proud to support itts at ugs

We have been proud to host a further cohort of ITTS (Initial Trainee Teachers) from both the University of Manchester and MMU this term (pictured above), and today Lead Mentor Mrs Dooley organised a special lunchtime event as we bid them goodbye until later in 2025.

They will spend next term on placement at another school, before returning to UGS after Easter, and we could not be more delighted to learn that one of our trainees has already received an offer of employment to teach Economics.

We are extremely proud of our ITT provision at UGS and of the programme of support, training and mentorship that we offer; and we receive the highest rankings from the University of Manchester for our Induction programme, Professional Studies programme, ICT advice; and for our Mentor role in: access to departmental documents, support with lesson planning, and weekly mentor meetings.

We were delighted to receive outstanding feedback from the University of Manchester about last year's cohort of trainees:

“I had a great time developing my practice at Urmston, the environment was really welcoming and supportive, and I could really throw myself into school life, both inside and outside the classroom, in more pastoral and extracurricular areas. The support from both my Subject Mentor and Professional Mentor has been really useful, and I feel like I have targets and strengths to build on in my next placements. Thank you!”

“The school and mentors worked hard to support my development; they made wide use of materials and resources and provided me with lots of guidance.”

“I was very happy to return to Urmston for my final placement as I felt that the mentoring and feedback worked really well for me and I felt very comfortable in this environment, which made it much easier to learn and experience what developed practice looks like. My mentors offered valuable and effective guidance and advice, and encouraged me to take up my own initiatives, and supported me with this too. I also felt very welcomed by the department and the school, and by the end of my two placements there, I felt like I had integrated as a true member of staff, due to the efforts made by all of the colleagues (but in particular, my mentors) to welcome me into the staff community. My mentors also went above and beyond, helping me with the Ofsted visit as well as with interview preparation, which I was very grateful for. I really enjoyed my time at Urmston - thank you”.

“A very good school and well-equipped to train ITTs.”

“A highly professional, astute and supportive network at Urmston, who run the school really well. I very much appreciate the opportunity to work with and learn from all of them.”

We wish our trainees the very best of luck for their next placement and look forward to welcoming them back later in 2025!