You will be aware that, in November 2024, the Department for Education opened a short window for organisations to express an interest in applying for accreditation to deliver ITT courses leading to Qualified Teacher Status from the academic year 2026/27 or 2027/28. This expression of interest did not obligate eligible* organisations to apply once the process launches but did ensure that DfE would keep them up to date with the latest information regarding the accreditation process.
We engaged with DfE before Christmas and agreed that there would be an information session open to all interested parties, including any who did not submit an expression of interest in November 2024. This information session will talk through the proposed timeline and explain how DfE currently plans to facilitate the process. It will also provide an opportunity for interested parties to ask questions.
During our engagement with DfE we have agreed that two of the key messages are
a) the importance of readiness to deliver, especially for those looking to start in 2026/27, and
b) to have taken the necessary steps to transition existing partnerships.
This information session will take place on Tuesday, 21 January at 15:00 via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend the session, please email your details to itt.accreditation@education.gov.uk.
Please be aware that this event is hosted and organised by the Department for Education.
If you have expressed an interest, you may also receive a similar message directly from DfE.
*To be eligible to apply, organisations must:
- have previously held accreditation to deliver ITT leading to QTS
- be delivering as a lead partner during academic year 2024/25 and 2025/26
- not have received two consecutive ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ judgements from Ofsted in the previous inspection cycle (2021-24).