"I think it is safe to say that when I began my initial teacher training year, I was somewhat apprehensive, anxious and naïve. As a career changer, the decision to begin on this journey was huge and I felt the pressure that came alongside it. From the moment I stepped foot into MEITT on the induction day, my worries were eased.

"Firstly, every single member of the MEITT team is amazing. Their support for trainees is incredible and if I ever had any doubts, concerns or even problems outside of the course they were there to help me through it in whatever way they could. This then naturally provides a brilliant atmosphere to train in with the rest of my cohort, where we could be open to explore and exchange thoughts and ideas in a positive and constructive environment.

"The course itself is incredibly thorough, well-rounded and well-sequenced. It includes a mixture of internal and external speakers, intensive practise courses, educational visits and subject expert training. Each aspect has provided me with the confidence I needed to stand in front of a class and explore and develop my own teaching style, and subsequently question and critique my own practice alongside valuable feedback from mentors and tutors. Furthermore, MEITT provided opportunities to discover and explore different career routes in teaching, supported our own personal development towards individual career goals, encouraged enrichment visits to experience other schools and provided support and coaching when applying for positions.

"As a consequence of my training with MEITT, I am excited to begin my ECT years and not only do I feel incredibly well prepared for this, but also for my future career in teaching."

Trainee in Maths at Hylands School 2022-2023

"I started my career in school during the year of COVID as a teaching assistant in the SEN department. I felt very challenged at that time as everything was new to me. After getting used to the TA role, I started to learn more about the methods, techniques,and managing behaviour that the teachers used in the lesson and that really inspired me to think of doing the teacher training.

"I had no idea or guidance as to how to proceed. I heard all the positive reviews about MEITT and booked an appointment with one of the team members to clarify the doubt. Sophie clarified all my doubts and put me into ease and she guided me in the right direction. After the advice from Sophie, I applied for the ITT course with MEITT. I was so happy when they offered me an opportunity to do the ITT with them.

"Right from the time I went to induction, the whole team of MEITT was so helpful in every single way. They realised the difficulties that come with the training and were very supportive and helpful. Whenever there was a problem, they immediately intervened and sorted it out and Mid Essex was a big support to me always. I should say, they also helped with PGCE reading, tips to manage the workload and encouraged and motivated me to complete my B placement.

"I felt that Mid Essex is always there and I never felt left alone. Even in the third term, when I had typically 18 hours per week, they tried and organised well-being zoom calls to support me and all the other trainees as well. I should say I am so grateful and thankful to MEITT team for giving me an opportunity to train under their prestigious institution and under the guidance of experienced and exceptionally qualified tutors. The tasks set by Mid Essex helped me with understanding about the roles of different senior leaders in the school and they made me learn and explore every single technique to develop myself in the career.

"The Core Training was always very beneficial with loads of valuable information and following that, I also completed school-based tasks where I was able to see a massive difference when I implemented the learned techniques. I also got an offer in an amazing school and I am proud to say that I will be very close to Mid Essex and I feel very happy about it.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single member of the whole MEITT team. You have made an amazing difference to my career and life."

Trainee in Media Studies at The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls, 2020-2021

"After my own teachers had such an impact on my life during school, I knew that teaching was the career for me. Being able to inspire students, teaching a subject I love sounded perfect.

"From the start and throughout, MEITT were so supportive and guided me through my training year step by step. MEITT provided me with the experience I needed before I started teaching which helped so much with the initial nerves of teaching my first starter, all the way to leading classes with my mentor observing.

"My main placement through my training year was at Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls. At the school I was given excellent support from everybody, including SLT and Heads of School.

"The training with MEITT had a focus each week which developed my teaching practice and enabled us to relate the theory to real life. These sessions were led by the MEITT team, past MEITT trainees, and specialists in their field which made them so exciting. We were also able to connect with each other as a trainee cohort to relay experiences and share ideas.

"Initially I was so nervous about embarking on my PGCE, but the team at MEITT were so supportive and ensured that we all kept on track and were there to help if needed. The balance between teaching experience and academic responsibilities was perfect and very balanced, and the MEITT team were always on the other end of an email if I needed support.

"In the January of my training year, I decided to do my NQT year in a different phase, I was so nervous that I was the only person feeling like this and confided in the MEITT team. However, they made my fears disappear and connected me with past MEITT trainees who have done the same thing! And I am here today with a NQT post in an amazing school. 

"I could not recommend MEITT enough as a teacher training provider. They truly care and go above and beyond for all of us, from ‘trainee of the week’ to the little surprises in the post, I am so grateful to them for all their dedication and hard work.

"If I had any advice for future trainees is grab every opportunity with both hands, always have chocolate in your backpack for those five period days which feel like 10 and stay organised!"

Part-time trainee in MFL at Honywood School, 2020-2022

"Having completed my degree in Business and French I went on to work for a French bank in London for about 15 years. After having children I increasingly wanted to do something different, more rewarding and to make a difference to young people's lives. Several years ago I took the decision to become a full time stay at home dad until both of my children were in school. 

"During that time I undertook several short school placements to gain some experience and also learnt some basic Spanish to complement the French that I could already offer. The part-time course that MEITT offer was ideal for me to be able to balance the demands of teacher training with family life, without 'too' much detriment to either!

"My placement for the majority of the time was at Honywood School in Coggeshall where my mentor, the MFL department and the wider teaching staff provided a really supportive and encouraging environment. My initial training year coincided with the global pandemic so there were lockdowns, a year of online training sessions from MEITT and periods of self isolation which were testing for everyone. However I truly feel that MEITT did the best they could in the situation, listened and adapted to our feedback and still provided a complete training experience."

Trainee in English at Hedingham School and Sixth Form, 2020-2021

"Graduating with a degree in English Language and Linguistics from the University of York, it was obvious to me that Mid Essex ITT was a training provider that embodied the values that are foundational to the success of any teacher. Becoming a teacher aged 21 with my career in teaching being the first full-time job I have had, it has been wonderful to meet and work alongside a cohort of individuals with a plethora of life experience, in both their past careers and education. 

"It is so clear that Mid Essex care deeply about the individuals training with them; wellbeing underpins Mid Essex ITT and this is apparent from the very beginning. What appealed to me most about Mid Essex ITT was the kindness that radiates within the provider, as well as the support you receive whilst studying for your QTS and PGCE. Mid Essex is comprised of a small, close-knit team who will get to know you, both as a trainee and an individual, meaning support is targeted and personal. There is also a greater awareness of the changing educational landscape, with CPD sessions from The Black Curriculum, school counsellors and educational professionals, further highlighting Mid Essex’s awareness of the changing landscape of education, and how we as trainees fit within that.

"Mid Essex Initial Teacher Training is nothing short of an exceptional provider, and the individuals who work within the team are wonderful.  Being a teacher is life-affirming, rewarding and wonderful – I completely attribute Mid Essex ITT for helping to shape me into the teacher I am today."

Trainee in Maths at The Ongar Academy, 2020-2021

"As a university graduate in the midst of a global pandemic, my career progression came to an untimely halt back in the spring of 2020. Admittedly, the idea of becoming a teacher was never something that I had seriously considered, and even when applying to the ITT course, it was still a far-fetched concept in my mind that I would be teaching – let alone teaching Maths. The accommodating and encouraging welcome I received from MEITT therefore was a real motivating factor for me, and it’s amazing how differently I now feel about this career that I’m so eager to make a true start in.

"I’ve always worked well with children, and I find it extremely rewarding to help others. During the first lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was suggested to me that I look into MEITT and the training they provide - as was recommended by several friends. Almost a year later, I’ve successfully qualified as a teacher, having earnt a PGCE in Secondary Education and secured an NQT position at a local school. The contrast between now and when I first started is immense, a lot of which I owe to the continued encouragement and advice offered to me by Holly, Sophie and the team. Naturally, there were times when I felt as though I had made the wrong decision, and that this profession wasn’t for me… or rather, I wasn’t right for the profession. If you’re considering ITT, just know that this perfectly normal, and you will always be supported to ensure you feel prepared and confident in the classroom.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that MEITT have given me, and I cannot thank the staff and mentors enough for navigating the turbulence of the past year with such professionalism, consideration and perseverance. It has been a pleasure to have completed this course through your guidance and expertise, and I wish you all the greatest of successes going forward!"

"After years living abroad and teaching in adult education plus training staff in large corporations, I had been accepted for a PHD in Politeness theory and social media at ARU. Then a global pandemic struck, and funding was withdrawn, and after time in lockdown, I discovered how much I need to be with people.

"I changed my mind about pursuing an academic career which would involve much time working in isolation in a library! I applied to train with MEITT and was very excited to be accepted, especially when I discovered that my niece has also applied and she would be training alongside me.

"It was such a privilege to train together, albeit at different schools. We did not consciously decide not to inform the group about our relationship, as we are both equally proud of each other; it just did not arise. However, it was hilarious when we told the course tutors during the final week as they had no idea.

"The course has been highly challenging, especially with all the extra pressures of COVID to deal with. I am very grateful to the course tutors, school and mentors who have gone the extra mile to be supportive, with special mentions to Fiona Lane, Beth Howkins and Casey Ogogo.

"Training alongside my niece Millie has been a delight and allowed us to build upon our strong relationship. She is also my Goddaughter, and being able to support, cry, scream and celebrate together has been a bonus. To train and start my new career with my inspirational niece has been a gift of lockdown.

"As a family, we are so proud of her for transitioning from a well-paid career in the theatre industry to a more vocational career in teaching. She has excelled at teaching and has secured a dream job that combines her previous skills and experience. 

"I have also secured an excellent position at a phenomenal school, and so we are both so excited to start our new careers.

"We will continue to support each other and enjoy celebrating with our family when we can. If I had known a year ago, I would be a qualified teacher in the UK working with teenagers - I would have said dream on! 

"A huge thanks to you and the whole team for the work you have put into making it such an incredibly professional course, but with the added extra of the human touch.

"No request or question is too small for the team to answer and it has been a privilege to work with you all."