Raising the standard: What quality looked like at Tute in term 2

Welcome to the second edition of our termly quality updates, where we reflect on what quality looked like at Tute over the past term and how our commitment to continuous improvement is driving impactful learning. Building on the successes shared in Term 1, our approach to quality has continued to evolve, ensuring that our students receive the very best in online education. 

At Tute Education, quality isn’t just a process – it’s a promise. Quality first, every time.  

Our commitment to quality drives everything we do. It’s about more than just meeting standards; it’s about continuously improving so that every student receives the highest standard of education possible. Through robust quality assurance (QA), we ensure that every lesson, every suggestion for progress assessment, and every safeguarding check aligns with our mission to deliver excellence in online learning.

But what does QA actually look like at Tute? And more importantly, how does it impact the students and teachers who engage with us daily? 

 What did quality look like in term 2?

– 746 QA checks were completed, ensuring rigour and consistency in all aspects of lesson delivery. 

– 141 full lesson observations were carried out, enabling us to reflect on teaching quality, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate strengths. 

– 92% of progress reports met or exceeded our standards for clarity, accuracy, and support for student learning. 

– 99% of safeguarding spot checks adhered to our stringent safety and welfare expectations. 

– 96% of live lessons met or exceeded expectations, reflecting our teachers’ commitment to maintaining high standards in every session. 

These figures are not just statistics – they represent the ongoing commitment of our teachers and staff to deliver quality at every opportunity, ensuring that students receive the best possible education every single time. 

How did we measure improvement and progress in pedagogy? 

Each lesson observation is assessed through Tute’s lesson observation matrix, which evaluates five key areas of teaching and learning: 

1. Student progress – Tracking the development and achievements of students across all subjects. 

2. Lesson structure – Ensuring lessons are logically structured, clear, and accessible to all learners. 

3. Teaching effectiveness – Assessing the impact of teaching strategies on student understanding and progress. 

4. Learner engagement – Measuring the interaction and involvement of students in their learning journeys. 

5. Assessment and feedback – Evaluating the quality of feedback provided and its role in driving student improvement. 

We analysed the individual data for every teacher observed in Term 1 and again in Term 2 to track progress across these areas. Our data shows that 96% of Tute teachers maintained or improved their overall lesson observation banding between term 1 and term 2 this year, with 93% of all lesson observations year to date meeting or exceeding our standards. 

The most significant improvements were seen in Learner Engagement and Assessment & Feedback, both of which have been areas of strategic focus in Term 1 and Term 2. These improvements are a testament to the effectiveness of our targeted CPD offer, which included: 

– Workshop Wednesdays, focusing on strategies for impactful feedback and engaging online learners. 

– Tute Huddles, where teachers shared best practices and explored new methods for assessment and student interaction. 

–  Best practice library, where teachers input examples of what’s working well for them and we provide a wealth of one-page resources for bite sized CPD. 

Our teachers tell us this is making a difference: 

“Thank you for last night’s Huddle – it was timely and focused exactly where I believe colleagues wanted at this juncture. I reiterate that I have had, consistently, the most efficacious CPD since arriving at Tute. I note, also, the amount of preparation that clearly went into last night’s session – so, thank you.” – John, Tute Teacher 

What did this mean for our teachers? 

Our teachers know that our QA is about developing them, not judging them. 

• Every teacher received a full lesson review, plus one-to-one coaching from a dedicated quality team member 

• Ongoing support was provided through collaborative workshops, covering engagement, collaboration, and independent learning 

• A culture of constructive feedback helped teachers refine their practice and grow professionally. Our teachers appreciate our supportive approach.

“The QA team is incredibly supportive. The process is a dialogue, not a judgment. I leave inspired and motivated after each session.” – Laurie, Teacher of English  

“QA helps me reflect and set clear, achievable goals to improve my teaching. The process is always supportive and never judgmental.” – Jayne, Teacher of Science 

Beyond the observation: the impact on students 

We know that high-quality teaching drives positive student outcomes. That’s why we’re committed to ongoing improvement, not just meeting standards but exceeding them. Our QA framework is designed to evolve with our teachers, ensuring that every lesson is an opportunity to improve and inspire. 

At Tute, we don’t just set high standards – we raise them. 

CTA: Want to learn more about how we ensure quality at Tute?