Mentor Requirement (Revised November 2024)
The 2024/25 Initial Teacher Training (ITT) criteria currently states that ITT providers should provide a minimum of 20 hours of initial general mentor training and 6 hours of annual refresher training; and that ITT providers should take into consideration relevant prior learning that a mentor has completed, which may reduce the total number of training hours they would need to complete.
From November 2024, the DFE has removed this quantification of ITT mentor training with immediate effect. The DFE will update the ITT criteria and guidance to reflect these changes.
While there is no longer a minimum training time requirement, accredited ITT providers should ensure that all mentors receive sufficient high-quality training to ensure they can effectively support a trainee teacher to obtain the knowledge and skills they need to successfully complete their ITT school placement.
Mentor training (and relevant prior learning) should provide mentors with the knowledge and skills they need to undertake the role, including knowledge and understanding of the ITT core content framework and its underpinning evidence, and of the ITT curriculum which the trainee will be following.
Ofsted will continue to review the quality of mentor training as part of their inspections.. Schools will still be able to claim up to 20 hours of funding per mentor for this academic year.