Mentor capacity under strain
Over two thirds of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) providers have reported that mentors in their organisation have insufficient time within their workload to fulfil mentoring responsibilities effectively.
The latest ITT Insights Survey found the main barriers to mentor capacity was teacher workload, staffing shortages, and competing school priorities. The survey asked organisations how much time mentors have to fulfil their responsibilities. 68 per cent responded saying they have enough time only “to a limited extent” or “to a very limited extent.” 48 per cent of NASBTT members say their organisation’s capacity to provide mentors is “just sufficient but stretched.”
75 per cent of respondents report having “sufficient” or “more than sufficient” mentor availability across their partnership. Another 83 per cent said they were “somewhat confident” or “extremely confident” that mentors are adequality prepared for their role. It is mentor support and release time that appear to be the defining issues now facing trainee teachers.
NASBTT CEO, Emma Hollis, said:
“Mentoring is a cornerstone of effective teacher training.
“If we are serious about ensuring every trainee receives high-quality support, we need to encourage schools to prioritise release time and support for mentors where possible.”
Growing difficulties in securing training placements
Separately, 57 per cent of ITT providers reported that securing placements for trainees had become “worse” compared with previous years. 38 respondents highlighted secondary as the phase that was most difficult to find placements for. Placements are hardest to secure in MFL, art and design, DT, computing, science, mathematics, business, PE and performing arts.
Emma explained:
“Our members have told us that the barriers are small department sizes, limited mentor availability, high demand for bursary subjects, and regional competition.
“Secondary issues include specific year group constraints (Key Stage 4/5), post-16 timetable pressures, and languages that are less commonly taught. One common suggestion from our members is for financial incentives or grants for schools hosting trainees, as well as additional support for mentor time and training, which is also needed.”
NASBTT members were also asked how they felt about the schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving. 45 per cent were “somewhat positive” and could see potential benefits, but they do still have some reservations.
Financial pressures threaten stability of ITT provision
Providers are much more focused on the immediate term with mounting financial pressures. 83 per cent of respondents described their organisation’s current financial position as “under some pressure” or “under significant pressure”. 66 per cent are “not confident” that they could absorb a significant financial shock. Trainee recruitment levels, funding rates for ITT, and staffing costs were identified as having the greatest impact on their financial viability.
Emma reflected:
“The latest NFER School Teacher Labour Market in England Annual Report shows that recruitment into ITT has increased significantly in 2025/26 and providers are doing everything they can to put teachers into classrooms. However, our survey paints a clear picture of a sector under sustained financial strain – this issue is not limited to small providers but affects providers of all sizes – and that inevitably has the potential for knock-on effects for the wider schools system.
“Providers are already making difficult decisions, including reducing staffing, moving provision online, and in some cases closing low-recruitment subjects. Whilst the sector is working hard to protect quality, these measures can potentially limit the breadth of expertise available to trainees and reduce opportunities for in-person, specialist input, which could set us back.”
Overall, the findings show that the teacher training system remains committed but is becoming increasingly overstretched. Without stronger financial support and protected mentor time, the pressures facing providers risk undermining the quality and stability of the ITT pipeline.