Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

Initial Teacher Training partnership

Is your school committed to supporting and developing the next generation of teachers?

Would you like to join an Initial Teacher Training partnership focused on developing high-quality, ambitious teachers, committed to a lifelong career in education?

Express an interest to join our Initial Teacher Training Partnership




ARU is excited to launch a brand new BEd Primary Education course with QTS and we are looking for primary schools in the East of England, London and beyond to join our partnership as placement schools.

ARU’s BEd (Hons) Primary Education with QTS, combines three years of academic study and school based experience, with three assessed placements in primary schools. The rigorous nature of this course, coupled with high-quality support from ARU tutors and school-based mentors, will enable trainees to develop the experience, understanding and confidence to excel in the primary classroom.

If you have any questions about joining the partnership, please contact us at [email protected].

Why partner with ARU?

We recognise that high-quality partnership is a two-way relationship based on equitable sharing of expertise and shared goals. We value collaboration with schools in all aspects of our provision, and we are committed to adding value to our local education communities.

High-quality professional development opportunities for your staff

  • School Mentors will have access to our accredited mentoring course, designed to meet School Mentors’ specific needs and busy schedules.
  • Opportunities for your staff to train as Lead Mentors and complete our accredited 60 credit Masters level course.
  • Opportunities for your staff to contribute to research projects and to guest lecture.
  • Access to free CPD and discounts on our Masters in Education courses.

Responsive support and guidance

  • As well as a School Mentor, each student will have a dedicated ARU Tutor and Lead Mentor providing individualised and responsive support to students and schools.
  • We will provide clear, streamlined processes and guidance for everyone involved in the trainee’s experience.
  • Supportive visits to partner schools before placements begin, to enable us to develop a collaborative working relationship.
  • Placement funds of £350 paid to schools for each student placement.

Get involved

As the Department for Education’s only new university provider to be accredited to award QTS from September 2024, this is a unique opportunity to join our new ARU ITT partnership, working with a university ranked seventh in the country for Education (Guardian League Tables 2024).

There are a variety of ways you can contribute to the ARU ITT Partnership, as either a school or an individual:

School placements are an integral part of the BEd course, allowing trainee teachers to gain experience in a range of key stages and schools, benefit from the support provided by skilled School Mentors, and fully immerse themselves in school life. We select the most ambitious, passionate and committed students for the BEd course. You can therefore expect trainees to bring fresh ideas, energy and a curiosity for teaching with them onto their placement.

Students on the BEd Primary Education with QTS degree at ARU will complete 125 days of school placement days across the three-year course. In addition, students will complete 35 days of Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP), with a focus on understanding the evidence and practice related to key foundational aspects of the curriculum.

ITaP is a new requirement for ITT programmes from September 2024, and some of the ITaP days will take place in schools. Read the guidance for schools on ITT placements and ITaPs from the Department of Education.

We are keen to hear from schools who are interested in offering a placement for our BEd students and/or may wish to become involved in the Intensive Training and Practice elements of our course. All schools who offer a placement or support with ITaP will be provided with comprehensive guidance, training and support from our knowledgeable ITT team.

Fill in our expression of interest form and we'll be in touch with more information about offering placements and/or ITaP support.

We are committed to engaging with our partner schools in the recruitment and selection process for applicants to the BEd. Our partners play a significant role by participating in our interviews and providing a school perspective on the suitability of the candidates.

If you are a senior leader in a primary school, we would love for you to join our interview process. You will be fully trained in our recruitment processes and sit on the panel with a member of the ARU team.

If you are interested in supporting with the BEd interview process, please contact us at [email protected] providing your name, role and school.

We regularly invite contributions from guest lectures to support the enrichment of courses within the School of Education at ARU. Contributions and insights from current practitioners are particularly valuable.

If you have an area of expertise you would like to share with our students, please contact us at [email protected] providing your name, role, school and area of expertise.

Our Partnership Advisory Group oversees and monitors ARU’s ITT Partnership, including the strategic development and effectiveness of partnership arrangements.

The group meets four times a year and includes a range of representatives from ARU, partnership schools and the education sector.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact us at [email protected] outlining your current position, experience and areas of expertise.