More and more schools across England are realising the long-term benefits of hosting student teacher placements to support the next generation of teachers. But what does it actually involve? And how much support will you receive?

At Best Practice Network, we work closely with schools to ensure a smooth, supportive and beneficial process for everyone involved. Here’s a breakdown of what hosting a student teacher looks like — and why it’s more straightforward than you might think.

Placement Timelines: What to Expect 

Student teachers begin their induction at the end of August and join their host school in September, ready to immerse themselves in classroom life from day one. Their placement continues through to July, with a six-week contrasting placement at another school in January.

This contrasting placement takes place in a different key stage (e.g. moving from KS2 to KS1), giving student teachers broader experience. While your student teacher is on their contrasting placement, your school can choose whether to host another student teacher during that period — but it’s entirely optional.

What Does a Student Teacher's Weekly Schedule Look Like?

Student teachers are typically based in one class for the year, giving them a stable environment to grow and thrive. They’ll:

• Teach, plan and assess across four year groups

• Be in class four days a week

• Spend Fridays in training, either online or in Face-to-Face sessions. They will not be in school on this day. 

In addition, there are four Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks throughout the year; these are non-negotiable training weeks where trainees must be released from their school timetable.

What Support Is Required from you as a placement school?

We know how busy school life is, so we’ve made the placement responsibilities clear and manageable. Here’s what’s involved:

• A weekly observation of at least 30 minutes

• A school-based mentor (this can be any experienced teacher)

• Release time for student teachers to attend their regular training and ITaP weeks

Each student teacher is also supported by a dedicated Best Practice Network Personal Tutor, who works closely with your school mentor to ensure the student teacher progresses well.

If your school has limited mentoring capacity, we can provide a trained external mentor to support the placement.

Mentor Training and Support

Whether your mentor is new or experienced, we provide the right training to help them succeed:

• First-time mentors receive full training from Best Practice Network

• Returning mentors complete a 6-hour top-up session

• Mentors have access to Mosaic (for feedback and reflections) and Canvas, our online training platform

The Financial Side: What Does It Cost?

The good news? There’s no cost to your school.

Interested? Pledge your school here

If you would like any more information, get in contact with us:

 Email: placements@bestpracticenet.co.uk

 Tel: +44 (0) 117 920 9200

Pledge Now