Teacher training provider, Mid-Essex Initial Teacher Training (ITT), based at Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form, is outstanding in all categories, according to education watchdog Ofsted.

The institution has been going for 20 years and works with 20 schools across Essex and Suffolk, including Hedingham School and Sixth Form and Ormiston Sudbury Academy, Sudbury.

After inspections in June and October, Mid-Essex ITT was rated as outstanding in everything, including leadership, quality of training and outcomes.

The inspectors found the partnership trained teachers to meet the needs of local schools, where pupils responded eagerly and worked cooperatively in classes.

Other key findings included consistently high employment rates for the teachers it trained, because trainees are keenly sought by local schools.

One headteacher said they were “ready to enter the profession as naturally inquisitive and reflective teachers”.

There was also praise for the newly qualified teachers’ effective management of pupils’ behaviour.

The report said: “The strategic leadership, provided by local headteachers, ensures the programme meets the needs of local schools.”

It also noted the excellent pastoral support for trainees.

Programme manager, Martin Higgon, said: “Given the teacher recruitment shortage the education sector is facing, Mid-Essex Initial Teacher Training is proud to continue to provide teachers who demonstrate skills that have been officially recognised as outstanding.

“Parents who send their youngsters to our partnership schools can be confident that our trainee and newly-qualified teachers are delivering the highest quality teaching.”

Schools in the consortium also include: Alec Hunter Academy, Braintree, The Ramsey Academy Halstead, Helena Romanes in Great Dunmow, and Chelmsford schools Chelmer Valley High, Hylands, Moulsham High School, Sandon School and Chelmsford High School for Girls, The Plume School, Maldon, and King Edmund School, Rochford.

The Ofsted report is available online.