Early Career Teacher (ECT) Induction (formerly NQT Induction)

From September 2021, the term Early Career Teacher (ECT) replaces the term Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT). The induction period for ECTs will also increase from three terms to six terms from September 2021 in line with the DfE's Early Career Framework (ECF).

Early Career Teachers (ECTs) can complete Induction in qualifying COBIS schools.

In 2012, as a result of successful COBIS lobbying of the British Government and following due Parliamentary process, changes were made so that qualifying COBIS schools can access, support and deliver NQT (now ECT) induction.

Qualifying COBIS schools need to have successfully completed a British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection by one of the Department for Education (DfE) approved inspectorates.

Information for Schools
Information for ECTs (formerly NQTs)

Information for Schools

In order to deliver ECT induction, qualifying COBIS schools must have successfully completed a British schools overseas (BSO) inspection, by one of the Department for Education (UK) approved inspectorates.

Section 2.1 of the ECT statutory guidance for appropriate bodies, head teachers, school staff and governing bodies provides further information regarding eligibility for institutions.

Currently, COBIS qualifying schools can continue to offer ECT induction for a maximum of six years after the date of their last BSO inspection.

Qualifying COBIS schools interested in delivering ECT induction will need to work directly with an Appropriate Body for ECT Induction (see below for organisations that can support with the Appropriate Body requirements.)

Schools will need to offer ECTs a structured CPD programme based on the Early Career Framework materials. An additional mentor role (separate from the induction tutor) has been added to the framework. Schools will be expected to offer ECTs a 10% timetable reduction in their first year, and a 5% reduction in their second year.

The following are some of the organisations that can support schools with the Appropriate Body requirements for ECT induction:

Information for ECTs (formerly NQTs)

It is possible to complete your ECT induction overseas in a qualifying COBIS School. Induction in an overseas school will follow the same format and statutory guidance as induction in England.

Induction will be delivered over a period of two years. Schools will need to offer ECTs a structured CPD programme based on the Early Career Framework materials. Mentor support will also be provided by the school (this role is separate to the induction tutor). Schools will be expected to offer ECTs a 10% timetable reduction in their first year, and a 5% timetable reduction in their second year.

In order to support you through your formal induction, the school must have successfully completed a BSO inspection within the past six years. You can find details of eligible schools on the DfE website or the Get Information About Schools website (search All Establishments, and filter by Other / British schools overseas).

If you are interested in completing your ECT induction in a COBIS School, you should apply for a suitable vacancy in an eligible COBIS School. ECT opportunities are not advertised separately, but you can visit the Global Jobs page and search for NQT or ECT, or search for vacancies and then check if the school is eligible to deliver induction. Not all schools that are eligible to deliver ECT induction will be offering induction in any given year. You are advised to contact the school directly before making an application.

Following your appointment, the school will need to register you with an Appropriate Body for induction.

Case Study

Rachel Slater - Teacher Supply Case Study

Rachel Slater, former NQT at British School Muscat, shares her experience of teaching abroad after returning to work in the UK.

View Global Jobs