Understanding the Work of the Balcarras Teaching School Hub

We feel it is useful for parents and those exploring our school website to understand a little more about the work of the Balcarras Teaching School Hub. To provide this insight, Liz Cullis, Director of the Hub, has created this news item.

Balcarras School Leads the Balcarras Teaching School Hub

Balcarras School is proud to serve as the lead school for the Balcarras Teaching School Hub, an organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality professional development to teachers across Gloucestershire. The Teaching School Hub has been in existence since 2021, and the DfE has designated Balcarras School to lead it until at least 2028, reflecting their confidence in the quality and impact of our work.

Throughout the Autumn term, the Hub’s work has centred on supporting Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and their mentors through the Early Career Teachers Entitlement (ECTE) programme. This essential initiative ensures that new teachers receive the structured training, guidance and support they need during the crucial early stages of their careers.

A Busy Start to the Year

During September and October, staff at Balcarras and the Odyssey Teaching School Hubs have worked hard to onboard new teachers across the county. A major focus of this period was the delivery of the ECT Welcome Conferences, with Balcarras hosting a number of events for both Year 1 and Year 2 ECTs, as well as their mentors. These conferences helped teachers prepare for either their first or second year of the programme.

This year, 200 new ECTs began the first year of their careers, while a further 200 teachers continued into the second year of the programme—highlighting the scale and importance of the Hub’s work.

Developing Leadership Across Gloucestershire

In November, Balcarras further supported professional development in the county by hosting the NPQ Induction Conference. More than 100 school leaders attended as they embarked on a suite of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), including:

• NPQ in Leading Teaching

• NPQ in Leading Literacy

• NPQ Leading Teacher Development

• NPQ in Senior Leadership

• NPQ in Headship

These nationally recognised qualifications help school leaders strengthen their practice, develop expertise and drive improvement within their schools.

Supporting Teacher Training From the Very Start

Alongside its work with ECTs and school leaders, the Hub also works closely with our local teacher training institution, GITEP—the Gloucestershire SCITT. This partnership ensures that trainee teachers receive high-quality support from the very beginning of their training. It is incredibly exciting that Balcarras plays a key role in the full journey of a teacher’s development, from initial training through to senior leadership roles.

Proud to Support Teacher Development Across the Region

As a school, we are proud to be at the heart of teacher development in Gloucestershire. Our work with partners—including the GLOw Maths Hub, University College London, the Gloucestershire Research School, GITEP, the Odyssey Teaching School Hub and other education groups—places us front and centre in the strategic educational landscape of the Southwest. These collaborations ensure that teachers and leaders in our region benefit from the very best expertise, research and professional learning.

Through its work with ECTs, mentors, school leaders, trainees and partner organisations, the Balcarras Teaching School Hub continues to make a significant contribution to the quality of education across Gloucestershire. The team are excited about continuing our work in the year ahead, so look out for more updates.