‘Strong standard’ in all areas that’s the verdict from Ofsted when it comes to SWIFT Teacher Training.

Education South West provides the training which aims to widen access to the teaching profession by making sure that training is available where people live.

This model helps local people become teachers in their own communities and is helping to tackle teacher supply challenges across the South West.

The report from Ofsted repeatedly recognised how SWIFT Teacher Training makes teacher training accessible across a geographically large area, helping address workforce challenges in coastal communities, rural areas and major urban centres such as Plymouth and Exeter.

Ofsted commented in their report that the provider's commitment to serving coastal and rural communities broadens access to teacher training and creates opportunities for individuals who may otherwise have faced barriers to entering the profession and that trainees become highly skilled and confident entrants to the profession, fully equipped to sustain teaching careers in their local area.

Ofsted also identified partnership working as one of the defining strengths of SWIFT Teacher Training as schools and multi academy trusts help to shape the training programme and training reflects real classroom practice.

Trainees told Ofsted inspectors that they chose SWIFT Teacher Training because leaders have a deeply committed moral purpose for inclusion and provide opportunities to develop highly successful teachers within their local communities.

Dorcas, a primary trainee said SWIFT Teacher Training had been an incredible stepping stone in her career change from global operations and data management in the fashion industry into education.

After welcoming her children, she spent two years working as a teaching assistant, which confirmed that becoming an education leader was the path she wanted to pursue.

She had the following to say about her time on the teacher training programme: “SWIFT Teacher Training gave me an exceptional foundation for my teaching career.

“The high standards, outstanding practical experience and expert teaching have equipped me with the skills, knowledge and confidence I need to step into my first classroom.”

Martin Smith Executive Director at SWIFT Teacher Training said: “Everyone at SWIFT Teacher Training is delighted that we have received such a positive Ofsted report.

“We believe that education has the power to transform lives and when children receive high-quality teaching, their chances of leading healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives increase.

“​Our mission is to ensure that every school, including those in coastal and rural communities, can train, attract, and retain outstanding teachers who can deliver excellent education tailored to their communities.”

Adam Holt, a Chemistry teacher trainee said: “As a trainee at SWIFT Teacher Training I felt greatly supported with all aspects of the ITT course.

“SWIFT are experts at getting to know you as a person and learning how best to support you across your training, including tailored support and arrangements.

“In my experience with SWIFT I was well informed of both my placement schools well before I started training, this gave me the ability to go into one of my placement schools for a few weeks to get to know the staff and students, something I found incredibly useful.”