The Government should provide £260m to fund a new 'national entitlement' to teacher training to help raise school standards, think tank says.

The IPPR and Ambition Institute research found that the funding would reduce inequalities, boost standards, improve retention and help meet the complex needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Although professional development is reported to be the most efficient and financially sound means of ensuring a high standard of education, teachers in England are shown to participate in less than 30 hours of training each year.

The report presents teacher training as an opportunity for both personal development and professional progression, an investment which will tackle the ongoing educational crisis that is causing a spike in the number of teachers changing career paths.

The IPPR and Ambition Institute are urging the government to provide a training ‘passport’ for teachers which entails free courses and qualifications, making leadership positions more accessible to those in mid-level roles.

Marie Hamer MBE, Ambition Institute's executive director for strategy and impact, commented: ‘The evidence is clear that the quality of teaching is the school-based factor with most influence over pupil outcomes.’

‘Effective teaching disproportionately benefits pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities. If we want high and rising standards, then investing in developing expert teachers is our best option.’