Submitting a programme

Before you apply

All programmes submitted for accreditation must meet the criteria for the accreditation of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes in Wales which are set by the Welsh Government. However, before submitting an application, partnerships may wish to submit a statement of intent form to the ITE Accreditation Board.

All programmes must receive university approval before they are submitted.

The proforma for the submission of ITE programmes must be completed for each programme being submitted for accreditation.

When to apply

Partnerships should ensure any new programmes of ITE are submitted at least 18 months prior to the programme’s anticipated start date using the necessary proforma. Eg. programmes starting in September 2022 must be submitted to us by March 2021.

The accreditation process

The following outlines our internal process for accrediting ITE programmes.

Accreditation: step-by-step

Step 1: Desktop assessment

The Accreditation Committee, both individually and collectively, conducts an initial review of the application.

Step 2: Site visits

The site visits provide an opportunity for the Committee to:

speak to staff associated with the programme
tour the partnership facilities (HEI and partner schools)
review documentation associated with the programme

Step 3: Programme accreditation meeting

The programme accreditation meeting gives the Accreditation Committee the opportunity to identify additional evidence to support the claims made in the partnership’s application.

The meeting normally consists of two elements: presentations by the partnership team, followed by opportunities for professional dialogue between the team and the Committee.

The date of the meeting will be arranged as near as possible to the site visit.

Step 4: Notification of outcome

ITE Partnerships will receive a letter notifying them of the outcome of their assessment within 15 working days of the Committee’s decision.

For further information, read the guidance on submitting a programme .

Making changes to your programme

If a partnership wishes to make significant changes to an accredited programme it must notify us in writing. This should be done using the proforma major change to a programme of ITE proforma .

Find out more about making major changes to a programme .

Accreditation fees

Partnerships submitting a programme for accreditation, or that have accredited programmes which require a review or monitoring visit must pay the appropriate fee to us.

Read our accreditation fee policy .