Evaluation of the national roll-out of the early career framework induction programmes: annual summary (year three)

This research briefing presents key findings from the third year of the process evaluation of the two-year Early Career Framework (ECF)-based induction programme. It draws from the experiences of the first cohort of Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and mentors and their induction tutors – those starting in the 2021 to 2022 school year – as they move on from the ECF induction. It also includes the experience of those supporting subsequent cohorts, those who started their inductions in the 2022 to 2023 school year (cohort 2) and the 2023 to 2024 school year (cohort 3). It is largely based on qualitative feedback collected through:

• Case study interviews in 6 schools taking place between March and July 2024.
• Interviews with senior leaders and induction tutors in a further 12 schools, conducted between September and October 2024.
• Discussions with 6 lead providers supporting the ECF-based induction programme, undertaken between February and May 2024 and again in October 2024.
• Two virtual workshops with mentors, in October 2023 and October 2024.

Over 60 participants and stakeholders provided their views. This is a relatively small number compared to the total number of teachers involved in the ECF-based induction. However, by design the evidence collected in this third year is qualitative; those providing feedback cover a wide range of backgrounds and school settings. They include ECTs, mentors, induction tutors, senior leaders, delivery partners and appropriate bodies, and lead providers. This provides breadth and depth of insight for evaluation in this third and final year.

This report builds on and provides comparisons to earlier findings published in May 2022, March 2023 and February 2024. It focuses on how the ECF-based induction continued to evolve in the third year of its implementation, different cohorts’ experiences of and engagement with the programme, and reflections across the 3 years of implementation.