Be at the Heart of our Teacher Development

We’re excited to invite passionate and reflective practitioners to apply the role of NTU Lead Mentor — a pivotal position introduced as part of the government’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) reforms. If you have a passion for high-quality teaching and a drive to develop others, this is your opportunity to shape the future of education from the ground up.

About the Role

As a Lead Mentor, you’ll play a key role in supporting and developing mentors across placement schools in partnership with our accredited ITT provider. This is more than just a coordination role — you’ll be at the forefront of embedding excellent mentoring practices across the system. School based mentors receive 2 general Lead Mentor visits in the Lent & Pentecost terms, plus a Lead Mentor teams call and set up in the Advent Term. In addition to this, there is a visit in the advent term provided by a subject specialist.

You will:

• Train, coach and support school-based mentors to ensure consistency and quality of mentoring across placements.
• Help deliver and support aspects of the ITT curriculum, including Intensive Training and Practice.
• Ensure strong alignment between ITT providers and school placements so that trainees experience a coherent and impactful journey.
• Be a key voice in developing a culture of reflective practice, professional learning, and continuous improvement. 

What the role looks like:

For 2026 - 2027 General Lead mentors will :

• Choose to support between 3 (min) and 10 (max) school-based mentors, with a maximum of 30 visits across the academic year.
• Complete all supporting paperwork and attend meetings as required by NTU.
• Payments to Lead Mentors will be made per visit or Teams call completed, subject to tax and National Insurance deductions as follows:

• £70 per in-school visit, plus up to £30 in travel expenses

• £50 per Teams call 

• Please note: Final mentor allocations are determined by NTU. While we will do our best to match your preferred number, this cannot be guaranteed. Please also be aware that, depending on ITT recruitment, not all mentors may be required, as this is based on NTU’s final allocations.
• Headteacher approval will be required in order to continue in this role.
• New Lead Mentors will be expected to complete NTU Lead Mentor training which commences in June this year.
• Cover is required and will be funded so there is no cost to the school.
• This role is, reviewed (temporary 1 year) annually in line with funding allocated by NTU.

 Why Step Into This Role?

Benefits for You:

• Deepen your own professional expertise by engaging with the latest evidence-based practices in teaching and teacher development.
• Gain specialist training and professional development through both the ITT provider and school/CMAT networks.
• Elevate your career as a key figure in educational improvement and staff development.

Impact on Others:

• Support mentors to grow in confidence and capability.
• Help trainee teachers thrive through consistent, expert mentoring.
• Drive a joined-up, coherent experience between school practice and provider-led training. 

How to Apply

To apply now to become a Lead Mentor and play a key role in shaping the future of our profession, please complete the application form. As you are already an employee of the Trust, we do not require your full career history and guidance in completing a shorter form is attached. 

For any queries regarding the application process, please contact HR@ololcatholicmat.co.uk 

We will be in touch with next steps.