Contract to Raise Standards in Teaching

Edge Hill University has secured the largest contract in the country to deliver further training for qualified secondary school teachers. The Training and Development Agency for Schools(TDA) has awarded £1.5 million - 88% of the allocation available - to Edge Hill to provide professional development opportunities in a bid to raise the quality of teaching in specific subject areas.

The TDA has identified that there are development needs for teachers nationally in mathematics, modern foreign languages, science, art & design, citizenship, design & technology, English, geography, history, ICT, music, PE, RE and Special Educational Needs across the age phases.

Edge Hill University is the largest provider of postgraduate professional development programmes for teachers in the country. Dean of the Faculty of Education, Robert Smedley is delighted to be leading this latest phase for teachers in the region and beyond:

"We will be delivering professional development opportunities for teachers in the North-West and in the West Midlands, as well as in London for some shortage subjects such as mathematics and science. Our flexibility in terms of offering blended learning - face-to-face and learning online - means that access to professional development opportunities for teachers has never been easier."

Teachers can achieve postgraduate accreditation through their professional development activity which can lead towards Masters qualifications in specialist areas.

"We are looking forward to making a real impact on pupils by developing highly skilled teachers who are specialists in their field," added Robert. "Better teachers mean higher standards and improved pupil performance and I am delighted that Edge Hill will be playing a significant role in raising the quality of teaching in our schools."

If you are interested in professional development opportunities at Edge Hill contact the Woodlands Enquiries Unit on 01257 517117.