Teaching schools are part of the government’s drive to give schools more freedom and to enable schools to take increasing responsibility for managing the education system. These teaching school alliances are working to drive significant improvement in the quality of professional practice, improving the attainment of every child.
Trainee teachers learn from the best teachers, supported by a culture of coaching and mentoring.
Professional development is school-based and classroom focused – teachers, support staff and leaders improve through exposure to excellent practice within and beyond their immediate school, through observation, mentoring, coaching, practice, reflection and sharing with peers.
Leaders have local knowledge and can identify where key resources and expertise lie.
Talent development and distributed leadership are the norm – staff demonstrating potential are encouraged to lead and are given structured and stretching opportunities to grow and develop.
Provide support for other schools.
Designate and broker specialist leaders of education (SLEs).
Engage in research and development activity.
Play a greater role in recruiting and training new entrants to the profession (initial teacher training).
Lead peer-to-peer professional and leadership development (continuing professional development).
Identify and develop leadership potential (succession planning and talent management).
The designation of teaching school is open to all schools in England, regardless of type or phase. Schools and academies applying to become teaching schools need to give evidence of successful partnerships as well as excellent leadership with a proven track record of school improvement. Both the headteacher and the school need to meet stringent criteria.
Schools work together within a teaching school alliance – a group of schools and other partners supported by the leadership of a teaching school. This includes all those schools that benefit by receiving support, as well as strategic partners that will lead on certain aspects. Alliances may be cross phase and cross sector, work across local authorities and may include different types of organisation.
