Professional Standards

Everything we do at the Education and Training Foundation is devoted to inspiring teachers, trainers and leaders to be the best version of themselves, so together we can change the learner experience for the better in the Further Education (FE) and Training sector. 


Explore the Professional Standards

Man looking thoughtful about Professional Standards
Man looking thoughtful about Professional Standards

For teachers and trainers

The Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers have been developed to help you excel in your teaching practice by enriching your professional development.

Two women having a discussion about Professional Standards
Two women having a discussion about Professional Standards

For leaders

The Professional Standards for Leaders are designed to provide guidance for you and your organisation about professional expectations of leadership roles.


The three core principles of the Standards

The Professional Standards for Leaders and the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers both follow a similar structure in order to highlight the synergies and distinctions between the roles. Each set of Professional Standards is built around three core principles, outlined below:

Professional standards icons - values

Professional Values and Attributes

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Professional Knowledge and Understanding

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Professional Skills

The Professional Standards have been developed with sector professionals and experts to support and inspire your professional learning and career development. The Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers were introduced in 2014 and have been updated in May 2022, and the Professional Standards for Leaders were launched in September 2022.

Looking for new ways to discuss the Standards?

Learn more about our Professional Standards activity cards, now available to order.