What is the difference between an ECT and an NQT?

ECT (Early Career Teacher) replaced NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) in September 2021. The biggest change is length: induction went from one year to a two-year programme, underpinned by the Early Career Framework.

How long does ECT induction last?

Two years for a full-time teacher. Part-time teachers complete the same induction over a longer calendar period, pro-rata to the hours they work.

What reduced timetable do ECTs get?

On top of normal planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time, ECTs get a timetable reduction for induction activities — typically 10% in the first year and 5% in the second year.

Who supports an ECT during induction?

You’re assigned a mentor for regular support (especially in year one) and an induction tutor who monitors your progress and carries out the formal assessments. An Appropriate Body quality-assures the whole process.

How is an ECT assessed?

Against the Teachers’ Standards, through termly progress reviews and two formal assessment points — one at the end of year one and one at the end of year two.

What happens if you don’t pass induction?

A teacher who fails induction cannot be employed as a teacher in a maintained school or non-exempt setting in England. There is a right of appeal, and induction normally cannot be repeated.

Do academies and independent schools have to offer induction?

Academies and free schools can choose to offer statutory induction (and most do). Many independent schools and British Schools Overseas offer it too, provided an Appropriate Body oversees it. Completing induction isn’t required to teach in settings that are exempt.

ECT Induction Explained (England)

Once you gain Qualified Teacher Status, your first two years in the classroom are a statutory induction as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). Introduced in September 2021 — replacing the one-year NQT induction — it combines a real, paid teaching job with a structured programme of training and support based on the Early Career Framework. New to teaching? Start with our how to become a teacher guide.

The two years at a glance

Year 1

A 10% timetable reduction (on top of PPA) for induction, regular mentor meetings, and structured Early Career Framework training. A progress review each term and a formal assessment at the end of the year.

Year 2

A 5% timetable reduction, continued (lighter-touch) mentoring, further framework-based development, termly progress reviews and the final assessment at the end of the year.

The support you’re entitled to

• A reduced timetable (10% then 5%) for your own development, separate from PPA.
• A mentor for regular, practical support — most intensive in year one.
• An induction tutor who monitors progress and runs the formal assessments.
• A funded, provider-led Early Career Framework training programme.
• An Appropriate Body that quality-assures your induction.

How you’re assessed

Induction is assessed against the Teachers’ Standards. You’ll have informal progress reviews each term and two formal assessment points — at the end of year one and the end of year two. Pass, and you’re free to teach anywhere; the induction only has to be completed once. A teacher who does not pass cannot be employed to teach in a maintained school or non-exempt setting, though there is a right of appeal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an ECT and an NQT?: ECT (Early Career Teacher) replaced NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) in September 2021. The biggest change is length: induction went from one year to a two-year programme, underpinned by the Early Career Framework.
How long does ECT induction last?: Two years for a full-time teacher. Part-time teachers complete the same induction over a longer calendar period, pro-rata to the hours they work.
What reduced timetable do ECTs get?: On top of normal planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time, ECTs get a timetable reduction for induction activities — typically 10% in the first year and 5% in the second year.
Who supports an ECT during induction?: You’re assigned a mentor for regular support (especially in year one) and an induction tutor who monitors your progress and carries out the formal assessments. An Appropriate Body quality-assures the whole process.
How is an ECT assessed?: Against the Teachers’ Standards, through termly progress reviews and two formal assessment points — one at the end of year one and one at the end of year two.
What happens if you don’t pass induction?: A teacher who fails induction cannot be employed as a teacher in a maintained school or non-exempt setting in England. There is a right of appeal, and induction normally cannot be repeated.
Do academies and independent schools have to offer induction?: Academies and free schools can choose to offer statutory induction (and most do). Many independent schools and British Schools Overseas offer it too, provided an Appropriate Body oversees it. Completing induction isn’t required to teach in settings that are exempt.

Starting your ECT years?

Find your first teaching post from live vacancies across England.

Browse teaching jobs

This guide is general information, not official guidance — the Department for Education’s statutory induction for early career teachers guidance is the definitive source, and details such as the Early Career Framework are updated from time to time. Last updated November 2026.

ECT induction explained