Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (9 December) commented on the outcome of the ITT market review appeals process, amid reports that every appeal was unsuccessful.

Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“I am deeply concerned that all providers have lost their ITT accreditation appeals despite strong cases and track records. MillionPlus and others within the sector have repeatedly warned that failure to award accreditation to well established, high-quality university providers of initial teacher education as part of its ITT market review is a serious own goal for the government.

“The latest ITT data released by the department demonstrate massive shortfalls in teacher recruitment and cutting off routes into the profession will exacerbate this issue; the impact of this decision across the regions is going to be devastating with cold spots emerging and schools facing further uncertainty. I fear the department is relying on providers choosing to establish partnerships but this is a risky strategy as many may decide that it is actually more financially fruitful and less burdensome to just shut down provision instead.

“We would call on the Schools Minister to pause and undertake a review of this process as a matter of urgency before the country loses much needed teacher education providers for good.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. The most recent DfE Initial Teacher Training Census is available here
3. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
4. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
5. Modern universities: facts and stats 2022