North Lancs Training Group: Testimonial on Working with The Big Teacher

We’re proud to work alongside training providers across the country, helping them deliver high-quality, accessible education and training. One of our long-term partners, North Lancs Training Group, has shared their experience working with The Big Teacher for over five years.

Here’s what Mary Leybourne, their Quality Improvement Coordinator for Teaching, Learning & Assessment, had to say:

"North Lancs Training Group is a private training provider based in Accrington, Lancashire. We have been working with The Big Teacher to deliver, assess and certificate our teacher training programmes for five years."

From the outset, our partnership has been focused on quality, clarity, and support — and that’s exactly what Mary highlights in her feedback.

"Feedback from our teachers and mentors has been that The Big Teacher platform is very easy to navigate with clear instructions on what they need to know and do, as well as guidelines on what to include in assignments and teaching observation reports. All resources are easy to locate or clearly signposted."

User experience is something we prioritise — not just for learners, but for the mentors and coordinators involved too.

"Teachers receive individual support from assigned tutors at The Big Teacher, with extra support provided by phone, email, or via the online platform if required. They are rigorous as well as flexible about deadlines and requirements of the assignments and observations."

We understand that real-life challenges can affect learning — which is why we aim to be both structured and empathetic in our approach:

"For example, providing regular updates about upcoming deadlines and, recently a requested extension was granted due to long-term sickness."

Beyond individual tutor support, we maintain consistent communication with partner organisations to ensure smooth coordination.

"The Big Teacher tutors, and other relevant staff, also maintain regular contact with our in-house mentors and observers."

And perhaps most importantly — our tutors’ feedback is designed to empower:

"Feedback provided to tutors is timely, supportive and clearly outlines what has been achieved and what they need to do next. Tutors' extensive knowledge of the subject means that their feedback is current and accurate, for example, regarding legislation and policies."

We’re grateful to Mary and the North Lancs team for trusting us over the years — and we look forward to continuing to grow and innovate together.

Explore our teaching and training qualifications here