Oxford’s PGCE course ranked as outstanding?

Policy 25 Mar 11 Ofsted has ranked Oxford's Department of Education as 'outstanding' in all categories for every subject and for management and quality assurance. In a report, published this month, Ofsted praised the high quality of teaching that has been sustained by the Department over many years. The report noted the 'extremely strong' partnership between the Department of Education and comprehensive schools in Oxfordshire. This year the Department has placed 191 prospective teachers or 'interns' in 27 schools in Oxfordshire for 24 weeks of a 36 week course. Ofsted noted that after the course most of the trainees secure jobs in school in Oxfordshire and many go on to achieve rapid promotion. Their successful careers 'reflect the internship scheme's 'strong emphasis on laying secure foundations for trainees' long-term professional development,' says the report. The report noted that 'University tutors make frequent visits to trainees in school and the feedback they provide is of exceptionally high quality and highly significant in ensuring trainees' rapid progress'.