This project sought to establish the most effective means of improving recruitment to, and retention on, initial teacher training (ITT) programmes.
The research gathered feedback from both providers and students. A questionnaire survey of 22 providers and interviews with 50 members of staff provided quantitative data on student numbers and feedback on policy and practice. Interviews with 30 applicants/students provided feedback on the decision to apply for an ITT place and the experience of this process. This was supplemented by visits to providers to get a more detailed understanding of the applicant/student experience. The findings from the primary research were then considered against comprehensive secondary data on provider performance in relation to recruitment, retention and pass rates.
The fieldwork, analysis and reporting were completed within 4 months. The project provided the client with feedback from key stakeholders regarding the factors that impact upon recruitment and retention. Importantly, effective practice was evidence through the inclusion of key performance indicators in the analysis. Although the project was concerned with provision in one region the report’s detailed findings would feed into policy decision at national level.