Staff and pupils at Oakwood Academy are celebrating after being chosen to help train the next generation of teachers.
The Eccles based special school becomes the third school in Salford chosen to recruit and train new entrants to the profession and provide professional development for qualified teachers at all stages of their career.
It’s one of 54 schools across the country named as national teaching schools in the latest round – all selected because they are rated outstanding.
Head teacher Amanda Nicholson said she was delighted with the news.
“It’s recognition of the great practice which goes on in our school and other special schools in Salford. We have partnerships with many local primary schools, both special and mainstream, so trainee and experienced teachers will get a great range of experience – and a very warm welcome,” she said
Councillor John Merry, executive lead member for children’s services, congratulated the school.
“Oakwood Academy teaches children aged nine to 18 who have moderate to complex learning difficulties and has been praised as a warm, friendly and inspiring school where children achieve outstanding results. I’m certain any teacher who goes there to study with them will get the very best quality training, development and support,” he said.
The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) runs the teaching schools programme which was introduced in 2011. There are now over 700 national teaching schools.
Teaching Schools take a leading role in recruiting and training new entrants to the profession. They identify and develop leadership potential, provide support for other schools, work with partner schools to raise standards of teaching, engage in research and development and ensure that the most talented school leaders are spotted and supported to become successful head teachers.
The successful schools will be invited to attend a national Teaching School induction event.
