ECT induction mentors: who to choose and how to support them

Understand the role of the early career teacher (ECT) mentor. Learn how to choose the right candidates, and find the best ways to support them.

Last reviewed on 29 September 2025See updates
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Contents
  1. Induction mentors – who they are and what they do
  2. Who can be a mentor?
  3. Use training to get the most out of your mentors

Induction mentors – who they are and what they do

All early career teachers (ECTs) going through induction must have an induction mentor. This can be anyone, as long as: 

  • They have qualified teacher status (QTS)
  • They're not the same person as the induction tutor (if possible)

Induction mentors will:

  • Regularly meet with the ECT for structured mentoring sessions to give targeted feedback
  • Work with the ECT and colleagues to make sure the ECT receives a high-quality induction programme, based on the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF)
  • Provide, or arrange, effective support, including subject or phase-specific coaching
  • Act quickly if the ECT is having difficulties

Trusts: Mentors should ideally support ECTs within a single school setting, rather than supporting ECTs at multiple schools in the trust (see the DfE guidance on how to set up and