Initial Teacher Education in Scotland

Initial Teacher Education in Scotland has been university-based since the merger of the Teacher Training Colleges with the Universities in the 1990s (note the Institute of Education at Stirling has always been part of the University). It is delivered through eight universities: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Strathclyde, West of Scotland and the Open University.

The most recent review of ITE provision in Scotland originated in a commitment given in ‘A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century’, the agreement reached following the recommendations in the McCrone Report. The first stage review was carried out by Deloitte and Touche. This was followed by an HMIE scoping review in 2002 and a second stage review reported on in 2005.

HMIE Scoping Review of ITE (2002)
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Review of initial teacher education stage 2: Report of the Review Group
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Minister of education’s response to the report
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The ‘Standard for Initial Teacher Education’ provides a comprehensive set of requirements for universities who offer Initial Teacher Education programmes. The Standard specifies the standard of skills, abilities, knowledge, understanding and values which should be addressed and assessed in those programmes. It is part of GTCS’ remit to maintain and enhance the Standard.

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The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education document explains the establishment of the standard.

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