Register with a full induction programme and Appropriate Body
Red Kite Teaching School Hub partners with University College London Institute of Education (UCL IOE) to deliver the fully funded Early Career Teacher Programme (ECTP) for ECTs and mentors. The ECTP is part of the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) with Statutory Induction.
Benefits of the UCL ECT Programme
The UCL ECT programme is a fusion of university and school-based expertise working in partnership to create and implement a programme which is:
- Regional: As a local delivery partner, Red Kite Teaching School Hub has listened carefully to feedback from Headteachers, mentors and ECTs and is using this information to meet the varied needs to better fit school contexts in our region.
- Flexible: Red Kite Teaching School Hub is working in partnership with UCL flexibly and responsively to design and deliver a programme that recognises the strengths and training needs of ECTs and to support mentors to build on their experience and skillset.
- Knowledge and evidence-based: Informed by a deep understanding of the development needs of ECTs and Mentors.
- Drawn from expert theory and current practice: Co-designed by teachers and school leaders, teacher educators and academics with rich experience of translating evidence into practice.
- Inquiry-based spiral learning: The understanding of key themes is established in Year 1, which then extended and deepened through three practice-based inquiries in Year 2.
- Embedded in practice: The applied learning complements practice rather than being a ‘bolt on’ that would add to workload.
How to Register an ECT
Please visit the ECT registration page
Cohort 6 (2026) - UCL Year 1 ECTs
Induction events for Cohort 6 (2026) Year 1 ECTs
ECT Induction & Module 1 - Year 1 Early Career Teacher Programme
These events will take place at Roundhay School - Lunch will be provided
Cohort 6 (2026) - UCL Mentors
Induction event for new Cohort 6 (2026) Mentors
UCL Mentor Induction Conference - Mentor Induction + LLC
These events will take place at the Red Kite Office
Cohort 5 (2025) - UCL Year 2 ECTs
Year 2 Induction & Module 8 for the UCL Early Career Teacher Programme.
These events will take place at Roundhay School
2025 Mentors
Mentors are invited to a further half-day training in June. Please register for the session you did not attend in September, which is typically the opposite year to your ECT.
LLC1 - Supporting a Year 1 ECT
Catch up on UCL Extend
LLC2 - Supporting a Year 2 ECT
Catch up on UCL Extend
Cohort 4 (2024) Year 2 ECTs
Please remember to complete your School Visit Completion Form for Module 9 Week 1 and Week 4.
UCL Year 2 Mentors
If you are unable to attend a seminar, please ensure you catch up - all materials and seminar recordings will be available on UCL Extend.
What our ECT's say about the UCL ECF Programme:
- "I have developed my professional voice and this has contributed to my research, both in school and within my personal CPD."
- "I feel supported through Red Kite delivering the ECF and the course has provided good opportunities to network."
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"The training sessions are excellent and the self-directed study materials have been helpful in planning my enquiries."
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"I am excited by the project we are doing and feel it is developing strengths in my ability and approach to teaching."
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"I have been offered great support and a network to be able to develop my career as a teacher."
Contact Us
Changes to ECTE Mentor Backfill Payments to Schools
The DfE have stated if a mentor does not meet the 75% engagement requirement, the school will not be eligible to receive 80% of the grant payment.
Please see the Conditions of Grant Guidance for further information regarding mentor funding.
Non-Standard Induction (NSI)
Please read the UCL NSI Policy here.
January Starters
- Who? January 2026 ECT starters
- Training Path:
- Join September 2025 cohort at Module 3 (Face-to-Face cluster training).
- Complete Module 1 & 2 formative assessments to identify any catch-up needs for mentor meetings.
- Personalised training is explained in the UCL NSI Policy linked above.
- Induction Details:
- Outlined at the online January Induction (22/01/26 4-5pm)
- Link will be sent via email to ECTs, mentors, and Induction Tutors after registration on the DfE Portal.
- Questions? Email: ecf@rklt.co.uk
Please find the recording of our online January 2026 starters induction here.
Please find the Power Point of our online January 2026 starters induction here.
April Starters
- Who? April 2026 ECT starters
- Training Path: Complete 'Summer starter' Programme during summer term, then join September 2026 cohort.
- Induction Details: Online induction conference on Thursday 30th April 4-5pm. Link will be sent upon registration on the DfE portal.
Part-time ECTs
- Complete ECF training at the same pace as FTE.
- May attend face-to-face clusters if agreed with school, but:
- Sessions are paced for full-time ECTs.
- Schools must adjust mentor sessions to ensure full programme coverage.
- Part-time ECTs must continue training and mentor meetings until the end of Statutory Induction.
- Annual Conferences:
- Part-time ECTs attend based on FTE schedule.
- Example: 0.5 FTE → Year 2 conference at end of second year (programme runs 4 years).
Guidance on NSI ECT programmes can be found in the UCL NSI policy linked above.
For personalised support with part-time ECTs, please contact ecf@rklt.co.uk.
