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Beyond the Early Career Framework: career progression & development in teaching

6th March 2025

Now that we’re over halfway through the academic year, you may be wondering what’s next for your teaching career – especially if you’re a second-year ECT.

What training or support is available to you once your ECF entitlement ends? In this article we cover some of the ways you can continue to grow and develop as an educator, as well as achieve teaching career progression.

Growing your responsibilities

With two or three years of teaching experience under your belt, you may wish to seek additional responsibilities within your school. This could help further your understanding of pastoral care, curriculum management, or even begin building your leadership skills.

By initiating a conversation about growing your responsibilities yourself, this allows you to progress at your own rate and suggest responsibilities that you feel comfortable with. This may include:

  • leading extracurricular activities;
  • becoming a form tutor;
  • transitioning into a middle leadership position;
  • becoming a (deputy) behaviour/wellbeing lead.

Become a mentor for ECTs

As an ECT who is currently being mentored as part of your early career framework entitlement, you may be inspired to give back next academic year. Becoming a mentor for ECTs or trainee teachers can be incredibly fulfilling – what’s more, you’ll receive training on mentorship in this role.

Education Development Trust has been trusted to deliver the new Early Career Teacher Entitlement from September 2025.

Sixth form teaching

If you work at a secondary school with a sixth form now or in future, you may have the opportunity to teach further education classes in addition to Key Stages 3 and 4. Post-16 maths and physics represent a natural step-up in terms of curriculum depth, as well as a slightly different pedagogical approach.

A number of FTS Scholars have already begun to teach some sixth form classes. We spoke to two of these Scholars at a previous Scholar-to-Scholar event about their experiences teaching A-level. You can watch these recordings from this Scholar-to-Scholar event below:

>> What is your advice for teaching Key Stage 5?

>> How does teaching Key Stage 5 compare to Key Stages 3 and 4?

Specialist & leadership NPQs

National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) offer accredited training and support to teachers and leaders at various stages of their career. You may be able to receive scholarship funding which can cover your course fees.

Specialist NPQs support educators towards mastery of relevant expertise, giving them the knowledge and tools to develop others and extend their influence beyond their own classrooms. Leadership NPQs guide both experienced and aspiring leaders through learning that examines school culture, organisation and excellence.

New school, new challenges

Depending on your school setting, the opportunities available and your personal circumstances, you may decide to seek a teaching position in a new school. Moving schools can itself represent a significant and exciting challenge:

  • You will be able to contribute to a new school culture that more closely matches your teaching ethos;
  • You may be entering a school with many more pupils on roll, allowing you to learn more about other aspects of academic life;
  • You may be starting a new position altogether, providing an opportunity for a reset and new development opportunities.

The FTS team continues to support Scholars and their needs for the rest of this academic year. Our Employment Coordinator is available to provide advice and guidance if you are considering the next step in your teaching career. Get in touch with us by emailing info@futureteachingscholars.com; we’re here to help.