Early Career Framework at ATA

We have a proven track record of developing outstanding classroom teachers from the very beginning of their careers. Many candidates applying for positions at the Academy cite our commitment to professional learning and development, and our consistent focus on behaviour management, as key reasons for wanting to work with us. These strengths were also highlighted and celebrated in our Ofsted inspection (September 2021).

At ATA, we have very high expectations for both behaviour and academic achievement. These expectations are reflected in our routines, the standards we set, and the pastoral and academic support we provide, ensuring the best possible outcomes for every student. Our commitment extends equally to staff, at every stage of their career, through a culture of ambitious and sustained professional development.

We believe that students thrive academically when they are able to learn in a well-ordered and well-managed environment. To achieve this, we operate a clear behaviour policy that consistently promotes positive learning behaviours. As a new teacher at ATA, you will be fully supported by the Leadership Group, ensuring that lessons take place in calm, purposeful classrooms where disruption is rare.

Early Career Teachers (ECTs) beginning their careers with us therefore benefit from a disciplined and positive learning environment, allowing them to focus on refining their pedagogy and delivering excellent lessons.

Our bespoke and comprehensive ECT programme goes beyond statutory requirements to provide an exceptional package of support. This combines the latest educational research, proven classroom strategies, and insights from cognitive science to help new teachers establish rigorous classrooms where student learning is always at the core.

From September 2025, significant changes have been made to the structure of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and the Early Career Framework (ECF), creating a more integrated system of teacher development. At ATA, we are fully committed to ensuring a seamless transition from initial training into the Early Career phase. Our ITT provision and ECT programme are closely aligned, enabling trainees to build on their learning without repetition or gaps. Trainee teachers who progress into their ECT years at the Academy will therefore experience a continuous, carefully sequenced pathway of professional development—ensuring that the high standards, support, and mentoring they receive during training are sustained and deepened as they begin their teaching careers.

Key features of the ECT programme include:

• Weekly instructional sessions led by outstanding practitioners within the Academy. These sessions exemplify our expectations and integrate the content of the Early Career Framework.
• Instructional coaching with departmental mentors. Each ECT is paired with a subject-specific mentor who provides weekly one-to-one coaching. These sessions identify clear developmental targets, offer feedback, and embed excellent practice across all lessons. The coaching is closely aligned with the weekly instructional focus, ensuring coherence between training and classroom application.