At Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT), a school-based teacher training provider our purpose is clear: to grow excellent teachers from East London, for East London.

We believe that the teaching workforce should reflect the communities it serves, and we take seriously our responsibility to create the conditions in which global majority trainees can enter, flourish and remain in the profession.

Our model is built on partnership, people and place – values that shape every interaction, decision and support structure we put in place for our trainees.

Teacher training in East London: A place-based strategy that works

MCoT recruits directly from the communities we serve. Most trainees live locally and train in contexts they know, trust and understand. This place-based approach to teacher training in East London not only removes barriers such as travel and relocation, but also nurtures belonging from the very beginning.

That sense of belonging is repeatedly recognised by trainees:

“MCoT has really opened my eyes to the world of teaching. It has given me the confidence to develop as a transformative teacher and has given me the chance to make a life-long dream a reality.” (MCoT trainee)

And this lived experience is echoed externally. In 2026, Ofsted described MCoT as:

 

“A genuine collegiate culture where trainees feel a firm sense of belonging… They recognise the extraordinary lengths that leaders go to understand their individual needs, putting in place pastoral support to ensure they thrive, regardless of any potential barriers they face.”

Expanding access to teacher training through partnerships

Our strong university partnerships help us reach graduates who may not have previously seen teaching as a relevant or accessible career pathway. Through taster days, workshops and visible role modelling, we help candidates imagine themselves – as they are – as future educators.

Developing teachers from within local school communities

Our partner schools play a pivotal role in identifying potential trainees – former pupils, support staff, teaching assistants, or those with less traditional academic routes.

We focus on strengths, potential and aspiration, rather than ticking conventional boxes.

Through coaching, subject knowledge conversations, welcoming interviews and personalised support, we help applicants step confidently into the profession – often fulfilling ambitions they once thought out of reach.

Ofsted recognised this in their 2026 judgement, rating MCoT exceptional for Inclusion:

 

“Inclusion is central to the culture and ethos of the provider… Leaders work proactively with local groups to address barriers potential trainees from diverse backgrounds might have, and they support them to access a career in teaching that they never thought possible.”

Supporting trainee teachers: Belonging, care and community

We believe retention begins at recruitment. From early financial guidance to regular check-ins between offer and course start, we ensure trainees feel welcomed, supported and known throughout their teacher training experience.

This has a tangible impact on wellbeing and professional identity:

“I love being part of MCoT. The supportive, structured environment and smaller group size make it easy to connect with other BTs and learn collaboratively.”
(MCoT trainee)

Our pastoral model is one of our greatest strengths – and again highlighted by Ofsted in 2026, when MCoT was rated exceptional for Professional Behaviours, Personal Development and Wellbeing:

“The pastoral support in place for trainees is remarkable. Leaders have an exemplary depth of understanding of the trainees and their contexts.”

 

Find out more about training to teach with MCoT

If you are considering training to teach, or are an ITT provider or school leader committed to diversifying the teaching profession, we would be delighted to connect.

Get in touch with MCoT to learn more about teacher training in East London and how a place-based, values-driven model like ours can support a more representative, thriving teacher workforce.

info@mulberrycollegeofteaching.org

020 7791 7202

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Read the full Ofsted report here.