How Schools Benefit from Hosting Student Teachers

Supporting future teachers in Kent is essential for building a strong, sustainable education workforce. With ongoing recruitment challenges across the county, schools that actively support trainee teachers and student placements play a vital role in shaping the next generation of educators while strengthening their own staff pipelines.

Why Schools in Kent Should Host Student Teachers

Hosting student teachers in Kent provides schools with early access to passionate, motivated future educators. Teacher trainees bring fresh ideas, up to date training, and new perspectives into the classroom - often revitalising teaching practice and encouraging professional reflection among existing staff.

For Kent schools, offering school based placements allows leaders to identify talent early. Many trainees return as Early Career Teachers (ECTs), reducing future recruitment costs and time pressures. This “grow your own” approach is particularly valuable in hard to recruit subjects and rural or coastal areas across Kent.

Supporting Teacher Training Strengthens the Education Community

Providing placements for trainee teachers supports the wider Kent education ecosystem. Schools that engage in Initial Teacher Training (ITT) partnerships help ensure a steady supply of qualified, confident teachers who understand local communities and student needs.

Experienced teachers benefit too. Mentoring and coaching trainee teachers develops leadership skills, supports professional development, and fosters a culture of collaboration within the school.

Why Supporting Future Teachers Is Key to Long Term Success

Investing in future teachers is an investment in educational quality. Schools that actively support teacher training often see improved staff morale, stronger retention rates, and enhanced teaching practice across the school.

In Kent, where pupil numbers and curriculum needs continue to evolve, supporting future teachers ensures classrooms remain well staffed, resilient, and ready for the future.

By hosting student teachers today, Kent schools help secure outstanding education for tomorrow.

How to Get Involved

The Education People work in partnership with Best Practice Network (BPN) to deliver initial teacher training. Investing in the next generation of teachers is one of the most impactful ways schools can strengthen education in their community. By hosting student teachers through the Best Practice Network (BPN) Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme, schools play a vital role in shaping confident, skilled educators who will go on to inspire pupils for years to come.

How the Fee-Funded ITT Programme Works

Graduate application: Aspiring teachers apply directly to the BPN ITT programme.

Funding model: Student teachers cover their own course fees, though many are eligible for tuition fee loans.

Placement in schools: BPN places each graduate in a school setting to gain hands-on classroom experience.

Employment status: Student teachers are not employees of the school and do not receive a salary.

Financial Support for Student Teachers

To encourage more graduates into teaching, bursaries and scholarships are available in key subjects. These payments go directly to the student teacher:

Programme Structure

The ITT is a 10-month programme that blends classroom practice with academic study:

• Term 1 (Sept–Dec): 4 days in the classroom at your school (School A), Fridays for training.
• Term 2 (Jan–Apr): 6-week contrasting placement at another school (School B), then return to School A.
• Term 3 (May–Jul): Back at School A, consolidating learning and preparing for QTS.

What Schools Receive

Schools benefit from financial support when hosting placements:

• School A (main placement): Mentor grant of up to £1,072 plus £1,200 for hosting a student teacher.
• School B (contrasting placement): £250 for hosting a student teacher for six weeks.

What’s Expected of Schools

Hosting schools are asked to:

• Provide a mentor to guide the student teacher.
• Offer a structured timetable to ensure a high-quality training experience.

Note: Student teachers cannot use the apprenticeship levy to pay for their ITT course once placed in a school, as they are not employed by the school.

Why It Matters for Schools

By opening your doors to student teachers, you’re not only supporting their professional journey - you’re investing in the future of education in your local area. Hosting placements helps schools build strong mentoring cultures, enrich classroom practice, and ensure a steady pipeline of passionate teachers ready to make a difference.

How to get involved

Find out more and sign up to host a student teacher placement by clicking here.