ITT Graduation 2025

We were delighted to celebrate the graduation of our inaugural cohort of Learning in Harmony Trainee Teachers in July. The event, held at the Park Inn Southend, was a fantastic way to mark our new graduates’ achievements as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their careers.

The event was also covered by the local media, a copy of the article in the Southend Echo is included below and linked here.

Our photo gallery of the event is also included below:

Essex Echo Coverage

Fourteen new teachers in Southend have officially graduated from their initial teacher training.

The graduates were celebrated in a ceremony organised by Learning in Harmony Trust, with family, friends, and mentors in attendance.

The training programme, a collaboration between Learning in Harmony Trust, Ambition Institute, and schools in the area, offers hands-on classroom experience alongside expert guidance.

The programme's tailored curriculum and comprehensive learning opportunities saw this year's cohort complete their training with "flying colours".

The graduates are now eager to embark on their early career positions within the Learning in Harmony Trust and other schools in Southend and Essex.

The deputy mayor, Tony Cox, and deputy mayoress of Southend, were in attendance (Image: Learning in Harmony Trust)

Throughout their training, they were supported by school mentors providing bespoke advice, forming a collaborative community of learners.

The graduation ceremony was attended by the deputy mayor, Tony Cox, and deputy mayoress of Southend, who handed out diplomas to the graduates.

Gary Wilkie, CEO at Learning in Harmony Trust, and Jane Cruickshank, the ITT lead coordinator, addressed the graduates, applauding their resilience and passion.

Mr Wilkie said: "At Learning in Harmony Trust, we’re really proud to offer an initial teacher training programme which supports aspiring teachers from across the Southend area to pursue their passion with the support, expertise, and practical opportunities which empower them to become excellent educators.

"We’re immensely proud of all our graduates, who achieved something extraordinary.

"This marks the beginning of their journey to inspire, educate, and make a meaningful difference to young lives across Southend."

Personal messages of praise from pupils taught by the trainees highlighted the impact these new teachers have already made.

The graduates are now looking forward to inspiring the next generation of children.

Jennifer Muttock, lead mentor for Learning in Harmony Trust’s ITT programme, added: "It has been such an honour to see all our trainees grow, learn, and develop as aspiring teachers.

"We know they all have incredibly bright futures ahead of them as educators, and they will make a huge difference to every child and young person they teach.

"Congratulations to all our graduates on this amazing achievement."

Learning in Harmony Trust has already accepted 20 new trainees for next year.

Applications for the 2026 course will open in October.