ITT Partner School feedback

Read what some of our ITT Partner Schools and Trusts have said about working with us:

"Larchwood Primary school first got involved with ARU through a connection we had with one of the tutors setting up the Primary BEd course. Our school was used for some of the photography on the promotional material to advertise the course before it had even begun. Those pictures now accompany any emails or promotional material we see from ARU and it is a great reminder of how we have been involved right from the start.

When we were asked to be a partner school it was always something we were going to say yes to. We have some talented and highly skilled teachers at our school, some of whom were trainees or ECTs here. Being able to share their knowledge is a key way to make sure our staff are developing while developing teachers of the future.

You can often hear negative things about people leaving the teaching profession or not wanting to be a teacher, but having been involved with two years of trainee interviews has been really gratifying. These young people have had so much passion for their chosen career, we know the profession is in good hands.

We have had one of the first-year students with us this year. Watching her grow in confidence and skill level has been very rewarding. Her mentor at the school has really enjoyed the experience. We can’t wait to do the same next year."

Steve Bowsher, Headteacher, Larchwood Primary School, Brentwood

"When ARU first launched their Bachelor of Education degree it was something The Rackham was keen to be part of. At The Rackham our longest serving teachers studied a BEd degree course and as a team we often spoke about how important the longevity of the course was in ensuring full understanding of the joys, and also demands, that being a teaching professional entails.

The Rackham has been privileged to be a placement school for a student teacher and attend trainee interviews. We have been so impressed with the high standards when selecting students; the thoroughly planned and organised ITT mentor training and welcoming professionals at ARU. This combination has provided a genuine training partnership. The offer made to train in the student's local area is an intuitive response that eases the financial burden on students with the opportunity to continue living at home.

This model also benefits local schools through provision of well trained teachers within commuting distance of the university. We are delighted to be a partner with ARU; confident we have a shared vision and belief in the vital importance of training high calibre teaching professionals for the future."

Georgina Turner, Headteacher, The Rackham C of E Primary, Cambridgeshire

"I have really enjoyed working with ARU this year, and as a local, multi academy trust, have gained much from the relationship. What has impressed me the most is how ‘real’ and grounded the professors, teachers, and colleagues within the programme have been. It has been reassuring to know that at ARU they are developing the next generation of teachers and educators through genuine partnership and collegiality, with course leaders and instructors who are well-versed regarding the complexities, nuances and challenges, as well as overall experience, within the education sector. They are keen to hear from professionals across the educational landscape and are active in their partnership, which in no doubt has only continued to add to the strength of the programme.

ARU are keen to ensure that their students on the ITT programme are placed safely within thriving schools and Trusts, and they really do ‘look after’ their new and budding teachers. The ITT programme at ARU has stood out, to me, as one that shows genuine compassion towards its students, coupled with high expectations for developing the very best teachers."
As a local multi academy trust, we firmly believe in connecting with our communities. We believe that if ‘we can do more, we should do more,’ and HEARTS is proud to be part of ARU’s ITT programme. We can see the strength in developing teachers locally, who then in turn work within their communities as part of the programme and then after – an ethos which is central to ARU and HEARTS; an alignment of mission and ethos was what drew us originally to the programme and partnership.

In my role as CEO for HEARTS, I have been keen to build new relationships, explore new partnerships, and foster connections between our Trust and the locality. It has been a privilege to be part of the Partnership Advisory Group for ARU’s ITT programme. I have enjoyed the strategic discussion regarding the quality, depth and breadth of the training as well as ARUs refreshing approach and principles that the programme should meet the needs of schools and Trusts locally; working in open and honest collaboration has been rewarding. Further to this, being invited to attend and contribute via the interview panel for student admissions was fantastic – a great opportunity to support the university with developing next generations’ teachers.

Finally, we have been impressed with the quality of students who have joined us at HEARTS this year via their placements. Their dedication, passion and enthusiasm has been rewarding to witness, and we have enjoyed supporting them, and watching them flourish, as they begin their careers as educators. We look forward to many years of continued partnership with ARU – their ITT programme is carefully constructed, well thought-out, and has been a real strength.

Don Wry, CEO, HEARTS Academy Trust

"As a Trust, our decision to partner with Anglia Ruskin University for Initial Teacher Training was driven by a shared commitment to developing high-quality, reflective practitioners who are well-prepared for the realities of the classroom. ARU’s values align closely with ours—prioritising inclusivity, evidence-informed practice, and a genuine passion for shaping future educators.

Our collaboration with ARU has been varied and enriching. I currently serve as a member of the Partnership Advisory Group, contributing to the strategic development of the programme. I have also had the pleasure of being a guest speaker, sharing insights from a trust-wide perspective and offering trainees real-world context for their academic learning. We are proud to host ARU trainees in our schools, where they benefit from supportive, high-quality placements with skilled mentors. Additionally, I was involved in interviewing prospective Primary BEd students for ARU’s second cohort in 2025/26, which gave me valuable insight into the next generation of aspiring teachers.

Working with ARU has brought significant benefits. It has strengthened our recruitment pipeline, introduced fresh ideas and energy into our classrooms, and encouraged continuous professional dialogue across our schools. What I have particularly enjoyed is the spirit of collaboration—working alongside passionate professionals who are committed to raising standards in education through high-quality teacher training."

Rachael Johnston, Director of Primary Education, Anglian Learning Trust

"As a Headteacher of a Catholic school in Peterborough, recruitment can be a real challenge. It is an absolute pleasure to work with our new ITT provider in the city to nurture and grow our future teachers and leaders. I am passionate about improving outcomes for the children and young people in our city through growing and recruiting the very best teachers.

I have worked with ARU on trainee interview days, as part of the Partnership Advisory Group, delivering guest lectures on SEND and inclusion, as well as hosting trainees for Intensive Training and Practice in my previous school (Sacred Heart) and first-year placements in my current school (St Thomas More).

I am continually inspired by the ambition that ARU has for their trainees and the hard work and dedication of the trainees that I have met. I am looking forward to continuing to grow our partnership with ARU and make Peterborough a hub of ITT excellence."

Thomas Claxton, Headteacher, St-Thomas More Primary School, Peterborough