Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (1 December) commented on the government’s response to the ITT Market Review report, outlining its decisions on which of the recommendations from the report are accepted and how they will be implemented.

MillionPlus Vice-Chancellors and its Deans of Education Network have engaged extensively with the review team, the Department for Education and Number 10, throughout the process, repeatedly highlighting the excellent practice across the sector while expressing serious concerns about the apparent pressing need for fundamental change and the direction of travel proposed. Our initial consultation response is linked below.

Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“The government response is welcome in that it demonstrates that they have listened to the concerns of our members and the sector generally, and it acknowledges that some of the ITT Market Review Report was out of step with the reality of how the sector operates, as well as the extraordinary pressure that schools remain under.

“We welcome amendments made to the initial recommendations, such as the extended delivery timetable to 2024-25 as the initial proposals would have been rushed and unworkable. Funding allocated for schools and providers in the 2024-25 financial year - £25m towards general mentors and lead mentors and £5.7m to support the implementation of intensive training and practice – is another positive development.

“However, serious questions remain regarding the future shape of the proposed accreditation system. MillionPlus would never oppose genuine quality assurance and maintaining high standards, however the implementation of such a structure needs partnership with the sector, as well as its trust. We remain open to working with the government on the design of such a system, adding to an already rigorous quality assurance framework for universities.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. The MillionPlus response to the ITT Market Review is available here
3. The main focus of the MillionPlus Deans of Education (DoE) Network is on teacher education policy in England, and the crucial role of modern universities in delivering Initial Teacher Education. The network meets with Department for Education officials regularly, with a formal all-member meeting every three months. The network also shares good practice and formulates policy through regular topical workshops and has formed strong working relationships with key stakeholders in the sector such as UCET, NASBTT and Ofsted
4. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
5. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
6. Modern universities: facts and stats 2021