25th Anniversary Celebration Evening toasts NASBTT community that has shaped teacher training
NASBTT has formally marked its 25th anniversary – a milestone celebrating a quarter-century championing school-based initial teacher training – with a Celebration Evening for members, trustees past and present, and sector leaders.
In total, 140 people packed out the Great Hall at BMA House in London for a three-course dinner, following the NASBTT Annual Conference 2025, and also enjoyed a drinks reception sponsored by Mosaic, a stunning school choir performance from Charles Dickens Primary School, and a live band as part of the occasion.
Pre-dinner addresses were made by NASBTT Chair of Trustees Anna Richards and immediate past Chair Ian Hollingsworth, as well as Jon Severs, Editor of Tes, and Sinéad McBrearty, Chief Executive of Education Support, as the ITT sector’s “collective impact” was heralded.
Among the attendees was Martin Thompson, who was involved in the early days of NASBTT and served initially as Chair, a role later rebranded as Executive Director, until 2017, and Jane Cole, the first administrator for the then newly-fledged NASBTT organisation in the early years.
Emma Hollis, CEO of NASBTT, commented:
“Our 25th anniversary celebration evening was a very special occasion indeed. It really was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow ITT professionals and recognise our collective impact, and we have been overwhelmed by the goodwill from members and other attendees. It was wonderful to see so many people who have directly influenced and contributed to making NASBTT what it is since its formation in 2000.
“I would like to offer my profound thanks to our team – the small but mighty group who somehow make the impossible look effortless – and who have poured their hearts into this event, and into everything we do behind the scenes. And I want to thank every one of you for being part of this journey. Our members, current and former trustees, and colleagues and partners have made NASBTT the organisation we love: a place where people care, where generosity of spirit is the norm, and where hope is still very much alive and kicking. Here’s to the next 25 years of courage, creativity. and connection.”
As part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations, the conference also featured a Reflections Tree. Designed as a living display of connection, inspiration, growth and shared experience, the tree invited delegates to pause, reflect and contribute their thoughts about NASBTT, their ITT journey, and their hopes for the future of teacher education.
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