Teachers and trainers
Setting the standard for great teaching and learning
The ETF Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers define what high-quality teaching and training look like across further education and skills. They support educators at every stage of their career to reflect on their practice, plan development, and improve outcomes for learners.
Developed with experts and practitioners from across the sector, the Standards provide a shared framework for professional learning - helping teachers and trainers stay confident, current and connected in a changing world.
Updated in 2022, the Standards reflect the evolving needs of learners, employers and providers, ensuring that professional growth remains central to excellent teaching and training.
The three domains of practice
The 20 Professional Standards are grouped into three domains that describe the values, knowledge and skills underpinning great teaching and training.
Professional Values and Attributes
Seven standards that focus on how teachers and trainers act. Promoting reflection, curiosity, collaboration and professional integrity.
They help educators develop the judgment to understand what works best for their learners and context.
Professional Knowledge and Understanding
Five standards that emphasise subject expertise, pedagogical knowledge and understanding of learners’ needs.
They highlight the importance of evidence-informed practice, inclusivity and ongoing professional learning
Professional Skills
Eight standards that describe the practical application of knowledge and values.
They support effective planning, motivation, coaching, assessment and the creation of engaging learning experiences.
Explore the 20 Professional Standards
Click to open the boxes below and explore each of the 20 standards.
Professional Values and Attributes
1. Critically reflect on and evaluate your practices, values, and beliefs to improve learner outcomes
2. Promote and embed education for sustainable development (ESD) across learning and working practices.
3. Inspire, motivate, and raise aspirations of learners by communicating high expectations and a passion for learning.
4. Support and develop learners’ confidence, autonomy and thinking skills, taking account of their needs and starting points.
5. Value and champion diversity, equality of opportunity, inclusion and social equity.
6. Develop collaborative and respectful relationships with learners, colleagues and external stakeholders.
7. Engage with and promote a culture of continuous learning and quality improvement.
Professional Knowledge and Understanding
8. Develop and update knowledge of your subject specialism, taking account of new practices, research and/ or industry requirements
9. Critically review and apply your knowledge of educational research, pedagogy, and assessment to develop evidence-informed practice.
10. Share and update knowledge of effective practice with colleagues, networks and/or research communities to support improvement.
11. Develop and apply your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities to create inclusive learning experiences.
12. Understand your teaching role and responsibilities and how these are influenced by legal, regulatory, institutional and ethical contexts.
Professional Skills
13. Promote and support positive learner behaviour, attitudes and wellbeing.
14. Apply motivational, coaching and skill development strategies to help learners progress and achieve.
15. Plan and deliver learning programmes that are safe, inclusive, stretching and relevant to learners’ needs.
16. Select and use digital technologies safely and effectively to promote learning.
17. Develop learners’ mathematics, English, digital and wider employability skills.
18. Provide access to up-to-date information, advice and guidance so that learners can take ownership of their learning and make informed progression choices.
19. Apply appropriate and fair methods of assessment and provide constructive and timely feedback to support learning and achievement.
20. Develop enrichment and progression opportunities for learners through collaboration with employers, higher education and/or community groups.
How and when to use
Educators can use the Standards at any stage of their professional journey - from initial teacher education to ongoing CPD.
They can be used for self-reflection, team development, performance review, and programme design, providing a shared language for quality and improvement.
Download our ‘Guide to How to Use the Professional Standards’
Why use the Professional Standards?
Applying the Standards helps to:
Strengthen the quality and consistency of teaching and training
Encourage reflective and evidence-informed practice
Support professional dialogue and development planning
Recognise and celebrate effective practice
Improve learner outcomes and experiences
Promote equality, inclusion and sustainable education.
As a provider of Initial Teacher Education courses, what do the updated Professional Standards mean for you?
From Sept 2024 onwards, Further Education ITE courses are planned to change. These new courses will be mapped to and assessed against a new Occupational Standard published by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Until then, ITE courses will be referenced against the ETF’s Professional Standards. The grid below gives details on which Standards ITE institutions should be using:
Transferring to the updated 2022 Professional Standards
Fortunately, our review process was able to conclude that the original 2014 version of the Professional Standards was held in high esteem. This meant that the 2022 update has been more of a refresh than a thorough rewrite, with much of the original carrying over to the updated version. Some of the Standards have been modified but remain broadly the same, although you may find that some elements have been relocated to different places. There are importantly three brand new Standards for you to signpost, but this is not expected to be an onerous task. You can view a summary of the latest changes in the Professional Standards. Overall, what is needed will be small amendments to the course paperwork and the highlighting of these new elements.
For support with this process, please contact Howard Pilot, National Head for Teacher Education at enquiries@etfoundation.co.uk.
Key Professional Standards resources and tools
Career stages resources
The standards have also been considered against key career stages, providing aspirational statements for each stage.
Self-assessment tool
Explore your current engagement with the Professional Standards with our Self-Assessment Tool.
Learn more about the 2022 update
The Standards were reviewed in 2021–22 in collaboration with sector partners to reflect changes in working practice, digital learning, sustainability and wellbeing.
The updated framework ensures the Professional Standards remain relevant and forward-looking for the FE and skills workforce.