From PGCE to ECT: achieving a smooth transition

For many teachers, the summer holiday is a welcome break after a long year. It is a time to relax, reconnect and generally switch off from the challenges that come with the teaching profession. For recently qualified Early Career Teachers (ECTs), however, it is common to experience trepidation about returning to the classroom, regardless of whether they are continuing at the same school in which they trained or starting at a new school altogether. Even after attending the best summer-term induction days, it can feel as if there is so much to learn and ECTs can find this overwhelming. But when preparing for the start of term, they should remember their training and lean on the key skills, concepts and processes developed during the PGCE year.