University of Worcester praised at inspection
Their teacher training programmes got the highest-possible rating.
Teacher training at the city’s university has been branded “exceptional” and handed an ‘outstanding’ rating in a glowing report by inspectors.
The University of Worcester’s education for the next generation of primary and secondary school teachers has been given the highest possible ‘outstanding’ rating by watchdog Ofsted with the university’s further education provision rated ‘good’.
The inspection result makes Worcester the only university in the West Midlands – and only the second in the country – whose primary and secondary teacher training programmes have been rated ‘outstanding’ post-pandemic.
Inspectors called the university “exciting and inspiring” and its “high expectations” produced “capable and confident” primary teachers and “truly high-quality” secondary teachers.
“Trainees benefit from an exceptional learning experience at the University of Worcester,” inspectors said.
“This experience instils in them a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference to the lives of the children and young adults in the communities they serve.”
“Leaders pay serious attention to transforming trainees into passionate teachers who are determined to raise the aspirations of the pupils, students and learners they teach.”
“From subject tutors to subject mentors, everyone has an unequivocal understanding of their role in helping to develop trainees.
“By the end of their experience, trainees are exceptionally well prepared to enter the teaching profession.”
The university is currently training almost 800 students working with more than 470 schools across the West Midlands and the rest of the country.
The university’s vice chancellor Professor David Green said: “Thanks to the brilliant, inspiring work of university staff and partners, Worcester has been officially recognised as one of the very best institutions at which to train to teach in the whole of the UK.
“There is a desperate teacher shortage across the country.
“I hope this outstanding report will encourage many more people to come forward to train to teach, confident in the knowledge that Worcester and our wonderful school partners will provide exceptional support to enable them to become first-rate, confident, successful professionals and the truly inspiring teachers the country’s children need and deserve.”
Catriona Robinson, head of the Institute of Education at the University of Worcester, said: “We are very proud of our exceptional trainees, our wonderful early career teachers and our excellent, committed partner schools and trusts.
“We hope this report will lead to many more people coming forward to train with us so that, in turn, they can experience the joy of making a difference for children as a truly top teacher.”