Continuous Professional Development

“The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.” Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills, OECD (2023)

At The Queen Elizabeth Academy (TQEA), learning is at the heart of everything we do. This applies not only to our students, but also to our staff. We believe that high-quality teaching comes from ongoing professional learning, and we place great importance on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to ensure every child receives the best possible education.

Why CPD matters at TQEA

Teaching is constantly evolving, and our staff regularly develop their skills so that learning in classrooms remains engaging, inclusive and ambitious. Our commitment to CPD ensures that:

  • lessons are well-planned, purposeful and challenging
  • teaching responds effectively to students’ needs
  • staff share best practice and learn from one another
  • pupils are supported to make strong progress

Training days and regular professional learning sessions are carefully planned and play a vital role in strengthening the already high standards of education at TQEA.

What our staff focus on

All staff training is closely linked to what our students need to succeed, as well as to school improvement priorities. Recent CPD has focused on areas such as:

  • Responsive and adaptive teaching
  • Emotional coaching and positive behaviour strategies
  • Effective feedback and assessment
  • Reading, oracy and communication skills
  • Supporting pupils with SEND

These areas help teachers ensure that every student is supported, challenged and encouraged to think deeply about their learning.

Learning together as a staff team

Professional learning at TQEA happens in a variety of ways, including training days, staff briefings, coaching, departmental meetings and regular Teach Meet sessions. Staff

openly share ideas, resources and successful strategies, creating a positive culture of collaboration and improvement.

CPD is delivered by a wide range of staff, including teachers, teaching assistants, leaders and support staff. Colleagues from pastoral and administrative teams also contribute, particularly in areas such as safeguarding, attendance and student wellbeing.

Developing staff at every stage

We are proud to support staff throughout their careers. This includes:

  • opportunities to complete national professional qualifications (NPQs)
  • tailored induction programmes for new staff and trainee teachers
  • leadership development opportunities for those who wish to progress

Teaching Assistants follow a bespoke programme of training to support inclusive practice and ensure pupils with additional needs are well supported in lessons.

Working with others to improve

We regularly work with external specialists and other schools to strengthen our practice. This includes hosting and attending training delivered by national providers, such as Pivotal Behaviour, and collaborating across our Trust to share expertise and improve learning for all pupils.

Recent CPD themes include:

  • Safeguarding and child protection
  • Responsive and adaptive teaching
  • SEND and inclusion
  • Reading and oracy
  • Effective assessment and feedback
  • Behaviour support and de-escalation
  • Attendance and pastoral support
  • Exam preparation and moderation
  • New staff induction

Through a strong and carefully planned CPD programme, TQEA ensures that staff continue to learn and grow—so that every student benefits from high-quality teaching, every day.