Lynn Giles, Primary Trainee Teacher 2024-25
I’ve absolutely loved the training experience so far! Everyone has been incredibly friendly and welcoming. I was quite nervous on my first day, but the warm greeting from the admin team at the gate immediately put me at ease. Helen, Christine, and John are truly passionate about teaching, and the training they organise for us is consistently engaging and valuable. Our Primary group has developed a fantastic dynamic – we get along so well, and it’s a safe, supportive space where we feel comfortable sharing ideas and learning from one another.
Hayley Edginton, Apprentice Primary Trainee at a Special School 2024-25
My training has been really good. The centre-based training is very informative and CTTC staff are all approachable and knowledgeable.
Lianne Brooks, Primary Trainee Teacher 2024-25
I was initially interested in CTTC because it is an Ofsted Outstanding provider. Following my interview, I found CTTC to be not only the most organised ITT provider I had communicated with but by far the most friendly and welcoming.
Holly Martin, Primary Trainee Teacher 2024-25
My experience of CTTC – the provision and support – has been incredible! They are the most supportive team I have ever studied under, extremely accommodating and understanding and have such genuine care for us as student teachers.
Eli Harper, Primary Trainee Teacher 2024-25
I chose to teach because I love my subject and I want to give young people support. I chose to train with CTTC because of the outstanding reviews and its local location
Nerisse Appleby, Trainee English Teacher 2021-22
CTTC was the best training provider I could’ve asked for to prepare me for a career in teaching. The support I received was invaluable, and the structure of the course allows you to gain knowledge in all aspects of the profession. By the end of the year, I felt fully prepared to begin my ECT years.
Sucheta Handa, Trainee Science Teacher 2019-20 and current Head of Science
I felt really supported by the CTTC team. Whole team was warm and supported me all the way through, whether it was guidance from tutors or mentors, everyone was always there to guide and help. At no point during the course have I felt unsupported or unable to ask any question that comes to mind.
Whilst making sure I was pushing myself and developing, everyone involved in my training had gone out of their way to make sure the pace was suitable, to ensure I received everything I needed, and simply to ask me how things were going. They have definitely helped me become the best teacher that I could possibly be.
Governance
Governance
As a Consortium, CTTC is run by, and for, local primary and secondary schools in and around Essex and Suffolk. Schools working with CTTC are united by the commitment of working together to provide the very best Initial Teacher Training, training high-quality new teachers to work in the local area to help improve the quality of education schools are able to offer their pupils.
The CTTC Steering Group is responsible for determining and reviewing the aims, objectives, and direction of CTTC. The Steering Group works closely with the Consortium Directors to determine how the Consortium should develop to improve its performance. Each Headteacher or Principal in the Consortium is invited to every Steering Group meeting and meetings are Chaired on a rotating basis by Headteachers/Principals.
The following Committees sit underneath the Steering Group and are Chaired by local Headteachers/Principles:
- Personnel Committee
- Strategic Planning Committee
- Quality Assurance (QA) Committee
- Finance Committee
The Steering Group meets termly. The Finance and Personnel Committees meet four times a year, and the Strategic Planning and QA Committee meet three times a year.
If you are a school interested in working with CTTC, please get in touch with our friendly team for an informal discussion.
Governance
Colchester Teacher Training Consortium (CTTC) is a school-led organisation, run collaboratively by local primary and secondary schools across Essex and Suffolk. Our partner schools are united in their dedication to developing excellent teachers who will make a lasting impact on pupils’ lives within our communities.
At the heart of CTTC’s leadership is the Steering Group, which sets the strategic direction of the Consortium and reviews its aims and objectives. The Steering Group works in partnership with the Consortium Directors to drive improvement and ensure the highest standards in Initial Teacher Training. All Headteachers and Principals from our partner schools are invited to attend Steering Group meetings, which are chaired on a rotating basis by school leaders within the Consortium.
To support this work, several committees focus on key areas of CTTC’s operations. Each committee is chaired by a local Headteacher or Principal:
- Personnel Committee
- Strategic Planning Committee
- Quality Assurance (QA) Committee
- Finance Committee
The Steering Group meets once per term. The Finance and Personnel Committees meet four times a year, while the Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance Committees meet three times annually.
If you are a school interested in joining the CTTC network or exploring how we can work together, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact our friendly team for an informal conversation.
CTTC provision & support – incredible!
CTTC provision & support – incredible! The most supportive team I have ever studied under, extremely accommodating and understanding (as not all places are) and such genuine care for us as student teachers.
Eli Harper Primary Trainee 2024-25
Testimonials
Our trainees are overwhelmingly positive about their experience with CTTC. These are some of the glowing feedback comments we’ve had from teachers who started their career with us.
I felt really supported by the CTTC team…
I felt really supported by the CTTC team. Whole team was warm and supported me all the way through, whether it was guidance from tutors or mentors, everyone was always there to guide and help. At no point during the course have I felt unsupported or unable to ask any question that comes to mind.
Whilst making sure I was pushing myself and developing, everyone involved in my training had gone out of their way to make sure the pace was suitable, to ensure I received everything I needed, and simply to ask me how things were going. They have definitely helped me become the best teacher that I could possibly be.
– Sucheta Handa, Head of Science
CTTC was the best training provider I could’ve asked for…
CTTC was the best training provider I could’ve asked for to prepare me for a career in teaching. The support I received was invaluable, and the structure of the course allows you to gain knowledge in all aspects of the profession. By the end of the year, I felt fully prepared to begin my ECT years.
– Nerisse Appleby, English teacher
Welcome to Colchester Teacher Training Consortium
Colchester Teacher Training Consortium (CTTC) is an Ofsted Outstanding (2024) school-based Initial Teacher Training provider working in close partnership with over 100 schools and colleges across Essex and Suffolk. Together, we deliver high-quality, practical training for both primary and secondary teachers.
At CTTC, we understand that every trainee’s journey is unique. That’s why we offer personalised, one-to-one support from experienced mentors and tutors throughout your training year – ensuring you feel confident, supported, and well-prepared for life in the classroom.
Our wide-ranging network of partner schools means we can match trainees with placements that suit their interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Whether you’re drawn to urban settings, rural communities, or specialist schools, CTTC offers access to diverse environments including grammar schools, faith-based schools, SEND provisions, and post-16 education.
We are passionate about developing excellent teachers who make a real difference. If you’re ready to inspire young minds and shape the future of education, join us at CTTC – where your journey into teaching begins.
Meet the Team
Christine Wager
Consortium Director
John Lovett
Assistant Director
Helen Baker
Assistant Director
Mandy Page
Administrator
Anshu Chaturvedi
Administrator
Julia Dent
Administrator
CTTC Policies
CTTC shares many of its operational policies with Colchester County High School for Girls. More information on CCHSG’s policies can be found here.
Our Partner Schools
Colchester Teacher Training Consortium (CTTC) collaborates with around 100 schools throughout Essex and Suffolk.
As part of their initial teacher training, trainees have the chance to work at two different schools, allowing them to experience various school types and environments, which enriches their overall training experience.
Furthermore, primary trainees have the opportunity to visit a secondary school, a setting for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and a school that focuses on English as an Additional Language (EAL). Meanwhile, secondary trainees explore a primary school and a Sixth Form college. These supplementary visits enable trainees to gain insights into the Key Stage they will teach, thereby enhancing their understanding of the education system as a whole.
Our partner schools are committed to offering supportive placements, where trainees can develop their teaching skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. These placements are designed to meet the individual needs of each trainee, fostering professional growth and confidence.
In addition to the school placements, CTTC offers a robust professional development program that includes workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities. These resources are crafted to equip trainees with the latest teaching strategies and educational research, ensuring they are at the forefront of innovative education practices.
We pride ourselves on creating a nurturing environment where future educators can thrive, and our extensive network of partner schools plays a crucial role in this mission. Whether you’re just starting your teaching journey or looking to expand your expertise, CTTC provides the support and opportunities needed to succeed in the teaching profession.
Locate our placement schools near you
Click below to view a map of locations
Primary
Schools
Secondary
Schools
