We're delighted to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection of Best Practice Network's Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision.

The inspection reviewed our Early Years, Primary and Secondary teacher training programmes, recognising the quality of training, support and leadership across our provision. It reflects the dedication of our staff, mentors, partner schools and settings, and most importantly, the commitment shown by our student teachers every day.

Inspection highlights

The inspection recognised many strengths across our programmes, including:

• Highly ambitious and well-sequenced training curricula
• High-quality mentoring and personalised support
• A strong culture of inclusion and wellbeing
• Evidence-informed teaching and training
• Student teachers who are well prepared for the realities of the classroom

Inspectors also highlighted our commitment to continuous improvement, recognising leaders' strategic approach to refining programmes and responding to feedback from student teachers, schools and the wider education sector.

"Student teachers are overwhelmingly positive about all aspects of their training with Best Practice Network.

Early Years Initial Teacher Training

Our Early Years provision was recognised as meeting a Strong Standard across all judgement areas.

Inspectors found that:

• Student teachers achieve very well, with consistently high achievement rates.
• The curriculum is ambitious, carefully structured and rooted in current research.
• Student teachers develop secure knowledge and confidently apply theory in practice.
• Mentoring and assessment provide purposeful feedback that supports continual development.
• Inclusion is embedded from the point of application, ensuring student teachers receive personalised support throughout their training.

The report also praised our innovative work across the sector, highlighting initiatives such as flexible mentoring for childminders and our commitment to reducing barriers for aspiring teachers.

Primary Initial Teacher Training

Our Primary provision also received Strong Standard judgements throughout the inspection.

Inspectors recognised that our student teachers are exceptionally well prepared for their teaching careers and develop the knowledge, confidence and professional behaviours needed to thrive in the classroom.

The report highlighted:

• A curriculum that is expertly designed and continually refined.
• Excellent mentoring, coaching and professional support.
• Strong preparation across both core and foundation subjects.
• An outstanding commitment to inclusion, equality and diversity.
• A responsive "team around the student teacher" approach that helps every trainee succeed.

Our specialist SEND pathway received particular recognition, with inspectors describing it as "a particular highlight" because of its expert curriculum design and specialist placement opportunities.

Secondary Initial Teacher Training

As a relatively new programme, having launched in 2024, our Secondary Initial Teacher Training provision received Strong Standard judgements for Leadership, Inclusion, and Professional Behaviours, Personal Development and Wellbeing, with Expected Standard judgements for Achievement and Curriculum, Teaching and Training.

The inspection recognised the significant progress made in a short period of time, highlighting the swift and sustained improvements leaders have made since the programme began.

Inspectors recognised that leaders have acted with "relentless attention to detail" to strengthen the programme, resulting in improved retention, progression and student teacher preparedness.

The report also noted that, for apprentices achieving Qualified Teacher Status, distinction rates are above the national average.

Inspectors praised:

• Strong leadership with relentless attention to detail.
• High-quality pastoral care and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive practices that reduce barriers for student teachers.
• A well-sequenced curriculum informed by subject specialists and educational research.
• Continuous evaluation and improvement to ensure the programme continues to develop.

The inspection recognised the considerable improvements already made and highlighted the positive impact these changes are having on student teachers.

"The impact is evident in the growth of the course and the improving rates of retention and preparedness of student teachers."

A culture of support and belonging

One of the strongest themes running throughout the inspection was the culture created across Best Practice Network.

Inspectors repeatedly recognised the personalised support available to student teachers, from the point of application through to qualification. Our personal tutors, mentors and wider support teams were praised for helping student teachers overcome challenges while maintaining high expectations.

The report also highlighted our commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and creating a genuine sense of belonging, with student teachers describing how supported they feel throughout their training.

What this means for future student teachers

For anyone considering a career in teaching, this inspection provides independent recognition of the quality of training available through Best Practice Network.

Whether training in Early Years, Primary or Secondary education, student teachers benefit from:

• Evidence-informed training delivered by experienced educators
• High-quality mentoring and personalised support
• Extensive classroom experience from the start of training
• Inclusive practices that help every student teacher succeed
• A strong professional community that continues beyond qualification

Thank you

This achievement belongs to everyone involved in our teacher training community.

We'd like to thank our staff, mentors, partner schools and settings, advisory board members and, above all, our student teachers for their continued dedication and commitment.

Their passion for education continues to shape the next generation of teachers, and we're proud to support them on that journey as we continue to strengthen and evolve our programmes.

Read the full report