The costs and benefits of different initial teacher training routes

This research project is investigating the costs and benefits of different initial teacher training routes. It is led by researchers from IFS, and also involves the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and the Institute of Education, University of London.

The seminar will launch new research findings from a survey of schools, which has been linked to wider information about trainees and schools to answer the following key question: how does cost-effectiveness vary between initial teacher training routes from a school’s perspective? The answer to this question draws on a wide range of evidence:

• What indirect costs are imposed on schools, for example through supervision and mentoring?
• What are the benefits to schools, for example through trainees’ contribution to teaching and recruitment?
• Does the presence of a trainee teacher affect pupil attainment?
• What are characteristics of trainee teachers on each training route? What are the characteristics of schools that have trainees on each training route? Does this affect the estimates of cost-effectiveness?

This seminar will also summarise the broader costs of each initial teacher training route for central government.

Subject to data becoming available, future work will incorporate the costs and benefits of differential retention rates (and retention rates in disadvantaged schools) of trainees from each initial teacher training route.

The seminar will be chaired by Professor Sir David Watson, Principal of Green Templeton College, University of Oxford and Trustee of the Nuffield Foundation.

Panel members will be:

• Sir Andrew Carter OBE, Chair of the Independent Review of the Quality and Effectiveness of Initial Teacher Training Courses; Headteacher, South Farnham School
• Helen Ogden, Assistant Headteacher, Guiseley School, Leeds
• Professor Ian Menter, President, British Educational Research Association (BERA); Professor of Teacher Education, Department of Education, University of Oxford

Registration will take place from 10:00 – 10:30, coffee will be served during this time. Lunch will also be served after the event at 12:30.

Places at this event are strictly limited. To reserve your place, please email @email with “Teacher training routes” in the subject line.

Note: Due to the constraints of the Nuffield Foundation’s listed Georgian building, it is sadly unable to provide access or facilities for wheelchair-users. People with mobility needs should contact the Foundation for guidance in advance of visiting the building. The Foundation has a hearing loop in part of the main seminar room.