Wirral Met recognised as Outstanding for Teacher Training in partnership with Edge Hill University.

The University was awarded the highest grade for ‘overall effectiveness’ across primary, secondary, and further education and training – inspectors judged the quality of education, and leadership and management to be outstanding.

The sector-leading news recognises the commitment of Edge Hill – the largest initial teacher education (ITE) provider in the North West and Wirral Met College – to deliver the highest quality education and support for its trainee teachers.

Wirral Met College and Edge Hill University teamed up to offer two new teaching courses from September 2023 with a focus on developing the further education workforce in Wirral and beyond.  Both institutions share a common understanding of the power of education to enhance life chances and offer opportunities for all. During Edge Hill’s recent inspection the provision delivered at and by Wirral Met was inspected as part of Edge Hill’s provision and graded ‘outstanding’ alongside the University’s further education age phase.

Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Associate Dean for Faculty of Education at Edge Hill, said:

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Wirral Met College and delighted that our recent Ofsted inspection recognised the outstanding quality of our Further Education programmes delivered there and on campus at Edge Hill.

“We firmly believe in the transformational nature of education and the importance of this being available in local communities to meet local need. I would like to thank the college for their unwavering commitment to this partnership and to the students they serve.”

Gill Banks, Principal and CEO of Wirral Met College, said:

“Our strength as a provider of Higher Education courses comes from the strong partnerships we have developed with leading universities such as Edge Hill. Their support and engaged approach to the transformational journey of our students and commitment to the local community is evident in the quality of our educational offer. We are delighted to be recognised as part of the Ofsted award of Outstanding and look forward to continuing our close working partnership with Edge Hill.”

Lynn Adam, Vice Principal, said:

“I’m so pleased to be part of the amazing team that manages, delivers and supports Teacher Training for future FE teachers. We are so proud to be working in partnership with Edge Hill University. We share a passion for education, teaching and learning that really makes a difference in students lives. To have the hard work and dedication of both the Wirral Met College team and our colleagues at Edge Hill recognised as outstanding has been fantastic. Any future trainee teacher can be confident in the expertise of our staff here at Wirral Metropolitan College, and can expect to have the best possible teaching practice experience.”

Dr Jane Moore, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Education for Edge Hill, said:

“Everyone in the Faculty of Education is entirely committed to the transformational power of education, for every learner from early years onwards, and for their families and communities.

“We work hard to provide our trainees on campus and at our partner, Wirral Met College with the highest quality preparation and to ensure they are confident, curious and compassionate in their future careers. We are also privileged to work with hundreds of like-minded partners, the schools, colleges and other settings who share our belief in social justice and refusal to settle for second best.

“Integral to this judgement is the everyday commitment and support we receive from our partner settings, schools and colleges, in particular the dedicated mentors who support and challenge our trainees while on professional placements and we are very proud that this has been recognised in the report too.”

Many trainees have spoken proudly about how their ITE programmes have “transformed their thinking as new teachers.”

Katie Johns, who studies on the University Higher Diploma course delivered at Wirral Met in partnership with Edge Hill University said:

“The collaboration between Edge Hill and Wirral Met College has opened up a learning experience beyond my expectations. This partnership has enabled me to pursue teacher training and acquire indispensable professional skills, all while balancing the responsibilities of being a busy parent. It’s truly transformed my life, and I’ll always appreciate the opportunities this course has provided. To anyone hesitant about entering the teaching profession, I urge you to take the leap – it’s worth it!”

David Dunbavin, also a student studying the PGCE in Sociology added:

“The PGCE course at Wirral Metropolitan College together with Edge Hill is exceptional, with tutors who are dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive, providing personalized guidance and real-world insights that enhance the learning experience. Their commitment to nurturing future educators fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, making Wirral Metropolitan College an outstanding choice for aspiring teachers.”

The Faculty of Education at Edge Hill has a well-established national reputation for the delivery of high-quality Initial Teacher Education (ITE) across the full range of age phases, alongside a substantial track record in supporting partner schools and colleges in school improvement initiatives.

Find out more about training to be a teacher at Wirral Met College.