Invictus Education Trust
ECTs
The Early Career Framework (ECF)
The Early Career Framework (ECF) is a vital initiative designed to provide structured support for teachers during the early stages of their careers. Recognising the challenges faced by educators after completing their Initial Teacher Training (ITT), the ECF offers a comprehensive, two-year development programme aimed at strengthening teaching practice and promoting professional growth.
At Invictus Education Trust, we are committed to delivering high-quality support through the ECF. In collaboration with the Haybridge Teaching School Hub and in partnership with the Ambition Institute, we provide ECF training to schools across the West Midlands, ensuring our Early Career Teachers (ECTs) receive the best possible start.
Programme Highlights
Structured Two-Year Curriculum – The ECF provides a carefully sequenced programme with self-directed study materials, ensuring ECTs build confidence and competence in the classroom. Both ECTs and their mentors have full access to Ambition Institute’s online platforms, including My Ambition and Steplab, facilitating ongoing learning and reflection.
Blended Learning Approach – Our programme integrates face-to-face sessions, online study, and digital learning resources, offering a flexible, engaging, and accessible professional development experience.
What’s Changing in 2025?
From September 2025, the Department for Education will introduce the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF), which will replace the existing ITT Core Content Framework and Early Career Framework. This new, integrated framework will provide a more seamless transition from ITT to ECT, ensuring a clear and cohesive structure for professional development.
Key Enhancements
Personalised Learning Pathways – New diagnostic tools will help ECTs tailor their development to individual needs and starting points, ensuring more targeted and effective support.
Flexible Learning Resources – Bite-sized training sessions will be introduced to help ECTs manage their professional development alongside their workload.
Broader Classroom Examples – The new framework will include additional exemplification for a variety of educational settings, including early years, primary, secondary, post-16, and special schools.
Enhanced Mentor Training – A dedicated one-year mentor training programme will be introduced, ensuring mentors are fully equipped to support ECTs throughout their journey.
Instructional Coaching Support – New high-quality coaching materials will be provided to enhance instructional coaching and mentor support.
These refinements will ensure that early career teachers receive tailored, high-impact support, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and expertise in their teaching practice.
By engaging with the Early Career Framework through Invictus Education Trust, new teachers are fully equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship required to excel in their profession and positively impact the lives of their students.
Find out more and take the next step in your teaching career!