Gavin Lumsden

15/09/2026

“It's not for me” is a phrase I hear quite regularly.

Of course, teaching is not for everyone. But my experience has also taught me that there are more people who can teach than those who initially believe they can.

You don't have to know everything to become a teacher.

One of the misconceptions I encounter is that effective teachers must already possess every skill associated with teaching before they begin their training.

For many of these individuals, their professional experience is precisely what makes them valuable to learners.

A learner studying a vocational subject does not just need someone who can explain the theory. They benefit from someone who understands the realities of the industry, the standards expected in the workplace and the practical application of what they are learning.

That experience can be incredibly powerful.

There is more than one route into teaching

Another reason people may dismiss teaching is that they assume there is only one route into the profession, or that the route they have heard about is not accessible to them.

In reality, there are several teacher-training pathways, and the most appropriate option will depend on your circumstances, experience, career aspirations and the requirements of the role or sector in which you wish to teach.

Depending on your starting point and goals, routes may include: Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills)

For those looking to develop a career in further education and the wider skills sector, the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills) is an important route to consider.

For many aspiring FE teachers, this is a route that allows them to develop while working with learners and building their teaching experience. PGCE and other higher education routes

So, is teaching for you?

10/09/2026

I’m excited to be delivering the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) again next year! I’m really looking forward to supporting our next cohort as you take this step, gain your qualification, and build your confidence in the classroom.

Check out the details below! 👇

21/08/2026

Supporting Teacher-Educators with Quality Resources

With so many colleagues and organisations supporting the development of new teachers, we know that great teacher education needs great resources.

To support colleges, teacher training providers and teacher-educators, we have developed a comprehensive range of resources for the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills), aligned with the textbook:

Achieving your Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) co-authored with Ann Gravells

Within each module, you’ll find a range of ready-to-use resources, including:
Presentation slides
Leaflets
Handouts
Guides
Templates

Resources to support discussion, reflection and theory into practice

These resources have been designed to support the delivery of the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) and can also support wider PGCE FE and Cert Ed programmes. Available in either 'PDF, Word & Ppt' or 'Canva Templates'.

Whether you are an experienced teacher-educator moving into teacher education for the first time or a provider looking to strengthen and support your delivery, these resources are designed to save preparation time while providing high-quality, engaging learning materials.

Make sure you have the resources you need: https://essentialteaching.uk/resource-store #!/Diploma-in-Teaching-Further-Education-&-Skills-Resources/c/172251129

If you'd like to receive some free examples, please DM me "Resource Store"

19/08/2026

A little light-hearted musing inspired by a recent email…

There are moments in teaching where you wonder whether you’re actually making a difference.

And then a trainee teacher sends you this:

“You are seriously the best I have met. A few more like you would do education a world of good.”

Well… I’m not going to lie, feedback like this means a LOT.

Not because I think I’m “the best” (my family would strongly dispute that claim), but because it reminds me why I do what I do.

Supporting trainee teachers isn’t just about getting them through a qualification.

It’s about helping them become confident, reflective, knowledgeable teachers who can make a real difference to learners.

And if, along the way, I can make the journey a little less terrifying, a little more enjoyable and occasionally make them laugh… then I’m happy.

So, can I use this as my new tagline?

“A few more like you would do education a world of good.”

I quite like it.

19/08/2026

Now included for our paid subscribers…

We’re starting to add something a little different to the Teach FE (ITE & Quality) Network's SubStack…

Teach FE Talks - Topic Podcasts for FE Trainee Teachers!

Using our existing leaflets, handouts and lesson presentations, we’re using the amazing NotebookLM to create short podcast-style discussions that provide an accessible overview of each topic.

Think of them as your “listen before you learn” or “listen while you’re on the go” resource.

Perfect for:

Listening on the journey to college

A quick refresher before a lesson

Listening while out for a walk (my favourite)

Getting an overview before tackling an assignment

Revisiting a topic when you want to hear the key ideas again

They aren’t designed to replace the full lesson, resources or reading; instead, they provide another way into the topic and help you make sense of the key concepts.

And because they’re created from our own teaching resources and presentations, they’re designed to complement the wider Teach FE (ITE & Quality) Network's SubStack.

One topic.

Multiple ways to learn.

Read it.

Explore it.

Listen to it.

Then put it into practice. Theory into Practice – Every Step of the Way.

Available as part of our paid subscriber content on Substack.

And we’re only just getting started…

Diploma 1 - Podcast 2 (D1PC2)

19/08/2026

There seem to be a LOT of job posts appearing at the moment for Initial Teacher Education Lecturers and Teaching & Learning Coaches.

And while I’m not looking for a new role myself, I am genuinely excited to see more people moving into this space.

Becoming a teacher-educator is a brilliant opportunity to influence the next generation of teachers.

You’re supporting people to develop their professional identity, pedagogy, confidence, reflective practice and understanding of what it means to be an effective teacher.

So, if you’re moving into ITE, taking on a teacher-educator role, or stepping into teaching & learning coaching, I’d be glad to help.

Whether that’s a conversation about the role, ideas for developing your practice, sharing resources, discussing approaches to teacher education, or simply having someone to bounce ideas around with.

I’ve spent a fair few years working in teacher education, and I’m always happy to share what I’ve learnt (including the things I got spectacularly wrong).

We need more brilliant teacher-educators.

So, if you’re one of the people stepping into this space, welcome.

Let’s support each other to make teacher education as excellent as it possibly can be.

https://linkup.shop/feteachereducator

Check out Gavin Lumsden ’s profile and links on LinkUp

18/08/2026

Not everything will be behind the paywall!

A little clarification about our Teach FE (ITE & Quality) resources building on Substack…

Yes, there will be a subscription option, but not everything will be locked away behind a paywall.

We want this to be a genuinely useful resource for FE trainee teachers and teacher educators, so we’ll be sharing free handouts, guides, resources and practical ideas alongside additional content available to subscribers.

Think of it as:

Free resources – useful handouts, guides, ideas and teaching resources that anyone can access.

Subscriber resources – even more leaflets, resources, tools and materials to support your teaching practice and assignments.

Founders Group – for those who want to get involved from the beginning and secure lifetime access.

The aim isn't to create another place where you have to pay to access every useful resource.

It’s about building a one-stop resource hub for FE teacher training, helping trainee teachers move from theory into practice every step of the way.

And yes… we’re still aiming to keep the subscription less than the price of a coffee or two a month.

More coming very soon…

Here is an example: https://feitequalitynetwork.substack.com/p/tips-for-new-teachers-and-trainers?r=68q976&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Diploma 1 - Handout 2.1

18/08/2026

Very pleased to receive notification that we have achieved Direct Claims Status (DCS) for our Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills).

It joins an already strong portfolio of qualifications where we hold DCS, including:

Level 3 Award in Education & Training
Level 4 Certificate in Education & Training
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes & Practice

And Others...

Training Qualifications UK DCS is a significant achievement and reflects the quality, consistency and assurance that sits behind everything we do.

A huge well done to the team Louise Lumsden, Gill Newcombe & Holly Saunders

Direct Claims Status: Three words that mean so much.

Quality. Consistency. Learner Success.

We are incredibly proud to share that Essential Teaching UK has achieved Direct Claims Status (DCS) for the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills). 🎉
This is no small achievement, and rightly so.

The Diploma in Teaching is a demanding professional qualification, requiring the highest standards of teaching, assessment, quality assurance and learner support.

Achieving DCS is recognition that we have the systems, processes, people and professional practice in place to consistently deliver and assess at the required standard.

But for me, DCS isn't simply about being able to claim certificates directly.
It represents something much bigger:

Quality – maintaining the standards this qualification deserves.
Consistency – ensuring every learner receives a robust and fair experience.
Learner Success – supporting trainee teachers to develop into confident, capable professionals.

And that last point matters most.

Every learner who joins our Diploma in Teaching is investing in their future as an educator, and we have a responsibility to make sure that investment is worthwhile.

A huge thank you to our team, our assessors, IQAs, partners and, most importantly, our learners.

DCS achieved. Standards maintained.

14/08/2026

COMING SOON… Your one-stop resource hub for FE Teacher Training!

If you’re currently completing your Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills), PGCE FE or Cert Ed, you’ll know there’s a LOT to keep track of.

So, we’re bringing everything together in one easy-access Substack.

Coming soon, you’ll find:

Helpful leaflets and guides
Practical handouts
Free templates
Teaching and learning resources
Useful tools to support your assignments and teaching practice

…and plenty more along the way!

No more searching through folders, websites and endless bookmarks trying to find that resource you need.

One place. One subscription. Lots of useful stuff.
And the best bit?

Subscribe for less than the price of a coffee a month — maybe two if you’re feeling generous!

Or…

Join our Founders Group and get lifetime access.

We’re building this specifically for FE trainee teachers and teacher educators, with resources designed to help you move from theory into practice – every step of the way.

More details coming very soon…

Watch this space - https://feitequalitynetwork.substack.com/

Welcome to the Teach FE (ITE & Quality) Network! Sector-wide professional community to support Teacher-Educators, Trainee Teachers and those involved in professional development, and teaching and learning across the wider FE & Skills sector. Click to read Teach FE (ITE & Quality) Network's Substack,...

07/08/2026

Sometimes you have to ask...

This is probably one of the strangest posts I've written because it's not something I usually do.

If you're planning your 2026/27 INSET days, CPD programme or teaching & learning events, I'd love to be considered as a speaker, facilitator or keynote.

Over the last few years, I've had the privilege of working with colleges, independent training providers and education organisations across the UK, supporting teachers, leaders and quality teams to create learning experiences that genuinely make a difference.

Some of the workshops and keynotes I regularly deliver include:

Outstanding teaching and learning in FE & Skills
Active learning that really engages learners
Inclusive teaching beyond differentiation
Improving attendance, engagement and learner success
Coaching approaches for teachers and leaders
Quality improvement that focuses on learners, not paperwork
Developing confident new teachers and mentors
Professionalism in Further Education
Leadership for sustainable improvement
FE ITE Framework direction and guidance for Teacher-Educators

Every session is practical, interactive and grounded in the realities of teaching in FE and Skills. My aim is simple: to ensure colleagues leave with ideas they can use immediately in their classrooms and organisations.

I'm based in Hampshire, work locally and nationally, and... who knows... perhaps one day internationally.

If you're organising an INSET day, conference, staff development programme or CPD event and think I could add value, I'd love to have a conversation.

Please feel free to share this post with anyone planning their staff development calendar.