ITE Inspection Arrangements Review

Student teachers are at the heart of Estyn’s work in Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Our focus is on the quality of their learning experiences, the progress they make throughout their programme and how well they are prepared to enter the teaching profession.

Estyn completed its most recent cycle of inspections of ITE partnerships in Wales in August 2025. Following the completion of this cycle, core inspection activity has been paused for two years (September 2025 to August 2027). This period provides partnerships with an opportunity to respond to recommendations from the previous inspection cycle and to continue to strengthen their provision, leadership and outcomes for student teachers.

During this period, each partnership is supported by designated Estyn link inspectors. Link inspectors visit partnerships termly, acting as critical friends, and providing constructive challenge and support as partnerships evaluate and develop their work. This activity is intended to support improvement and help build capacity across the sector for the benefit of current and future student teachers.

At the same time, Estyn is developing new inspection arrangements for ITE, which will be introduced from September 2027. This work is being undertaken in collaboration with the sector through the ITE Partnership Reference Group, which includes university and school-based representatives from each partnership. The group provides opportunities to discuss and shape future inspection arrangements, helping to ensure that they reflect the evolving needs of ITE in Wales, and continue to support positive experiences and outcomes for student teachers.