Modern languages was graded “good” for selection procedures and admission, trainees’ subject knowledge, planning, teaching and classroom management, assessment and recording. The quality of the training process and the accuracy of assessment of trainees was graded “adequate”. These provisional grades relate to a cohort of students part-way through their studies when CfBT took over the course.

HMI commented favourably on the calibre of the language trainees, their motivation and suitability for the course. The distance-learning materials were applauded for content and coverage. The school mentors and the CfBT tutor were found to give regular and constructive comments on classroom practice. Procedures for monitoring trainees’ teaching standards were judged secure.

Combining study of this kind with full-time employment is not easy, so when HMI refers to students as “hardworking” and “well-motivated” and says good training was seen and that end-of-course assessments were accurate, it would seem only fair to recognise and publish this.

Jean Campbell CfBT tutor for modern foreign languages Reading, Berkshire