You need English qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in maintained primary, secondary and special schools in England. These are schools funded by local authorities.
Some schools can employ teachers without QTS (for example, private schools(opens in new window) and academy schools(opens in new window)) but most still prefer teachers to have it.
You do not need QTS to teach in further education or work in early years education.
If you qualified as a teacher outside the UK, you can teach in England for up to 4 years without QTS. However, having QTS may improve your chances of getting a teaching job in England.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the essential certification required to teach in state primary and secondary schools in England and Wales. As a professional qualification, QTS denotes trainees have met the Teachers’ Standards across areas like subject knowledge, classroom practice, behavior management, assessment etc
Obtaining QTS opens up a world of teaching opportunities and enriching careers shaping young minds Here is a comprehensive overview of the various routes to gain qualified teacher status certification
Routes to Gain QTS Certification
There are several pathways for aspiring teachers to demonstrate their abilities and become QTS certified. Let’s explore the main options:
1. Apply Through the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)
This involves submitting an direct application to the TRA, which is the body that confers QTS in England. To qualify, you must prove:
- Bachelor’s degree
- GCSEs in English, Maths and Science (minimum grade C or 4)
- Experience teaching in at least 2 schools over 2 years
- Passing the professional skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT
Evidence like references, lesson plans and self-evaluations will be required. This route is best suited for experienced unqualified teachers.
2. Assessment-Only QTS
Experienced teachers with overseas qualifications who wish to teach in England can apply for assessment-only QTS. Your qualifications and experience will be evaluated to determine equivalence with UK standards.
Suitable for overseas trained teachers recruited by schools needing to formalize their status. Assessors will verify skills.
3. School Direct Salaried Route
In this school-based route, you work as an employee in a school while receiving QTS training from an accredited provider. It combines hands-on practice with study of theory.
The school pays your salary and shares responsibility for your development. Ideal for career changers open to learning on the job.
4. School Direct Tuition Fee Route
Similar to the salaried scheme but you must pay tuition fees for training, usually ₤9,250 annually. Get student finance to fund this just as university degrees.
Suited for graduates seeking extensive classroom practice integrated with QTS certification.
5. SCITT Programmes
SCITT stands for School Centred Initial Teacher Training and is an intensive school-based route. You are placed in different schools gaining practical experience.
Led centrally by accredited teacher training providers. Combines hands-on development while studying for QTS.
6. University-Led PGCE
PGCE is the Post Graduate Certificate in Education, a popular QTS programme. It combines teacher training with academic study and research into education.
You take up placements in schools but learn through university lectures, workshops and seminars over 1-2 years.
7. Teach First Leadership Development Programme
An intensive two-year course focused on leadership development and teaching in challenging schools. You are employed by schools and receive training from TeachFirst.
Ideal for high potential graduates seeking experience and community impact alongside QTS
8. Passing the Professional Skills Tests
All routes require passing literacy, numeracy and ICT skills tests set by the DfE. Practice material is available online. Reasonable adjustments accommodate special needs.
They evaluate basic teaching skills in English, Maths and technology.
Tips to Prepare for QTS Assessment
Here are some top tips to ready yourself for the QTS process:
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Observe and assist teachers – Gain classroom experience through observation, assisting teachers or voluntary placements. This builds familiarity.
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Research the Teachers’ Standards – Study the standards and collect evidence demonstrating how you meet the criteria.
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Take training courses – Complete relevant professional development like child psychology, teaching methods, curriculum design etc.
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Learn classroom management skills – Develop techniques like setting clear expectations, positive reinforcement, consistent routines etc.
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Practice lesson planning – Design engaging lesson plans aligned to curriculum objectives, student needs and time constraints.
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Develop your subject knowledge – For secondary teaching, ensure strong grasp of your chosen subject like Maths, Sciences etc.
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Start compiling an evidence portfolio – QTS requires presenting detailed evidence across aspects like lesson plans, observations, student progress data etc.
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Get workplace experience – Options like internships, school outreach give exposure to the real classroom environment.
With diligent preparation, you will confidently demonstrate your readiness for QTS certification.
Gaining QTS opens up a world of teaching possibilities, enabling you to inspire students and make a difference as an educator. While the routes vary in duration, cost and structure, they all equip you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience to meet the Teachers’ Standards. Consider your background and goals, then select the QTS pathway that suits you best. Stay motivated during training – your efforts will profoundly impact lives.
Get QTS if you qualified as a teacher in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
If you trained to teach in Wales, your QTS will be automatically recognised in England and awarded by the Education Workforce Council (EWC)(opens in new window).
If you trained to teach in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for QTS in England(opens in new window) without any further fees or training.
Get QTS through teacher training
You can get QTS through undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher training. This mostly involves school placements with some theoretical learning.
You can apply for either a primary or secondary teacher training course awarding QTS. Find out more about deciding who to teach.
You can also get a postgraduate qualification through teacher training such as QTS with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).
How to get free QTS as a teacher
Can a teacher get a QTS?
As a teacher with QTS: You can also get other academic awards through teacher training such as a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) or Bachelor of Education (BEd). But if your course does not lead to QTS, you will not be a qualified teacher. You can get QTS through undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher training.
What is a QTS certification?
The QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) certification allows people to work in varying teaching sectors in select locations, offering better pay and substantial employment opportunities. Certain schools, including voluntary-aided, foundation, and community schools, mandate QTS certification for employment, although it’s not always obligatory.
How do I become a QTS certified teacher?
Qualified teachers from the United States, New Zealand, Canada and Australia are required to apply using the QTS forms to be QTS certified and recognised as qualified teachers in England and Wales. Related: How To Become a Teacher in the UK 2. Apply for an assessment-only QTS
Where can I get a QTS certificate?
Your QTS certificate will be available online from the teacher self-service website. If you completed your initial teacher training in Wales, you’ll be awarded QTS by the Education Workforce Council ( EWC). This is recognised in England and the information is held on teacher records.
