The end of the first term is a great point in the Initial Teacher Training year to pause and reflect. The transition into teacher training is significant - new schools (for many, the first time in a classroom), new pupils, new expectations. Once again, our ITT trainees at Teach West London have shown resilience, professionalism and a deep commitment to their own professional learning, their children and their school communities. 

At the heart of our ITT programme is a clear vision: to develop knowledgeable, reflective and values-driven teachers who are committed to improving life chances for all pupils. We believe great teaching is built on strong relationships, high expectations and a deep understanding of how pupils learn. This first term has shown exactly that in action.  

From developing strong relationships with pupils to building confidence in lesson planning and pedagogy, this term has been about personal and professional growth. We couldn’t be prouder. 

Growing in Confidence 

Confidence is often one of the biggest shifts during a trainee’s first term. That feeling of “finding your feet” gradually transforms into standing with certainty at the front of the classroom. Hear from some of our trainees below. 

 “I’ve made a lot of progress, I feel confident and have built lovely relationships with my students.” Trainee Amber 

 “I feel a lot more confident and I feel like I can plan and teach lessons far more explicitly than before.” Trainee Cora 

This growth reflects one of our core values: deliberate practice and continuous improvement. We encourage trainees to see teaching as a craft, and something refined over time through feedback, reflection and evidence-informed practice. 

Relationships at the heart of teaching 

Strong relationships remain central to success in the classroom. Across placement schools, trainees have prioritised connection - with both students and colleagues. 

Trainee Emily shared, “I think I’ve made great progress so far - my relationships with students and other staff members in my placement school have grown nicely over time. I feel like my understanding behind pedagogy and why certain practices are done has increased and solidified.” Similarly, Trainee Daya reflected, “From where I started and to now, I feel I have solid relationship with my students and that my teaching quality has improved.” 

Supportive school communities, generous mentors and collaborative departments make a lasting difference in a trainee’s development. Trainee Joshua highlighted the importance of settling in well: “I’m very happy with the PE department at my placement school. Everyone has been so supportive, encouraging and generous with their time and feedback. I’m very happy.” 

These reflections embody another of our guiding principles: community. We believe teachers thrive when they feel supported, challenged and valued. 

The power of collaboration 

One of the standout features of our programme is that you'll train one day a week at one of our training centres which are part of the Twyford CofE Multi Academy Trust, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. Every week, our trainees benefit from a dedicated time with their Subject Lead and meet with others training in the same subject (our Primary trainees meet with their fellow Primary-peers). 

PE Trainee Julia as an example explained, “I enjoy when we are sat with our departments especially due to the nature of PE lessons, I think it's very beneficial when we can exchange ideas. I think the subject studies are very useful as they are extremely applicable, I can apply it to my practice and lesson plans.” 

English Trainee Jake affirms the subject studies as “very helpful [and a great] opportunity to collaborate with other trainees in the same subject.” 

Training at a top performing academy Trust (MAT) in the country - Liz Gould 

Watch the video - Our Subject Lead (English), Liz Gould shares more about training at a top-performing multi academy trust (MAT) in the country - Twyford CofE Academies Trust. 

A consistent theme in feedback from the Autumn term has been the value of structured training days and deliberate practice. Trainee Arzoo reflects on the impact of the programme: “I’ve found every aspect of the training valuable. Having structured Mondays with clear, guided learning has been a great way to plan my week. The deliberate practice after each new learning is beneficial. It gives me a chance to learn and reflect in a low-pressure environment, so I feel more confident and prepared for my students. Observing teachers from different schools [has] also given me new tools and techniques that I can now bring into my own teaching. I feel I’ve made meaningful progress so far. I can see it in how I feel about my teaching, in the feedback I receive from students and in my mentor meetings. I’m much more confident in my pedagogy and overall teaching practice and I’m excited to continue developing even further in the coming months.” 

Thank you to our trainees for being so committed to improving every day. We are incredibly proud of the progress made so far and excited to see this cohort continue to flourish in the months ahead. 

If you are considering a career in teaching, applications are now open to train to teach from September 2026. Read more about why you should take your first steps towards a rewarding career in education with Teach West London here.