A brand-new academic year has begun, and Cumbria Education Trust (CET), in partnership with Ambition Institute, has welcomed its latest cohort of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) trainees to both internal CET schools and local partner schools.
The new trainees began their ITT journey with a comprehensive five-day induction programme designed to provide a solid foundation for a successful teaching career. The week kicked off with a warm welcome and an introduction to the Trust, led by Dr Jo Daulby, ITT Lead, followed by an overview of the ITT programme.
Across the week, trainees engaged in a series of focused clinics covering core aspects of teaching, including:
- Classroom culture and behaviour – creating conditions for learning, presenting emotional consistency, setting and maintaining expectations, establishing routines, and building a positive classroom climate.
- Curriculum and pedagogy – sequencing instruction, breaking down knowledge, and exploring the teaching of English alongside lesson design.
- Professional values and responsibilities – understanding British Values, inclusive teaching practices, and key statutory requirements.
Trainees also gained further insight into programme structures, the science of learning, assessment frameworks, and the use of digital training platforms.
The programme balanced theory with practice, providing new teachers with the skills, confidence and knowledge to begin their training year successfully.
Dr Daulby reflected on their first week: “It was a pleasure to welcome our new cohort to CET. They approached their training with enthusiasm and professionalism, fully engaging with both the course and each other. They are already shaping up to be an impressive group, and I am excited to see how their journey unfolds.”
Elliot Blake, a secondary school trainee, commented: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with CET so far. It’s brilliant to see that the whole team are so passionate about what they do day to day. My induction last week provided a valuable foundation for my teacher training journey where I engaged in insightful conferences on inclusive practice, managing behaviour and starting the lesson. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunities that come with it!”
This new cohort represents the next generation of teachers for Cumbria and beyond. With dedicated support and mentorship, they will continue to build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to inspire pupils and make a lasting difference in classrooms and communities.
To find out more about our ITT programme, you can visit our webpage below:
