UCU response to Carter Review of Initial Teacher Training

The Carter Review of Initial Teacher Training praised the role of theory and evidence-based teaching within courses, but also warned that the number of different teacher training options was causing some confusion amongst potential applicants.

Responding to the report, UCU said that universities must continue to play an important role in training teachers, both through traditional academic courses and in supporting school-led routes.

The union added that more must be done to simplify the choice for potential applicants if recruitment shortfalls were to be addressed.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'We welcome the recommendation that universities should play a central role in teacher training partnerships. Universities have a proud tradition of preparing teachers and academic courses must remain an option for trainees, alongside school-led routes which draw on university research.

'Under-recruitment in key subject areas is still a big concern and schools and universities must provide clearer information to potential trainees if we are to avoid teacher shortages in the future.'