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Early Career Teachers: What to Expect From Your ECT Induction

This article outlines what an Early Career Teacher might expect from the induction period when starting their career. Here, we delve into the support available, what happens if the induction period is not completed at one school, and how it is assessed, including changes from January 2025 onwards.

By Holly · · 5 min read

Early Career Teachers: What to Expect From Your ECT Induction
Update January 2025 – we’ve checked through the below and brought it up to date a little. Best of luck to anyone sitting their ECT induction! As an Early Career Teacher (ECT) you are entitled to two years of induction provided by your school. This guide aims to help you understand what that should look like, based on 2025 statutory guidance from the government.

What is the ECT induction?

The ECT induction is for all new teachers working in a state school and is funded by the Government. Some independent schools will also support ECTs and provide them with a mentor to complete their induction. Others will only employ those who have already completed the government-funded induction programme. An appropriate body needs to be appointed by the school to oversee the induction and there are new rules around this: it can no longer be the local authority, nor can it be someone from the school or the Initial Teacher Training provider where the ECT completed their training. This change ensures impartiality.

Who needs to complete an ECT induction?

All ECTs needs to complete this induction. It is a legal (statutory) requirement for any teacher who has QTS and teaches in a state maintained school in England to complete a six-term induction period. This must be in a school which has been approved to provide the induction. This will usually be over two academic years depending on whether the ECT is full or part time (it will take longer if the latter applies) and most maintained state schools will be approved as providers, although the guidance on appropriate bodies above now applies. Schools must also appoint an induction tutor and a mentor, with both roles being important. Normally the induction tutor is someone from the Senior Leadership Team, as they must have the authority and experience to undertake the role. Both mentors and tutors receive some funding to support them in their role. The only work an ECT teacher can complete without having finished the induction is short term supply which must be less than one term.

How long do I have to complete my ECT induction?

You should aim to complete your ECT induction as soon as possible, allowing for time off due to sickness or other personal circumstances such as carer’s or parental leave. There is no set time limit for completing the induction but ECTs only have one chance – if they fail the induction period they will not be allowed to work in a state school as a teacher. The TRA (Teaching Regulation Agency) holds a list of those who have failed their induction period. The normal route is six terms, or two years to complete induction.

What support will I get during my ECT induction?

Not only do schools have to provide a set standard of induction, they also have to appoint a mentor and a tutor. An appropriate body myst be appointed to oversee the process, and the government have published a list of approved appropriate bodies for schools. Headteachers and governors have specific responsibilities for their ECTs including providing them with appropriate experience and ensuring they are not required to teach outside their subject or age range. ECTs should regularly teach the same classes and have support with disciplinary issues from a senior member of staff. They must have a reduced timetable and teach 90% of a normal timetable in the first year, rising to 95% in the second year.

How will I be assessed for the ECT induction?

The ECT induction is assessed using the ECF (Early Careers Framework). This ensures standardisation across the role. Both the mentor and the tutor play a role in assessment, and it is very unusual for this to be the same person, as otherwise the assessment may not be as objective as it could be. Assessments include lesson observations, professional progress reviews (ECTs are exempt from appraisal), and formal assessments. It is important to note that ECTs should be kept informed at all stages on their progress, so that they do not attend a meeting around assessment for which they could not prepare in advance.

Can I complete my ECT induction at more than one school?

The short answer is, yes, you can complete the six terms in more than one school. For consistency, it would be advisable to try and seek a school which will commit to you for the two year period. This is because there are different programmes running in different schools due to the number of DfE approved training providers. All will be based on the ECF, but may be structured differently. It is also important to note that prior to leaving a post in which you have not completed the induction period, you will be expected to have an interim assessment and the results of this will be passed to the next school.

What happens if I fail my ECT induction?

You only have one chance to pass your ECT induction and anyone who fails will not be permitted to retake it or work in a relevant school. Anyone failing will be dismissed from their post. You will not lose your QTS, so may still teach in schools which do not require induction, such as independent schools or academies. However, the programme is designed to be supportive and developmental, so if it is not going well, you should be able to seek support from your induction tutor, mentor or the appropriate body.

Further references for teachers sitting their ECT induction:

Support for Early Career Teachers Induction for Early Career Teachers
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Holly

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Holly studied at Durham University where she gained a degree in English Literature and Music, and then moved to London where she gained a Masters at…

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