The University of Roehampton’s Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provision has been recognised at Strong standard across both its Primary and Secondary teacher training routes in a recent Ofsted inspection.
Under Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework for Initial Teacher Education, providers are no longer given a single overall effectiveness grade. Instead, reports use a five-point scale across key areas of provision, from Exceptional to Urgent improvement. It is now harder to gain a’ Strong’ grade across all 5 areas of the inspection report than the previous ‘outstanding’ grade.
Roehampton was recognised at Strong standard across its Primary and Secondary provision, with all compliance requirements, including safeguarding met.
The report highlights the strength of Roehampton’s curriculum, the quality of support for trainees and the University’s commitment to preparing confident, reflective and inclusive teachers. The report stated that ‘Teacher educators are highly knowledgeable and deliver the taught curriculum incredibly well, modelling effective, evidence-based teaching approaches.’
Inspectors praised Roehampton’s ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum, recognising how trainees build secure knowledge, practical teaching skills and confidence throughout their training. The report noted that trainees develop “secure knowledge and the skills they need to begin their teaching careers” and become increasingly confident in adapting their teaching approaches to support pupils effectively.
The inspection also recognised Roehampton’s strong focus on inclusion and supporting children with a wide range of learning needs, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Inspectors highlighted the University’s caring and supportive culture, noting that trainees feel “valued and welcome” throughout their studies.
Across both Primary and Secondary provision, inspectors praised the quality of mentoring, the integration of research into teaching practice and the strong relationships between trainees, mentors and teacher educators.
The report also recognised Roehampton’s leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, highlighting leaders’ “unwavering vision and expectations” alongside the University’s focus on trainee wellbeing and professional development.
Inspectors found that trainees are well prepared for the realities of teaching and develop a strong sense of belonging within the profession. The report stated that trainees “develop a firm sense of belonging to a professional teaching community” and are “very well-prepared” for their future teaching careers.
Professor Philippa Velija, Dean of the School of Education at the University of Roehampton, said:
“We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the strength of our teacher training provision and the commitment of our staff, mentors, school partners and trainees. At Roehampton, we remain deeply committed to developing reflective, inclusive and research-informed teachers who can make a positive difference in schools and communities. This report reflects the supportive learning environment we work hard to create together and the dedication of colleagues across our School and partner networks who help our trainees grow in confidence and succeed.”
Matthew Sossick – Head of ITE, said:
“The report underlines the quality of the training experience at Roehampton and how it prepares students for the demands of the teaching profession. The expertise of the staff in providing this coherent, research informed training has been recognised, and we are delighted about this.”
Preparing future teachers
Roehampton has been preparing educators since 1841, and today offers a range of routes into teaching, including BA Primary Education with QTS, PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary.
Students benefit from supportive teaching, strong school partnerships and the opportunity to study as part of Roehampton’s London campus community while preparing for a career where they can make a positive impact every day.
Find out more about Roehampton’s teacher training coursesThe report also recognised Roehampton’s commitment to trainee wellbeing and professional support, alongside the University’s focus on helping trainees develop a strong sense of belonging within the teaching profession.
Read the full Ofsted report