Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement of intent
We are building a partnership that is ambitious in relation to its diversity, equity and inclusion responsibilities and expects to be held to account in relation to these. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging for everybody in our partnership where we embrace our unique diversities. We recognise that there are inequities in the education system that we wish to challenge, including barriers in the workforce and the curriculum. We will go further to ensure that all our practices support the removal of systematic discrimination underpinned by our shared ambition to improve the life chances and opportunities for KNSTE colleagues, our beginning teachers, teacher educators and the learners in their communities.
Increasing Diversity over Time
We are a welcoming and inclusive SCITT who works hard each year to build a community of trainee teachers who support, challenge and encourage each other to succeed. We welcome applications from trainees from all backgrounds and the data below show how our inclusive practices have, over time, increased or maintained the diverse group of trainees we work with each year. We have selected areas of diversity to present here where comparative national data is available. However, that is not to say that we don’t fully support and encourage trainees from all backgrounds.
Declared Disability
National census data states that 19% of primary postgraduate trainees have a declared disability.
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|
2023-24 |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
|
KNSTE Declared Disability Data |
12% |
14% |
24% |
Trainees with additional needs are well supported a KNSTE. They have multiple opportunities to declare their needs both prior to and during their training. A collaborative, supportive plan of action is immediately put into place and shared with their mentors to ensure that any reasonable adjustments can be made. To speak to us about what support you can expect to receive while training to teach with us please contact us at: KNSTE.Enquiries@knste.set.org
Global Majority
National census data states that 25% of primary postgraduate trainees are from global majority groups. In our locality, based on the 2021 Census, 16% of the total population in Stoke-on-Trent and 4% in Staffordshire were from global majority groups. KNSTE data shows:
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|
2023-24 |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
|
KNSTE Global Majority Data |
12% |
20% |
12% |
Trainees from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to train to teach with KNSTE. We respect each other’s differences and celebrate our collective cultures. Trainees develop a sense of belonging in our SCITT environment, on placement and in the profession enabling them to thrive in the classroom. To discuss your training options please contact us at: KNSTE.Enquiries@knste.set.org
"Starting my journey with KNSTE has honestly been such a full-circle moment for me. I came to the UK, in 2016, as an EAL student in Year 8 not knowing any English at all, and at that time I would have never imagined that I'd one day be training to become a teacher. Looking back now, it really shows how far I've come, and it's something I'm genuinely proud of.
I chose KNSTE because of the strong sense of support and community they offer. From everything I had heard and seen, it wasn't just about training to teach, it was about developing as a person as well. That really stood out to me, and now being part of it, I can say it's completely true. KNSTE has created an environment where you feel valued, supported and listened to from the very beginning.
One of the things that has made the biggest difference for me is how much they prioritise our mental health and wellbeing. It’s not just something they say, they actually put it into practice every day. There’s always someone to talk to, and the staff genuinely care about how we’re feeling, not just how we’re performing. That level of care has made me feel safe enough to grow and push myself outside of my comfort zone.
At the start of the course, I definitely had moments where I doubted myself and questioned whether I could actually do the training. It felt overwhelming at times, and I wasn’t always confident in my own abilities. But the staff at KNSTE were so patient, understanding and approachable. They really took the time to listen to me, support me and help me work through those feelings. Because of that, I never felt alone in the process."
G. Guli, KNSTE Trainee 2025-2026. Read the full blog at: Blog | KNSTE
Over 25s / Career Changers
National census data states that 51% of primary postgraduate trainees are over 25 and considered career changers.
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|
2023-24 |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
|
KNSTE Over 25s / Career Changers Data |
45% |
52% |
48% |
Our flexible route has enabled many career changers into the profession who may not otherwise have been able to give up their current career to train to teach. We have a high proportion of mature trainees who balance many other responsibilities and are well supported to manage their workload and wellbeing. To discuss flexible options to training to teach please contact us at: KNSTE.Enquiries@knste.set.org
1st Generation Graduates
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|
2023-24 |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
|
KNSTE 1st Generation Graduates Data |
58% |
58% |
52% |
Stoke-on-Trent was identified as one of 12 opportunity areas in the country to increase the opportunities and outcomes for our young people. KNSTE were involved in this via an expansion project of our provision, and we are committed to supporting trainees from all backgrounds into the profession. We focus on professionalism, agency and inclusion through our inclusive practice to enable trainees to thrive. To discuss financial or academic support available to you if you choose to train to teach with KNSTE please contact us at: KNSTE.Enquiries@knste.set.org
