Models of Support in the Teacher Induction Scheme in Scotland: The Views of Head Teachers and Supporters

Before 2002, teachers entering the profession in Scotland simply had to complete satisfactorily two years of teaching experience in order to become fully registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). During that period, the Probationer was treated like any other teacher, following a full timetable and relying on colleagues for support in addressing any issues that arose. This was a haphazard system, lacking national consistency, as newly qualified teachers applied for vacant posts in competition with serving teachers, thus it was a matter of fortune whether they arrived in a strongly supportive school or department, or whether they were left largely to fend for themselves.