We take pride in our commitment to providing exceptional teacher training, supported by high-quality placements and mentors to guide you through your teacher training journey. With 140 years’ experience educating the teaching and education workforce – rated Ofsted Outstanding for Initial Teacher Education, Edge Hill University is a great place to prepare for the classroom and a wide range of learning environments.
Central to our success is the University’s highly qualified and dedicated mentors, including our innovative lead mentors in the Faculty of Education. Lead mentors are expert practitioners in their field who play a critical role in shaping the next generation of teachers.
What is a lead mentor?
For all students on our undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher training programmes, mentors are assigned to support you during your placements. Lead mentors are experts in their field of education and play a pivotal role in both the training and development of other mentors and students. Lead mentors serve as a bridge between university theory and the practice of teaching in schools. And can provide specific support and guidance around practice e.g. planning and adaptive teaching.
Lead mentors at Edge Hill have a deep knowledge of the curriculum and pedagogy, which enables them to provide you with tailored support. At Edge Hill, many lead mentors are in leadership roles and recognised for their expertise in local schools, ensuring they provide a contemporary insight into school environments and educational best practices.
Adam Holding, an alumnus of Edge Hill took on the lead mentor role to share his passion for geography with trainee teachers while staying involved in the school community.
“Not only is Edge Hill an outstanding provider, but the fact I could offer my geography expertise to trainees while still working as the head of geography was really exciting.”
Adam Holding
Head of Geography, Lathom High School
Lead Mentor, Edge Hill University
Why are lead mentors essential?
Lead mentors ensure that as a trainee teacher you receive the maximum benefit from your placements by providing you expert guidance and multiple opportunities for feedback. Their in-depth understanding of the trainee curriculum allows them to support your application of theoretical knowledge into real-world classroom practices, particularly during the intensive training and practice (ITaP) phase.
ITaP focuses on developing pivotal aspects of teaching, and lead mentors are integral in ensuring that this intensive element complements your overall knowledge and understanding.
At Edge Hill, mentors are not only responsible for helping you practice teaching strategies but also for providing well-resourced preparation for employment. This includes coaching on CV writing, application letters, and interview techniques. This robust support system ensures that you are well-prepared to step into the role of a newly qualified teacher.
A collaborative approach
At Edge Hill we have an extensive network of school and educational setting partnerships. These partnerships are vital in ensuring that you develop a strong subject knowledge and gain professional skills that are necessary for a successful teaching career.
“I really enjoy the role of lead mentor and working alongside trainee teachers to support them throughout their educational journey. I am fully committed to the teaching profession and was keen to contribute to the training and development of our future teachers. I felt that my experience could be shared with others, to support their journey into the teaching profession.”
Rachel Burke
Assistant Headteacher
Lead Mentor, Edge Hill University
“I’m so grateful for the chance to make a difference to a trainee’s career path. I always enjoyed hosting trainees in my class and found great satisfaction, as a mentor, in supporting trainees. I was never happier than when a trainee secured their first teaching post, either in my own school or elsewhere, knowing that (in some small part) I had helped to create one of the next generation of teachers.”
Terry Cotton
Primary School Teacher, Senior Leadership Team
Lead Mentor, Edge Hill University
Shaping future educators
Edge Hill University stands out as a beacon of excellence in teacher education. With our ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings, innovative curriculum, and extensive mentor network, we provide a dynamic and supportive environment for teacher trainees.
The role of lead mentors is pivotal in ensuring that our trainees receive the highest quality training, preparing you for successful careers in teaching. By fostering strong partnerships with schools and offering cutting-edge training programmes, Edge Hill continues to shape the future of education and enhance life chances for children and young people.
‘The inclusion of lead mentors in our programmes has added a new dimension to our partnership and programme delivery enhancing student experience and providing multiple opportunities for experts to engage in higher education”.
Michelle Pearson
Head of Teacher Education Development
March 11, 2025
