Those with substantial teaching
experience, or teachers qualified outside
England may wish to consider gaining Qualified
Teacher Status (QTS) via the QTS-only assessment-based
training route.
QTS-only (assessment-based
training)
Target candidate: Degree recognised in the UK;
Substantial teaching experience in a mainstream UK school (possibly
an overseas teaching qualification)
Duration: N/A – Assessment is usually completed
within 1 year
Salary: Yes
This route is for those who already have a degree and have
substantial full-time experience teaching as an unqualified
teacher, or as a teacher in an independent school. Candidates must
already be employed in a mainstream school willing to recommend and
support them.
If teachers only have classes with under 20 pupils, or work in
the independent sector, a placement of approximately 80 days in an
appropriate mainstream state school is required; arrangements and
supply cover fall to the employing school.
The QTS-only route involves no direct training and is available
to teachers of a number of age groups including primary. Teachers
build up a portfolio of evidence with the help of their school to
demonstrate how they meet the 33 QTS standards. They also undergo a
day-long assessment visit to the school. The process takes a year
to complete, starting and finishing at any time.
This route can be followed by Overseas trained teachers,
particularly if there is no local access to the Overseas teacher training programme.
However, OTTs following the QTS-only route will be required to
subsequently complete a year as a Newly Qualified Teacher.
The University of Gloucestershire administers QTS-only routes
for England. Apply direct to University of Gloucestershire School
of Education:
Detailed information from the TDA:
Qualified teacher status only.