The CELTA Trainer-in-Training Programme at Britishey Training Centre is a rigorous, structured professional development pathway designed exclusively for Britishey staff who have been officially approved by Cambridge English to begin training as CELTA course tutors. This programme represents the first formal step toward qualifying as a CELTA Assistant Course Tutor, and all training is conducted to Cambridge’s global standards, with full external moderation where required.
Grounded in the procedures and competencies outlined in the CELTA Trainer-in-Training Handbook (Version 6), the programme prepares experienced teachers and emerging teacher-educators to deliver high-quality CELTA input, observe and assess teaching, guide candidates’ development, and uphold the academic and administrative standards of the world’s leading initial teacher-training qualification.
Depending on the trainer-in-training’s background, Cambridge English assigns one of two official training routes:
Designed for applicants with limited teacher-training experience or those whose previous training background differs from CELTA. This route includes:
8–10 hours of pre-course preparation
Observation of 80% of a CELTA course, including input, TP, and feedback
Delivery of a minimum of four input sessions, observed by an approved tutor
Supervised TP feedback delivery
Assignment standardisation and shadow marking
A comprehensive post-course reflective assignment (1,500–2,000 words)
Compilation of a CELTA Trainer e-Portfolio, which may be reviewed by Cambridge English
For applicants with substantial pre-service training experience on courses similar to CELTA (e.g., Trinity CertTESOL). This intensive induction includes:
12–16 hours of structured pre-course learning
2–3 days of guided course observation
Post-observation tasks and administrative familiarisation
Development of a trainer e-portfolio for internal and external review
Throughout their training, participants engage in a wide range of professional tasks designed by Cambridge English to build trainer expertise. These include:
Analysing the CELTA Syllabus and Assessment Guidelines
Studying and applying the CELTA Administration Handbook
Observing candidate interviews and selection processes
Reviewing candidate applications and pre-course tasks
Monitoring candidate progress, including evaluation of CELTA 5 records
Designing, delivering, and evaluating input sessions
Shadowing teaching practice and co-conducting TP feedback
Standardising assignment marking and understanding CELTA assessment criteria
Supporting course administration, moderation processes, and assessor visits
Completing a structured reflective development plan with scheduled review meetings
Each trainer-in-training is paired with a Cambridge-approved Trainer-in-Training Supervisor, who:
Designs an individualised training programme
Provides ongoing guidance, observation, and detailed feedback
Ensures task completion and quality of the trainer e-portfolio
Liaises with course tutors to ensure consistent support
Prepares the trainee for assessor moderation (where required)
Writes the official Supervisor Moderation Report submitted to Cambridge English
As Britishey Training Centre operates under Cambridge’s external Trainer-in-Training scheme, all trainees are formally assessed by a Cambridge English CELTA Assessor. The assessor:
Observes the trainee delivering input and supervising TP
Reviews the complete trainer e-portfolio
Discusses progress with both trainee and supervisor
Recommends approval, extension of training, or further development
Final verification is issued by Cambridge English Nominations, ensuring full compliance with global CELTA standards.
Lead Teacher Trainer
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