A teacher training programme run by Kirklees Council has been saved from closure.

Kirklees and Calderdale School Centred Initial Teacher Training (KCSCITT) was well-regarded and had been training teachers across West Yorkshire since 2003.

The programme, initially a partnership with Calderdale Council and the University of Huddersfield, was widely credited with helping bring new teachers into Kirklees schools.

Trainee teachers benefit from the scheme as they go straight into schools working alongside experienced teachers rather than being based in a university.

When the scheme was set up all schools were run by local councils but that is no longer the case.

The Department for Education (DfE) introduced changes to how Initial Teacher Training was delivered and from September 2024, organisations must be accredited by the DfE.

Despite being rated ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection in June 2023, the Kirklees programme did not secure re-accreditation and faced closure.

Kirklees Council wanted to save the scheme and the council’s Cabinet has agreed to look at a partnership with an accredited partner to allow it to continue.

Clr Elizabeth Reynolds, Cabinet member for learning and aspiration, said: “Working with another provider will bring many benefits for trainee teachers and, in turn, help to improve outcomes for children and young people.

“We can combine the strengths of both organisations and create a training programme even more suited to the needs of Kirklees learners.

“It will allow more focus on tailoring our training to support particular groups of pupils, such as those who are disadvantaged or have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

“By producing high-quality teachers who go on to work in local schools, we are supporting our children to fulfil their potential.

“The local scheme already has strong relationships with our family of schools and, at a difficult time for recruiting and retaining teachers, its success is bucking the national trend.

“Creating a formal partnership with another provider is a tremendous chance to support the Kirklees education system. It will help our pupils to enjoy the best start in life.”

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