A teacher training scheme in Colchester which works with dozens of schools in the area has been rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted.

Colchester Teacher Training Consortium (CTTC), based at Colchester County High School for Girls, offers teacher training in 14 subjects, assisting nearly 70 people on both salaried and unsalaried routes into teaching.

Following the latest inspection by education watchdog Ofsted, the establishment was rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas – overall effectiveness, outcome for trainees, quality of training and quality of leadership.

Alastair Heath-Robinson, course director at CTTC said he was delighted with the rating, and said it was tribute to the hard work of those involved.

He added: “We aim to equip our trainees with the skills and knowledge for a successful and rewarding career in education and we are delighted that each year there are over 70 enthusiastic and talented new teachers entering the profession, trained by CTTC.

“This is very significant given the recruitment crisis in teaching, here in the south east and in Essex in particular.”

Figures unveiled by university admissions service UCAS earlier this month revealed that the number of applicants for teacher training courses from the East of England had dropped from 4,530 in 2014 to just 1,210 as of December.

The consortium runs a school-based teacher training programme, working with 14 secondary and 30 primary schools in the area.

The report praised the CTTC partners, stating that they “willingly embrace the vision of ‘inspiring tomorrow’s teachers’.

“Stakeholders’ wholehearted commitment is helping to secure high-quality training and, in turn, meet local recruitment needs very well.”

The report recognised that trainees received “excellent support, advice and guidance” and that employment rates were “consistently high”.

One comment from a headteacher said that each trainee is “‘an excellent ambassador for the profession’”.

The CTTC said it aimed to inspire people into teaching, and help them become successful, thoughtful teachers.

Anyone considering a career as a teacher can find out more by visiting the website here.