Improving diversity in the teaching workforce

In 2021 the Initial teacher education Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic recruitment plan was published. It looked at what could be done to increase recruitment onto initial teacher education (ITE) programmes.

Progress against the plan has been reviewed and update in line with developments.

In January 2026 the recruitment and support update for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic ITE students 2026 was published. The purpose of this update is to outline progress and support measures aimed at addressing under‑representation in the teaching workforce. This includes ensuring that recruitment and training routes are fair, inclusive, and better supported. The update also highlights a shared commitment to equity across the ITE and wider education sector. 

ITE partnership recruitment plans 

ITE partnerships have developed and published recruitment plans to support this work.

These show how they will encourage and support more people from ethnic minority backgrounds to become teachers. The Education Workforce Council (EWC) is supporting ITE partnerships to deliver the actions in these plans:

• CaBan (Bangor University)
• Cardiff Partnership
• Swansea University Schools' Partnership
• The Open University
• University of South Wales ITE Partnership
• Yr Athrofa: Professional Learning Partnership (APLP) at University of Wales Trinity St David

ITE partnerships review progress against their plans. Updates are made where required. 

Educators Wales 

For those considering a career in education, Educators Wales offer:

• information, advice, and support 
• application and interview workshops for students from ethnic minority backgrounds applying for ITE programmes 
• promotional activity and outreach events in minority ethnic communities across Wales
• a jobs portal, one of the biggest for the education sector in Wales

ITE partnerships

ITE Partnerships are the providers of teacher training. They may offer support:

• before the application process
• during the application process
• throughout ITE programmes

You should speak directly to the ITE partnership you want to apply to. They will be able to confirm what support they provide. 

ITE incentives for students from ethnic minority backgrounds 

A £5,000 grant is available through The Ethnic Minority Initial Teacher Education Incentive Scheme. To get this incentive, students must:

• be on an accredited postgraduate ITE programme that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• meet the eligibility criteria, including ethnicity criteria 

Diversity and Anti-racist Professional Learning (DARPL) 

DARPL is a professional learning community. DARPL supports those working in education to develop:

• an understanding of anti-racism
• anti-racist practices

DARPL has a virtual campus. The campus provides free of charge access to:

• professional learning
• resources 
• practical guidance
• case studies
• communities of practice
• research
• publications
• teacher and student teacher series of resources

Teaching Wales YouTube channel 

Hear about what it’s like to be a teacher in Wales on our Teaching Wales YouTube channel.