The Institute of Education works in partnership with schools and settings across Berkshire, the Thames Valley and beyond to support the development of future teachers and strengthen the education workforce.

We have longstanding partnerships with more than 400 schools and settings across the early years, primary and secondary phases. Through these partnerships, schools and settings play an important role in the training and development of our student teachers, while benefiting from opportunities for professional development, collaboration and recruitment.

Working in partnership with the Institute of Education gives schools and settings the opportunity to contribute to the development of the next generation of teachers and strengthen their own professional practice.

As a partner, you can:

  • host student teachers and support their development through high-quality school-based experience
  • access training, support and professional development opportunities for mentors
  • develop your staff's mentoring, leadership and coaching skills
  • connect with our community of education professionals and academics
  • contribute to the recruitment and development of future teachers
  • explore opportunities to become a Lead Partner and play a greater role in teacher training and recruitment.

Our partnerships are built on collaboration, mutual trust and strong communication between the University and our partner schools and settings.

Explore our teacher training pathways

Our teacher training programmes span the early years, primary and secondary phases. Find out more about our programmes and how schools and settings contribute to the training experience.

Early Years

Find out about our Early Years teacher training programmes and the opportunities for schools and settings to support trainees.

Explore Early Years teacher training 

Primary

Find out about our Primary teacher training programmes and the role of partnership schools in supporting student teachers.

Explore Primary teacher training

Secondary

Explore our Secondary teacher training programmes and find out how our partnerships with schools' support trainee teachers.

Explore Secondary teacher training 

Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship

A salaried route to Qualified Teacher Status, combining university-led training with employment in a school.

Explore Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship 

Assessment Only

An assessment-based route for experienced teachers to gain Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Teacher Status without additional training.

Explore Assessment Only route

News and events

Keep up to date with the latest news, events and opportunities from the Institute of Education.

View news and events.

Work with the Institute of Education

Our partnerships with schools and settings are central to the training and development of future teachers. Find out more about working with us, explore our frequently asked questions or discover how to become a partner.

Professionals at a conference

About our partnership

Learn about our partnerships with schools and settings, the benefits of working with us and opportunities for our partners.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about working with us, hosting trainee teachers, mentoring, placements and becoming a partner.

Become a partner

Find out how your school or setting can work with the Institute of Education to support the next generation of teachers.