HUNDREDS of student and trainee teachers celebrated their graduation after spending the past year training in schools across Dorset More than 120 people donned black gowns and mortarboard hats to receive recognition for their achievements at the annual graduation ceremony held at Bryanston School, Blandford.

They were joined by special guest of honour Dr Mary Bousted, of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, who presented graduates with their certificates and gave a speech to mark the occasion.

Dr Bousted, who is well known nationally for her positive views about the strengths of good teachers, has worked as a university teacher trainer and has good connections with the Primary School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) providers in both Dorset and Poole.

Dr Andy Stillman, Dorset County Council’s senior inspector and Dorset Teacher Education Partnership (DTEP) manager said: “This is a really an excellent occasion for all those involved in teaching and school-based training.

“It’s a hard year for the trainees and now we can join with them to celebrate all their efforts and the really successful partnership between schools, trainers and trainees.

“It’s a very successful route into teaching and a very fine statement about the quality and commitment of all the schools involved.”

Toni Coombs, Dorset County Council Cabinet member for Children’s Services added: “This training programme is a great example of ‘learning on the job’ and has a high success and employment rate.

“We always remember the good teachers that made a positive difference to our lives and I’m delighted that we’ve a new set of teachers who will help children and young people make the most of their education.”

The DTEP is part of Dorset County Council’s Children’s Services and works with schools to provide on-the-job training.

Other local training providers include Dorset Teacher Training Partnership, Poole SCITT, Bournemouth Poole and Dorset East Secondary SCITT and South Coast Primary SCITT.