A TEACHER training centre set up to tackle north Essex’s teacher shortage 25 years ago is now hoping to inspire a new generation of teachers.

North Essex Teacher Training (NETT) was set up in an effort to improve staffing levels in schools in the Tendring district.

The programme is now based at the Tendring Education Centre, in Jaywick Lane, Clacton, and is a central part of the Coast 2 Coast Teaching School Alliance.

Next month, it will be staging its latest initiative to attract more people into the profession.

Sheryl Green, assistant programme director, said that over the years it had established an impressive track record in recruiting and training excellent trainee teachers, who quickly establish themselves across Tendring and Colchester.

“Being a small provider, we are known for the family ethos at NETT and the support we provide not just throughout the training year, but beyond,” she said.

“We are justly proud of the contribution our trainees make to schools in the Tendring and Colchester areas.

“The fact that so many of them are ex-pupils from these schools makes them very powerful role models.

“They have had a significant impact on raising the aspirations and achievement of local children.”

She said the trainees from the programme were held in such esteem that many of them went on to achieve rapid promotion and a number had in the past few years received Regional and National Teaching Awards.

Since it was formed, the scheme has trained up to 50 per cent of the teachers in local schools and is one of the highest sources of employment for graduates in the area.

Jane Adamson, programme director, said teacher training had faced a number of complex changes in recent years, with entry routes, the application process and funding all being affected.

“Many of the teachers we have trained are now deemed to be ‘outstanding’,” she said.

“We offer training in all secondary school subjects and have a proven record of excellence in securing high-quality outcomes as well as employment for the trainees on completion.

“Although our training is locally-based, we draw upon the expertise of a number of outstanding practitioners from the schools across our wider partnership.

“Many of NETT’s trainers and mentors are themselves, a product of our scheme which demonstrates that former trainees have the capacity and resilience to remain in the profession where they continue to grow, develop and excel.”

Lynda McWilliams, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said the authority was keen to support initiatives to drive up aspirations in Tendring’s schools.

“We work closely with the Tendring Education Improvement Group and have seen significant improvements over the past couple of years,” she said.

“NETT are playing a major role in helping to recruit staff to our schools and, in turn, helping our young people to aim higher and achieve more.”

n AN information evening for people wishing to know more about a future in education will be held at the Tendring Education Centre, in Jaywick Lane, Clacton, on February 4 from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Further information is available by e-mailing teach@coastalscitt.co.uk or by calling 01255 431949.