How long is teacher probation in the UK?

Two years from September 2021 (previously one year as NQT). Called Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction. Two-year period with reduced timetable (10% year 1, 5% year 2), formal assessments at end of each year, and the Early Career Framework programme.

Can teacher induction be extended?

Yes. Extensions of 3-12 months are available where the ECT needs more time to demonstrate the Teachers' Standards. Common grounds: significant absence, personal circumstances, mid-induction school change, specific Standards not yet demonstrated but progressing.

What happens if I don't pass ECT induction?

The appropriate body notifies the ECT and school; the ECT is removed from the teacher register for state-funded schools in England. Right of appeal to the Teaching Regulation Agency within 20 working days. Union representation throughout is strongly recommended.

How do I appeal an unsuccessful ECT determination?

Lodge appeal with the Teaching Regulation Agency within 20 working days of the determination. Grounds: procedural flaw, unfair assessment, missing reasonable adjustments, new evidence, or absences not adequately considered. Panel reviews the induction record and can uphold, overturn or extend.

Teacher Probation UK (2026): ECT Induction + NQT + Assessment Rules

Why this matters right now

The 2021 shift from one-year NQT to two-year ECT induction is now fully embedded. 2024-25 data shows ECT completion rates around 87 per cent - meaning around 13 per cent of new teachers do not satisfactorily complete induction. Understanding the assessment framework and appeal routes materially protects ECTs whose progress reviews raise concerns.

Induction framework

Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction:

Two-year induction period in state-funded schools in England.
ECT completes an evidence-informed Early Career Framework (ECF) programme.
Named Induction Tutor supports the ECT throughout.
Formal assessments at end of year 1 and end of year 2.
Reduced timetable: 10% off in year 1, 5% off in year 2.

Scotland has its own Teacher Induction Scheme; Wales uses a similar 2-year framework; Northern Ireland runs a 3-year induction + Early Professional Development.

Case example: extension granted for ECT with atypical progress

A secondary science ECT completed year 1 satisfactorily but had significant absence in year 2 due to health. At the year 2 assessment, the head teacher recommended a 6-month extension to allow adequate time to demonstrate the Teachers' Standards. The appropriate body (Teaching School Hub) approved the extension. The ECT completed successfully at 30 months. The lesson: extensions are available and used - health, personal circumstances, or specific development areas can all justify one.

Assessment against Teachers' Standards

ECTs are assessed against the Teachers' Standards (published DfE). Formal assessments:

End of year 1: satisfactory progress toward the Standards.
End of year 2: satisfactory completion (met the Standards).

Formal assessment reports are shared with the ECT before submission to the appropriate body (Teaching School Hub or Local Authority).

Extensions

Extensions to the 2-year period are available where the ECT needs more time to demonstrate the Standards. Common grounds:

Significant absence during induction.
Personal circumstances (bereavement, illness, caring responsibilities).
Change of school mid-induction requiring re-baselining.
Specific Standards not yet demonstrated but progressing.

Extensions require agreement with the appropriate body and are usually 3-12 months. Repeated extensions are unusual; the appropriate body assesses whether extension is likely to result in successful completion.

Unsuccessful completion

Where the appropriate body determines the ECT has not satisfactorily completed induction:

Formal notification to the ECT and school.
The ECT is removed from the register of teachers eligible to teach in state-funded schools in England.
Right of appeal to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).
Appeal must be lodged within 20 working days.
TRA appeal panel reviews the induction record and can uphold, overturn or extend.

Appeal to Teaching Regulation Agency

TRA appeal grounds:

The appropriate body's decision was procedurally flawed.
The assessment did not fairly reflect the ECT's performance.
Reasonable adjustments for disability were not made.
New evidence has come to light.
Absences during induction were not adequately taken into account.

Union representation (NEU, NASUWT) throughout is strongly recommended.

ECT rights during induction

Reduced timetable (10% year 1, 5% year 2).
Named Induction Tutor providing regular support.
Access to the Early Career Framework programme.
Formal progress reviews at midpoint.
Sight of formal assessment reports before submission.
Right to raise concerns with the appropriate body.
Statutory teacher pay under STPCD (M1-M2 for most ECTs).
All standard employment rights including flexible working, family leave, sick pay.

Independent and academy schools

ECT induction is required only in state-funded schools in England. Independent schools are not required to run induction but many do voluntarily using the same framework. Academies (which are state-funded but independently run) DO require induction for ECTs to remain on the teacher register.

Teachers who complete their first years in independent schools without induction can complete induction later if they subsequently move to a state-funded school.

Useful calculators

Related guides

Authority pages

Frequently asked questions

How long is teacher probation in the UK?: Two years from September 2021 (previously one year as NQT). Called Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction. Two-year period with reduced timetable (10% year 1, 5% year 2), formal assessments at end of each year, and the Early Career Framework programme.
Can teacher induction be extended?: Yes. Extensions of 3-12 months are available where the ECT needs more time to demonstrate the Teachers' Standards. Common grounds: significant absence, personal circumstances, mid-induction school change, specific Standards not yet demonstrated but progressing.
What happens if I don't pass ECT induction?: The appropriate body notifies the ECT and school; the ECT is removed from the teacher register for state-funded schools in England. Right of appeal to the Teaching Regulation Agency within 20 working days. Union representation throughout is strongly recommended.
Do independent schools require ECT induction?: Not legally. Independent schools are not required to run induction but many do voluntarily. Academies (state-funded but independently run) DO require induction. Teachers can complete induction later if they start in independent then move to state-funded.
How do I appeal an unsuccessful ECT determination?: Lodge appeal with the Teaching Regulation Agency within 20 working days of the determination. Grounds: procedural flaw, unfair assessment, missing reasonable adjustments, new evidence, or absences not adequately considered. Panel reviews the induction record and can uphold, overturn or extend.

Sources and further reading

DfE: Statutory guidance on induction for early career teachers — Statutory ECT induction guidance.
DfE: Teachers' Standards — Assessment framework.
Teaching Regulation Agency — Regulatory body and appeals.
NEU: ECT induction — Union guidance.
Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86 — Statutory minimum notice.

General information about UK employment law, not legal advice. For your situation, contact ACAS or an employment-law solicitor.