New City College celebrates QTLS graduates and strengthens Education Training Foundation partnership

New City College celebrated the achievements of its latest cohort of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) graduates at a special awards evening.

The event, held at Rouge Restaurant, Redbridge Campus, brought together teachers and senior leaders at the college to recognise the professionalism, dedication and impact of colleagues who have successfully completed the QTLS programme – a milestone not only in their own teaching careers, but in strengthening excellence across NCC and within the wider FE sector.

The ceremony was attended by key representatives from the Education Training Foundation (ETF), including Clare Appleby, Regional Relationship Manager, and Chris Kirk, Executive Director of Membership and Commercial, who joined NCC Principal Janet Smith in presenting the awards.

This year’s QTLS graduates were recognised for their significant achievements. They were: Srabony Sardar, Rabia Khanom, Gourab Banerjee, Asha Kaur, Senay Bilen, Rabia Butt, Xara Thomas and Saadia Adnan.

A growing partnership delivering real impact

Principal Janet Smith told attendees that the QTLS successes are a testament to the college’s powerful partnership with the ETF, saying that the collaboration has “embedded a culture of professional enquiry, reflection and ambition across our teaching community.”

She highlighted the momentum already building across the college: “Our graduates today are pioneers. Their achievements are inspiring others to follow the same pathway, and this year alone we have seen 22 colleagues apply for QTLS and a further five for Advanced Teacher Status. Their example is shaping the future of teaching at NCC and contributing to the strength of the FE sector as a whole.”

Chris Kirk commended the graduates and emphasised the strategic value of NCC’s partnership with the ETF. He described QTLS as “a significant step in a teacher’s professional development – a chance to reflect on their growth, refine their practice, and commit to continuous improvement.”

He added that the relationship between ETF and NCC is “deep and collaborative – one where we can trial new approaches, share effective practice, and innovate in ways that benefit not only the college, but teaching and learning across the country.”

He noted a shared ambition for the partnership to continue expanding and becoming “an indispensable element of individual career progression and workforce development.”

NCC’s home-grown talent making a difference in the classroom

A key focus of the evening was NCC’s commitment to ‘developing our own’ – supporting staff to progress from entry-level roles to fully qualified teaching positions through accessible career pathways and higher-level study.

Rabia Khanom, NCC Deputy Group Curriculum Director 14-16, said: “One of the advantages of teaching at NCC is that the reflective journey of teaching continues throughout your career, regardless of your role or length of service. The opportunity to undertake QTLS as an experienced teacher and manager was invaluable. This process allowed me to pause amidst my varied responsibilities and reflect on my evolving teaching practice. It encouraged me to be more innovative and explore new strategies. Achieving QTLS opens doors to further professional growth for both teachers and managers, and I strongly encourage others to pursue it.”

SEND lecturer Rabia Butt, who began her NCC journey as a learning support assistant in 2017, said she embodies the opportunities the college provides.

She said: “NCC has helped me grow through every stage – from Level 3 to Level 5, and now QTLS. The programme has strengthened my teaching and helped me become a more reflective and supportive colleague. There are so many opportunities here to improve and develop.”

Maths lecturer Xara Thomas explained that QTLS enabled her to reconnect with core principles of pedagogy and reflective practice.

She said: “I wanted to develop my specialism further, and the partnership between NCC and ETF provided that opportunity.”

NCC, with support from the ETF,  is continuing its commitment to nurturing talent from within – ensuring that future educators are supported, developed and empowered to succeed.

Apply now for Higher Education courses leading to QTLS

New City College offers a range of Higher Education and teacher training pathways that can lead directly to QTLS and a rewarding career in the Further Education sector.

Whether you are beginning your journey into teaching or looking to progress to a fully qualified status, NCC provides outstanding training, support and clear routes into employment.

Find out more and apply today