ASCL comment on EPI teacher development report

Commenting on the Education Policy Institute’s study showing that providing teachers with a right to high-quality training and development would boost pupil attainment, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“Schools and colleges already work very hard to provide teachers with professional development. However, as with much else in education, there are constraints on funding and time amidst the multiple demands they are expected to deliver.

“This report shows that there are huge potential benefits from more government investment in high-quality professional development for teachers - and for a relatively modest cost in terms of the scale of the education system.

“We urge ministers to recognise that this represents money well spent, and to work with the profession on the content and delivery of an enhanced programme of training and development.

“Great professional development is one of the keys to keeping teachers in teaching, and to further improving education standards and the life chances of pupils.

“It is an investment which could produce a significant dividend.”