Teacher CPD: How CPD improves student outcomes

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plays a pivotal role in the education sector, empowering teachers to enhance their skills, stay updated with the latest teaching strategies, and ultimately improve student outcomes. Engaging with CPD is more than a professional obligation for UK teaching staff—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the classroom. Let’s delve into how teacher CPD directly impacts student achievement and why investing in your development is one of the most effective ways to elevate your teaching practice.

What is teacher CPD?

Teacher CPD encompasses activities that help educators improve their skills, knowledge, and expertise. These can range from formal training sessions and workshops to webinars, collaborative learning groups, and even self-directed study. The goal is simple: to equip teachers and education staff with the tools they need to deliver high-quality education and support the diverse needs of their students.

In the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) recognises the importance of teacher CPD. Effective professional development “for teachers is a core part of securing effective teaching” and is a way for educators to take responsibility and accountability for improving teaching and, over time, improving pupil outcomes in attainment and confidence in the classroom. But what is the link between these two?

The link between teacher CPD and student outcomes

Studies have consistently shown that high-quality teaching has a great impact on student outcomes. But what makes a teacher effective? While passion and experience are crucial, research highlights that continual learning and development are key to sustained excellence in teaching.

1. Improved subject knowledge

Engaging with CPD helps teachers and educators deepen their understanding of their subject matter. For example, a maths teacher participating in CPD focused on advanced problem-solving techniques can pass these skills onto their students, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Whereas an IT teacher can undertake CPD to understand AI or learn new technology that the pupils themselves will be interacting with in their daily lives.

A better grasp of the curriculum enables teachers to:

• Deliver lessons with greater confidence.
• Address student misconceptions more effectively.
• Offer enriched learning experiences that go beyond the basics.

2. Enhanced pedagogical skills

Teacher CPD provides insights into innovative teaching methods that engage students and accommodate different learning styles. Whether it’s through changes to lesson plans like adaptive teaching, incorporating technology, or applying behaviour management strategies, these skills create an environment where students can thrive.

3. Boosting teacher confidence

Professional development doesn’t just enhance knowledge—it builds confidence. A confident teacher is more likely to: experiment with new teaching techniques, build stronger relationships with students and create a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.

4. Adapting to diverse needs

UK classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse. Teacher CPD supports students with special educational needs (SEN), English as an additional language (EAL), or those from different cultural backgrounds. By learning how to differentiate instruction effectively, teachers can ensure all students can succeed.

5. Raising attainment levels

Ultimately, the goal of teacher CPD is to improve student outcomes. A study by the Education Policy Institute found that effective CPD programmes have the potential to offer the same improvement in attainment as “large, structural reforms to the school system” such as lengthening the school day.  

Examples of effective CPD initiatives

To illustrate how teacher CPD impacts student outcomes, let’s explore a few examples of effective ways to conduct CPD.

1. Lesson Study This collaborative approach involves small groups of teachers working together to plan, observe, and refine lessons. By sharing insights and feedback, teachers can improve their instructional strategies and directly address challenges faced in the classroom.
2. Technology integration training As digital tools become more integral to education, CPD focused on technology enables teachers to use platforms like Google Classroom, interactive whiteboards, or AI tools effectively. This not only enhances student engagement but also prepares students for a tech-driven world.
3. Video content: CPD video platforms such as My-Progression are a great way to boost and add on to CPD training and topics. It can be watched at any time that suits a teacher’s CPD schedule, and with videos ranging from five to 15 minutes, means CPD can be enjoyed in bite-sized chunks.
4. SEN-Specific Workshops Workshops that focus on supporting students with autism, dyslexia, or ADHD empower educators to create tailored strategies that improve learning outcomes for these students. Such CPD sessions often result in significant improvements in student confidence and performance.
5. In-person training Inset days, short for "in-service training days," are designated days during the school term when students do not attend school, allowing teachers and staff to engage in professional development activities. These days provide valuable opportunities for educators to participate in CPD sessions, collaborate with colleagues, plan curriculum improvements, and explore innovative teaching strategies. Inset days are a vital part of fostering a culture of continuous improvement within schools, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to enhance student outcomes.

How to maximise the benefits of CPD

For CPD to have a meaningful impact, teachers and schools must approach it strategically. Here are some tips to ensure your teacher CPD efforts translate into better student outcomes:

1. Choose high-quality CPD providers

Select CPD opportunities from reputable providers who understand the needs of UK educators. Look for evidence-based programmes with clear learning objectives and practical applications.

2. Align CPD with school goals

Collaborate with your school leadership to identify CPD opportunities that align with your institution’s goals. For instance, if your school is focusing on improving literacy rates, CPD on phonics teaching or reading comprehension strategies will have the greatest impact.

3. Reflect and implement

CPD is only effective if it’s put into practice. After completing a training session, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and implement these strategies in your teaching. Collaborating with colleagues can help reinforce new skills.

4. Engage in Collaborative CPD

Learning alongside your peers through collaborative CPD can enhance the experience. Sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and collectively problem-solving ensures that professional development is dynamic and impactful.

5. Commit to Ongoing Learning

Education is ever-evolving. Committing to lifelong learning ensures that you stay at the forefront of teaching innovations and continue to positively influence your students’ learning journeys. This doesn’t have to be a full training day each time, bite-sized videos such as My-Progression’s content is a great way to stay up-to-date with CPD topics in between lessons, on the commute home or in the evening.

Why CPD matters for UK educators

In the UK, teacher CPD is more than a professional requirement—it’s a vital tool for ensuring that every student receives the highest quality education. By investing in your professional growth, you’re not just enhancing your own career prospects—you’re empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential.

When teachers and educators engage in meaningful CPD, they’re better equipped to:

• Inspire curiosity and a love of learning.
• Close achievement gaps.
• Prepare students for the challenges of the future.

Start your CPD journey today

Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher or an experienced educator, there’s always room to grow. Explore CPD opportunities through trusted platforms and take the first step toward becoming an even more impactful educator. Remember, your professional development isn’t just an investment in yourself—it’s an investment in your students’ futures.

Are you ready to see the impact of teacher CPD on your students? Tune in to My-Progression on YouTube and discover a range of videos designed to help you keep your career in motion. Watch now on YouTube and head to My-Progression’s website to gain your free CPD certificates for each video.