Growing Great Teachers: A Collaborative Early Career Teacher Programme with Ambition Institute
This academic year marked the launch of our trust‑wide Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP), designed in close partnership with Ambition Institute and delivered by expert colleagues from across Creative Education Trust. Since the introduction of the national Early Career Framework, our focus has been clear: to offer new teachers a consistent, empowering induction experience grounded in collaboration, high‑quality development, and our values of ambition, equity and opportunity.
Meet some of our ECTs in the video below:
ECTs in our trust benefit from a carefully designed programme that brings together six conferences, seven clinics, and the asynchronous Steplab modules provided by Ambition Institute. This blended approach ensures Early Career Teachers can connect research‑informed development directly with their day‑to‑day classroom practice.
Reflecting on a recent conference, Charlie Williams‑Burchill (Lynn Grove Academy) shared: “Everything was so practical… deliberate practice linked straight to the lessons we were about to teach.”
For Sian McHugh (Thistley Hough Academy), the time to learn with peers is particularly valuable: “I really enjoyed having time to reflect on my practice and think about how to meet the needs of all my students.”
Mentoring sits at the heart of the programme, and our ECTs frequently describe the confidence that grows from working closely with skilled colleagues. Sian explained: “My mentor is one of the most valuable parts of my week… he boosts my confidence but also helps me see where I can improve.”
Charlie echoed this sense of collective support: “The support I’ve had has been almost limitless… anyone will help without question.”
The programme also brings Early Career Teachers from across the trust together, strengthening their sense of belonging and shared purpose. As Sian put it: “It’s great meeting ECTs from other schools — we’re all one team.”
These reflections highlight the programme’s core purpose: to give every ECT ambition in their professional growth, equity in the support they receive, and opportunity to thrive within a strong, connected community.
This year, the programme supports professional development for 83 Early Career Teachers, 50 mentors, and 11 newly certified Ambition Institute Visiting Fellows. Early feedback demonstrates the positive impact of this aligned, coaching‑focused model for teachers as they begin their careers.
Our partnership with Ambition Institute continues to shape and strengthen this work. Following a recent conference, their Delivery Partner Lead, Collette Wade, reflected: “If I was an ECT with you, I would feel so grateful to experience such high standards.”
Her reflections mirror the dedication of our ECTs, mentors, facilitators and school leaders. These are the people who bring our trust values to life and ensure our Early Career Teachers receive the ambitious, equitable and opportunity‑rich start they deserve.