Early Career Teaching

At Willow Tree Academy, we believe in nurturing talent and developing future leaders in education. As an Early Career Teacher (ECT), your first steps into the profession are vital - and we’re committed to making them count.

Our Early Career Teacher Entitlement programme is designed to provide a strong foundation through expert guidance, personalised support, and meaningful professional development. Whether you’re starting your journey in the classroom or looking to grow within a collaborative and forward-thinking Trust, Willow Tree Academy offers a rich and supportive environment where you can thrive.

Start Your Teaching Journey at Willow Tree Academy

Each Early Career Teacher (ECT) at Willow Tree Academy receives a high level of personalised support, starting with a dedicated, trained in-school mentor who provides weekly guidance, coaching, and feedback. In addition, each ECT is supported by their home school's Induction Tutor, who oversees progress and ensures all aspects of the Early Career Framework are met. You’ll also benefit from strategic oversight and additional support from the ETC Strategic Lead for Willow Tree Academy, who ensures consistency and quality across the Trust. To maintain high standards and tailor support where needed, three formal Quality Assurance (QA) visits take place each year.

This robust support framework is embedded within a high-quality, personalised ECT programme that includes bespoke training and ongoing development opportunities, with access to senior and experienced staff who are passionate about nurturing new talent.

You’ll benefit from:

• Weekly mentor meetings
• Lesson observations
• Collaborative team planning and teaching
• Regular assessment points to monitor your progress towards meeting all teaching standards

You’ll also join a supportive network of ECTs across the Trust, working alongside peers at the same career stage. Our tailored training programme is designed collaboratively by senior leaders across Willow Tree Academy schools, ensuring it reflects the needs of our ECTs and is delivered by experienced practitioners with subject and pedagogical expertise.

Training sessions focus on sharing high-quality practice and fostering a strong sense of collaboration. As you progress through the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to shape your learning experience further, ensuring it aligns with your individual development needs.

At Willow Tree Academy, we don’t just support your first steps into teaching - we invest in your growth and help you thrive in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.