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The Institute for Learning (IfL) has commented on the Labour party’s plan for teachers to be licensed every few years, as outlined by the shadow education secretary, Tristram Hunt.

IfL's chief executive, Toni Fazaeli, said, “IfL agrees with the Association of School and College Leaders that highly qualified teachers who regularly develop and hone their practice through continuing professional development (CPD) are fundamental to excellent education and training and successful outcomes for learners – learners of all ages, including young and adult learners in further education, not just schoolchildren.

“Professional development is a key driver of high-quality teaching and learning, and we know from our evidence, based on tens of thousands of teachers and trainers declaring their CPD to IfL over the years, and from international research, about the effectiveness of teachers having a greater role in shaping their own professional learning. It is essential that teachers in further education as well as schools should be supported and entrusted by the leaders of their organisations to exercise their professional autonomy, to learn collaboratively and to identify professional learning that is worth investing in. By backing professional teachers in this way, the rewards will be ever more brilliant teaching and learning for individual teachers, providers and learners.

“Any proposal for national teacher licensing should recognise that most teachers are good or outstanding practitioners, and the focus should be on ensuring that they have the support and resources to continue improving throughout their careers and sharing effective practice, for the benefit of all learners. Having a licence to practise scheme should serve to raise the standing and the centrality of the teaching profession, which is vital to the well-being of our economy and society.”

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