Plymouth Marjon Early Years training ‘Outstanding’ says Ofsted

Released: 22.09.23

Plymouth Marjon University’s Early Years Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes have been graded ‘Outstanding’ by the sector regulator, Ofsted. The inspectorate also judged that the University had maintained its grading of ‘good’ for its Primary and Secondary ITT programmes. 

In Plymouth Marjon’s first inspection since 2014, the University has been commended by Ofsted, saying “Leaders from across the early years partnership co-produce an ambitious and clearly sequenced curriculum” and ‘Trainees’ profound knowledge of child development and specific areas of learning mean they meet children’s needs exceptionally well.’ 

Plymouth Marjon University was one of England’s earliest teacher education institutions, dating back to the 1840s. The University trains hundreds of teachers every year and its graduates go into teacher and leadership positions in educational settings across the UK and abroad. 

Dean of the School of Education at Marjon, Professor Gary Kinchin, said: 

“This is a wonderful achievement for the initial teacher training provision at Marjon. We always strive to deliver an exceptional standard of education and training to our trainees, working in close partnership with our schools and early years setting in shaping the next generation of exemplary teachers and leaders. Ofsted’s grading makes us proud to be Marjon.” 

Professor Claire Taylor, previously a Primary headteacher and now Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth Marjon, added: 

“The School of Education here delivers first-class training, helping students to thrive and become outstanding teachers in their own right. We’re thrilled with Ofsted’s judgment, and look forward to more Early Career Teachers graduating this October” 

Ofsted also commented on staff’s knowledge of their trainees, stating “They actively encourage and support trainees to promote their well-being and manage their workload” and that the University’s “Positive partnerships with schools enable trainees to put their centre-based learning into practice.”  

The school and education inspectorate noted how well staff at Marjon encourage students to reflect on their practice, develop a keen understanding of social disadvantages, and ensure students advance their skills and knowledge around supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in mainstream education. 

Marjon is the only university in Plymouth accredited to deliver PGCE teacher training programmes and has welcomed nearly 400 students to its education programmes this September, including Early Years, Primary, Secondary, SEND, psychology, and leadership. Students can study on courses ranging from Foundation Degrees to Undergraduate to Postgraduate and research opportunities. 

Find out more about studying for a career with children and young people here, and read Plymouth Marjon University’s full Ofsted report here.