CompletedInterventional

Preparing teacher trainees for inclusive practice: A randomised controlled trial of grouping strategies in Initial Teacher Education

This study, run by the National Institute of Teaching, explores the best ways to train new secondary school teachers in England. Its main goal is to help teachers learn how to group students in their classrooms effectively to support everyone, especially those with different needs. The study compares two training styles: one that looks at wider school factors (like policies) when grouping students, and another that focuses purely on different grouping techniques within the classroom. They will see which approach better prepares teachers to make good decisions, feel more confident, and improve their teaching. Thousands of new teachers in England are taking part, and the results could help shape future teacher training.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Department for Education

Enrolment target

276

Start

15 May 2025

Estimated completion

22 May 2025

Teacher trainees’ ability to make principled grouping decisions, and to prepare for implementation of these, as well as self-efficacy, motivation, communication skills and reflexivity around inclusive practice

What is this study about?

Imagine you're in a classroom, and the teacher needs to put students into groups for an activity. How does the teacher decide who goes with whom? This isn't always easy, especially when some students learn differently or have special needs. This study is all about helping new teachers learn the best ways to make these important decisions.

In England, making sure every student can learn and thrive (what we call 'inclusive education') is a top priority for teacher training. However, it can be tricky for teachers to put these ideas into practice. One big challenge is deciding how to group students in a fair and helpful way. This study wants to find out the most effective training methods for preparing new teachers to do this well.

The research will compare two main ways of teaching new teachers about grouping students. One approach, called 'Beyond the Classroom,' will encourage teachers to think about bigger issues like school policies and how different people expect things to be done, alongside the act of grouping. The other, 'Within the Classroom,' will focus purely on practical strategies for flexible grouping. By comparing these, the study hopes to discover which method makes teachers more confident, motivated, and skilled in creating inclusive classrooms for all students.

Key takeaways

New teachers will test two ways of learning how to group students effectively.
The study aims to improve 'inclusive practice' in secondary schools across England.
Training involves two practical sessions and scenario-based assessments.
Participants will share their confidence and motivation levels through surveys.
Results could help shape future teacher training programmes.
Your privacy will be protected with careful measures.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to student teachers training to teach in secondary schools (high schools) in England. You need to be enrolled in the National Institute of Teaching's (NIoT) teacher training programmes at certain locations across the country.

Unfortunately, if you are training to teach primary school children, or if you were part of an earlier test run of this study, you won't be able to join this particular research.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently training to be a secondary school teacher?
Are you enrolled in a National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) programme at one of their campuses?
Have you NOT been part of a previous trial (pilot study) for this research?
Are you NOT training to be a primary school teacher?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, your campus will be randomly assigned to one of two training groups. This means you won’t choose which training you get. Both groups will attend two training sessions. One session will cover the main ideas, and the other will involve hands-on activities like working through practice situations and discussing them.

Before the training, and then again afterwards, you'll complete some assessments based on different classroom scenarios. These will help the researchers understand how you would plan for, make, and explain your grouping decisions. You'll also fill out surveys about how confident, motivated, and prepared you feel about making these decisions. The study is expected to run from December 2024 to December 2025.

Potential risks and benefits

As a thank you for taking part, your name could be mentioned in the public reports of this research, and you might have the chance to contribute to how the findings are shared. When it comes to risks, the researchers will take great care to protect your privacy. However, because some of the information collected will be detailed personal accounts, there's a very small chance that someone might recognise you or other staff, even if names and job titles are changed. The researchers will explain these possibilities clearly during the consent process, and you’ll have the option to review anything that might identify you and ask for it to be removed if you’re uncomfortable. Remember, you can also decide to stop taking part at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (6)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

National Institute of Teaching - South & West Campus Birmingham
City only
Birmingham, United Kingdom
National Institute of Teaching- North & West Campus
City only
Blackburn, United Kingdom
National Institute of Teaching - South & West Campus Bristol
City only
Bristol, United Kingdom
National Institute of Teaching - North & East Campus Doncaster
City only
Doncaster, United Kingdom
National Institute of Teaching - Harris Institute Peckham
City only
London, United Kingdom
Windsor Academy Trust
City only
Halesowen, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'inclusive practice' in teaching?

It means making sure all students, no matter their background or learning style, have the support they need to learn and feel like they belong in the classroom.

Why is grouping students important?

How students are grouped can affect how well they learn, how they interact, and if they feel supported. Good grouping helps all students get the most out of their lessons.

Will I get to choose which training method I receive?

No, your campus will be randomly assigned to one of the two training methods. This is a standard way to make sure the study results are fair.

What happens to the information I provide?

The research team will use your responses to understand how different training methods affect teachers. They will protect your privacy, and you will have the chance to review any personal details mentioned.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is being funded by the Department for Education in the UK.

How to find out more

Lydia Lymperis

l.lymperis@niot.org.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.