development, and workforce stability at Tor View School. Since the programme’s inception, it has become a central pillar of our recruitment, staff development, and long‑term retention strategy.
One of the most significant outcomes has been the enhancement of teaching and learning through purposeful, ongoing recruitment. An impressive 52% of our current teaching workforce has been recruited directly from the ELIP School Direct programme, demonstrating both the calibre of trainees emerging from Embrace SCITT and the strength of the partnership. Many of these colleagues have progressed into leadership roles within the school: two are now Deputy Headteachers, one is an Assistant Headteacher, and another serves as a Lead Teacher. Their deep understanding of our ethos—shaped from the start of their training—has ensured seamless progression into positions of responsibility.
The programme has also contributed to the development of a skilled and confident middle‑leadership team. Staff involved in the training process have become highly competent in coaching, mentoring, and supporting trainee development, strengthening a collaborative and reflective professional culture across the school. This internal capacity-building has been instrumental in sustaining high standards of teaching and supporting continuous improvement.
Our commitment to staff development has had a demonstrably positive effect on retention. By offering a clear, structured pathway for progression, supported by Embrace SCITT’s high‑quality training, colleagues are able to see long-term growth opportunities within the school. The introduction of the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) has further broadened these opportunities, enabling staff to train to teach while remaining in employment, supporting both professional development and workforce stability.
In alignment with the DfE’s ‘Golden Thread’ approach, Tor View School has created a coherent, lifelong development journey for all teachers—from Initial Teacher Training through to leadership progression. This commitment ensures that every member of staff receives high‑quality development at all stages of their career, strengthening both our provision and our culture of excellence.
Moreover, the partnership with Embrace SCITT is truly embedded across our workforce. A total of 30% of our teaching staff have contributed to ITE delivery, taking on roles as Trainees, Mentors, or Facilitators. This widespread involvement reflects the strength of our learning community and the shared belief in developing the next generation of teachers.
The Embrace SCITT programme has therefore been transformational for Tor View School—enhancing teaching quality, nurturing leadership, strengthening retention, and embedding a culture of professional growth. It remains one of the most impactful and strategic partnerships contributing to the continued success of our school.
Samantha Dillon SLE, Headteacher, Tor View School