During a recent visit, the Secretary of State for Education commended South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET) for its excellence in initial teacher training.

The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan attended the Trust’s lead secondary school, Brighton Hill Community School on February 1. It is at this school where SFET is expanding its initial teacher training provision for primary and secondary trainees across the Basingstoke and Deane region.

With a strong emphasis on teacher training and development, South Farnham SCITT is a leading institution, both locally and nationally, with an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of training, continuous improvement and the delivery of impactful and relevant education practices. This follows South Farnham SCITT’s recent Ofsted inspection, where it was graded outstanding in all areas for the second time.

The visit came just before the Secretary of State announced the exciting new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) – a new employment route to Qualified Teacher Status that combines school-based training and a university-led degree. The South Farnham Educational Trust are the chairs of the Trailblazer Group responsible for developing the new apprenticeship.

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.”

Chris Edwards, headteacher of Brighton Hill Community School, said: “We are 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.”

The Trust hope the Secretary of State’s visit will contribute to the ongoing dialogue on improving teacher training and education across the country.

SFET and Brighton Hill Community School plan to build on the momentum generated by this visit, continuing their mission to provide outstanding ITT.

Anyone interested in becoming a primary or secondary teacher should contact 01252 717408 or email [email protected]