trainee teacher support Archives - Mulberry College of Teaching

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.”

MCoT at a local East London sixth from careers fair - talking about teacher training.

MCoT at a local sixth form careers fair.

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

Read the full Ofsted report here.

Building a strong foundation

The educational journey for a post-graduate trainee teacher at Mulberry College of Teaching is supported by a comprehensive mentorship framework. Right from the start, trainees are paired with experienced mentors who are experienced educators, well-versed in the challenges and opportunities of teaching in the diverse and dynamic environments of East London. These mentors act as role models, advisers, and supporters, steering trainees through both theoretical and practical facets of their training.

Personalised guidance

A distinctive strength of the mentoring at MCoT is its personalised approach. Mentors dedicate time to understanding the individual strengths, challenges, and aspirations of each post-graduate trainee teacher. This customised guidance helps trainees in developing their unique teaching styles, managing classroom challenges, and building confidence in their own capabilities. Through regular feedback sessions, trainees can reflect on their progress and identify areas for enhancement within a nurturing environment.

Mulberry College of Teaching’s mentors also receive bespoke professional learning; enabling them to continue to enhance and refine their mentoring expertise.

Real-world application

Mulberry College of Teaching’s mentors facilitate practical placements in local schools within the Mulberry network, where post-graduate trainee teachers can apply their learning in real-world contexts. These hands-on experiences are crucial, allowing trainees to hone their skills, receive immediate guidance, and grasp the complexities of different educational settings. It is during these placements that theoretical knowledge is translated into practical, impactful educational strategies.

Emotional and professional support

The teaching profession is immensely fulfilling, yet it comes with its challenges. Mulberry College of Teaching’s mentors provide both emotional and professional support to help trainees navigate any challenges. Whether addressing difficult classroom dynamics, balancing professional and personal life, or planning career steps after qualification, mentors are there to offer their support. This holistic approach ensures that post-graduate trainee teachers excel in their roles alongside sustaining their well-being and motivation.

Cultivating a community of educators

The mentor programme at Mulberry College of Teaching aims to cultivate a community of educators. Trainees and mentors often develop enduring relationships that extend beyond the official end of the training year. This growing network of educators provides a vital resource, offering continued support and opportunities for professional development throughout a teacher’s career.

Impact on educational outcomes

The success of Mulberry’s mentoring programme is mirrored in the achievements of its graduates. Schools throughout East London commend the preparedness and impact of Mulberry-trained teachers, noting their innovative teaching methods, empathy towards students, and adeptness at managing diverse classrooms. Positive feedback from partner schools underscores the pivotal role that mentoring plays in equipping new teachers.

About us

At the Mulberry College of Teaching, we are passionate about the transformative power of teaching. We strive to provide an inclusive and aspirational learning environment for all our students that focuses on excellent outcomes, collaboration and creative teaching.

We invest in and value our teachers. By learning to teach with us, you will be immersed in schools and will learn from school-based subject specialists as well as a range of expert practitioners whose practice is grounded in the best available research.

Based in the heart of East London, you will join our supportive professional learning community of Trust schools and local secondary school partners. Together, we appreciate the complexities and joys of working in a diverse inner-city urban community and will support you to excel.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Mulberry College of Teaching and learning more about you and your aspirations.

Tag Archive for: trainee teacher support

Case Study: How MCoT is breaking down barriers in teacher training to recruit and retain global majority teachers