A PRIMARY teacher training programme based on the Isle of Wight has been given plaudits by its external examiner.

Dr Karen Castle, external examiner for the Portsmouth Teaching School, said: "I was struck by the level of confidence and support for this Island School Direct primary route.

"I was really impressed by the standard of teaching observed and all the trainees and mentors were complimentary about the Portsmouth Teaching School’s Island training.

"Each of the trainees felt a great strength of the programme was the support from the mentors.”

The course had a 100 per cent pass rate and all trainees achieved high grades.

Trainees all gained teaching posts on the Isle of Wight.

Isle of Wight tutor, Annabel Bryant, said: “Our trainees worked incredibly hard and deserve their outstanding results.

"Now they have started their new teaching posts we are visiting everyone to ensure they are still progressing as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT).

"I felt very proud to see how well they are doing and to hear from their heads that our trainees are well prepared for teaching.”

Find out more about teacher training on the Isle of Wight at the next Train to Teach events on October 17 and 21 and November 5 and 6, at Hunnyhill Primary School, Forest Road, Newport.

Further information, contact info@portsmouthtsa.org