How to Get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): A Comprehensive Guide

Are you passionate about shaping young minds and making a difference in the lives of students? If so, pursuing a career as a teacher in the UK might be the perfect path for you. However, to teach in most state-maintained schools in England, you’ll need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding what QTS is, the various routes to obtaining it, and the steps involved in each pathway.

What is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a professional qualification that allows you to teach in state-maintained and special schools in England. It signifies that you have met the required standards for teaching practice and subject knowledge. While it’s not mandatory to have QTS to teach in academies or independent schools, it is highly valued and often a prerequisite for career progression and leadership roles. Holding QTS also opens doors to international teaching opportunities.

Why is QTS Important?

• Employability: Most state-maintained schools require teachers to have QTS.
• Career Progression: QTS is often essential for promotion to leadership positions within schools.
• Professional Recognition: It demonstrates that you have met the required standards for teaching.
• International Opportunities: QTS can make you eligible to teach in schools overseas.

Routes to Achieving QTS

There are several pathways to obtaining QTS, each catering to different experience levels and qualifications. Here’s an overview of the most common routes:

1. Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Programmes: These are structured training courses specifically designed to prepare individuals for a career in teaching.
2. Assessment Only Route: This route is for experienced, unqualified teachers who can demonstrate that they already meet the QTS standards.
3. Teaching Apprenticeships: A work-based route that combines on-the-job training with formal study.
4. Overseas Trained Teachers (OTT): Teachers who qualified outside of the UK can apply for QTS if their qualifications are recognized.
5. Returning to Teaching: Qualified teachers whose QTS has lapsed may need to complete refresher training to regain their status.

1. Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Programmes

ITT programmes are the most common route to QTS for graduates and career changers. These programmes typically last one academic year (full-time) or two years (part-time) and combine university-based study with practical teaching experience in schools.

Types of ITT Programmes:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): This is a postgraduate-level qualification that combines academic study with teaching practice. A PGCE usually leads to QTS, but it’s crucial to confirm this with the provider. PGCE programmes are generally one year long for full-time study.
  • PGCE with QTS: Explicitly includes QTS.
  • PGCE without QTS: This does *not* confer QTS on its own. Often, further assessment is needed to gain QTS.
• School Direct: This school-led training route allows you to train in a specific school or group of schools. You’ll typically spend more time in the classroom than on a university campus. School Direct programmes are offered in two main types:
  • School Direct Training Programme (tuition fee): You pay tuition fees, similar to a PGCE.
  • School Direct Training Programme (salaried): You are employed as an unqualified teacher by the school and receive a salary while you train. This route is generally more competitive and requires some prior experience in schools.
• Undergraduate Teaching Degrees (e.g., BA/BSc with QTS): These are three- or four-year undergraduate degrees that include QTS. They are a popular choice for those who know from an early age that they want to be a teacher.

Entry Requirements for ITT Programmes:

The entry requirements for ITT programmes vary depending on the provider and the type of programme, but generally include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree: You’ll typically need a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. For secondary teaching, your degree should be closely related to the subject you want to teach. For primary teaching, a degree in any subject is usually acceptable, although providers may prefer subjects relevant to the primary curriculum.
• GCSEs: You’ll need to have achieved a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language, Mathematics, and Science (for primary teaching). Some providers may accept equivalent qualifications.
• Skills Tests: You no longer need to pass skills tests in numeracy and literacy to start teacher training. However, your training provider will assess your numeracy and literacy skills during your training.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: You’ll need to undergo a DBS check to ensure you are suitable to work with children.
• Medical Fitness: You’ll need to declare any medical conditions that may affect your ability to teach.

Applying for ITT Programmes:

You can apply for most ITT programmes through the Department for Education’s (DfE) Apply for Teacher Training service. The application process typically involves:

1. Researching Providers and Programmes: Use the DfE’s Find Postgraduate Teacher Training service to find suitable programmes based on your subject, location, and preferences. Carefully review the entry requirements and course content of each programme.
2. Writing a Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your passion for teaching, your relevant skills and experience, and your suitability for the programme. Highlight your motivations, your understanding of the role of a teacher, and any experience you have working with children or young people.
3. Providing References: You’ll need to provide the names and contact details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability, work ethic, and suitability for teaching.
4. Attending an Interview: If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to attend an interview. The interview may involve a presentation, a written task, and a formal question-and-answer session. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of teaching, your subject knowledge, and your motivations for wanting to become a teacher.

What to Expect During ITT:

During your ITT programme, you’ll typically experience a combination of:

• University-Based Study: This will involve lectures, seminars, and workshops covering topics such as pedagogy, curriculum development, assessment, and classroom management.
• School Placements: You’ll spend a significant amount of time in schools, gaining practical teaching experience under the guidance of experienced teachers.
• Observations: You’ll observe experienced teachers in the classroom to learn different teaching styles and strategies.
• Teaching Practice: You’ll gradually take on more responsibility for planning and delivering lessons, receiving feedback from your mentors and tutors.
• Assessment: You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including written assignments, presentations, lesson observations, and portfolio development.

2. Assessment Only Route to QTS

The Assessment Only route is designed for experienced, unqualified teachers who already meet the QTS standards but lack the formal qualification. This route allows you to demonstrate your competence through a rigorous assessment process, without having to complete a full ITT programme. It is significantly shorter than ITT.

Eligibility for the Assessment Only Route:

To be eligible for the Assessment Only route, you’ll typically need to:

• Have a Bachelor’s Degree: A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject is usually required.
• Have Substantial Teaching Experience: You’ll need to have significant experience of teaching across the age range and subject you intend to qualify in. This typically means at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) teaching experience.
• Meet the QTS Standards: You’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you meet all of the Teachers’ Standards, which outline the expectations for teachers in England.
• Be Employed in a School: You typically need to be employed in a school that is willing to support your application and provide you with opportunities to demonstrate your competence. While it is *helpful* to be employed, some providers may accept independent candidates where they can facilitate access to appropriate teaching experience for assessment purposes. Check with providers directly.

The Assessment Process:

The assessment process typically involves:

• Initial Assessment: An initial assessment to determine your suitability for the route. This may involve an interview, a review of your qualifications and experience, and an observation of your teaching.
• Portfolio Development: You’ll need to compile a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that you meet the QTS standards. This may include lesson plans, assessment materials, student work, and testimonials from colleagues and students.
• Observations: You’ll be observed teaching by assessors who will evaluate your performance against the QTS standards.
• Final Assessment: A final assessment to confirm that you have met all of the QTS standards.

Applying for the Assessment Only Route:

You’ll need to apply to an accredited Assessment Only provider. The application process typically involves:

1. Researching Providers: Find providers that offer the Assessment Only route in your subject and age range.
2. Completing an Application Form: Provide details of your qualifications, experience, and teaching context.
3. Providing Evidence: Submit evidence to support your application, such as your degree certificate, teaching references, and a statement of your teaching experience.
4. Attending an Interview: You may be invited to attend an interview to discuss your application and your suitability for the route.

3. Teaching Apprenticeships

Teaching Apprenticeships offer a work-based route to QTS, combining on-the-job training with formal study. As an apprentice, you’ll be employed by a school and receive a salary while you train. Teaching apprenticeships are a good option for those who prefer a more practical, hands-on approach to training. They typically last one to two years.

Eligibility for Teaching Apprenticeships:

To be eligible for a Teaching Apprenticeship, you’ll typically need to:

• Have a Bachelor’s Degree: A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject is usually required.
• GCSEs: You’ll need to have achieved a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language, Mathematics, and Science (for primary teaching).
• Be Employed by a School: You’ll need to be employed by a school that is willing to support your apprenticeship.

The Apprenticeship Programme:

The apprenticeship programme typically involves:

• On-the-Job Training: You’ll spend most of your time working in the classroom, gaining practical teaching experience under the guidance of experienced teachers.
• Formal Study: You’ll also attend formal study sessions, either at a university or with a training provider, to develop your knowledge and understanding of teaching theory and practice.
• Assessment: You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including observations, written assignments, and a final assessment.

Finding a Teaching Apprenticeship:

You can find Teaching Apprenticeship vacancies on the government’s Find an Apprenticeship website. You can also contact schools directly to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities.

4. Overseas Trained Teachers (OTT)

If you qualified as a teacher outside of the UK, you may be eligible to apply for QTS. The process for obtaining QTS as an OTT depends on where you qualified and the qualifications you hold.

Recognized Countries:

Teachers who qualified in certain countries, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, may be eligible for automatic QTS recognition. This means that their qualifications are automatically recognized as equivalent to QTS in England.

Applying for QTS as an OTT:

If your qualifications are not automatically recognized, you’ll need to apply to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) for an assessment of your qualifications. The TRA will review your qualifications and experience and determine whether they meet the QTS standards. You may be required to provide evidence of your qualifications, such as transcripts and certificates, as well as evidence of your teaching experience.

The Assessment Process:

The assessment process may involve:

• Review of Qualifications: The TRA will review your qualifications to determine whether they are equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree and a UK teaching qualification.
• Assessment of Teaching Experience: The TRA will assess your teaching experience to determine whether it meets the QTS standards.
• English Language Proficiency Test: You may be required to pass an English language proficiency test if English is not your first language.
• Suitability Checks: You’ll need to undergo suitability checks, such as a DBS check, to ensure you are suitable to work with children.

5. Returning to Teaching

If you have previously held QTS but have not been teaching for a while, your QTS may have lapsed. In this case, you may need to complete refresher training to regain your status.

Refresher Training:

The type and length of refresher training you’ll need to complete will depend on how long you have been out of teaching and the reasons for your absence. You may be required to complete a short course, undertake some mentoring, or complete a period of supervised teaching practice.

Finding Refresher Training:

You can find refresher training courses through universities, training providers, and local authorities. Contact your local authority or the TRA for advice on finding suitable training.

The Teachers’ Standards

The Teachers’ Standards are a set of professional standards that outline the expectations for teachers in England. They are used to assess teachers during ITT programmes, the Assessment Only route, and performance management. The Teachers’ Standards cover four main areas:

1. Teaching: This includes planning and delivering effective lessons, managing student behavior, and assessing student progress.
2. Pupil Progress: This includes being responsible for student progress and being accountable for student outcomes.
3. Professional Development: This includes taking responsibility for your own professional development and contributing to the professional development of others.
4. Personal and Professional Conduct: This includes maintaining high standards of personal and professional conduct and upholding public trust in the teaching profession.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Route to QTS

• Your Qualifications: Your existing qualifications will determine which routes to QTS are available to you.
• Your Experience: Your teaching experience will influence your eligibility for the Assessment Only route and Teaching Apprenticeships.
• Your Learning Style: Consider whether you prefer a university-based programme, a school-led programme, or a work-based apprenticeship.
• Your Finances: Think about the tuition fees, salary, and living expenses associated with each route. Salaried routes are obviously advantageous in this regard.
• Your Career Goals: Choose a route that aligns with your long-term career aspirations.

Funding Your Teacher Training

Funding options for teacher training vary depending on the route you choose. Some common funding sources include:

• Tuition Fee Loans: You may be eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of your ITT programme.
• Maintenance Loans: You may be eligible for a maintenance loan to help with your living expenses while you are studying.
• Bursaries and Scholarships: The DfE offers bursaries and scholarships to trainee teachers in certain subjects. These are usually for high-demand subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and languages. Eligibility requirements vary, often based on degree class and subject.
• Salaries: If you are on a salaried route, such as a School Direct (salaried) programme or a Teaching Apprenticeship, you will receive a salary while you train.

Tips for Success on Your QTS Journey

• Research Thoroughly: Take the time to research different routes to QTS and choose the one that is right for you.
• Gain Experience: Try to gain some experience of working with children or young people before you start your training. This could involve volunteering in a school, tutoring, or working in a youth club.
• Network: Attend open days and networking events to meet teachers and training providers.
• Prepare Your Application: Take the time to write a strong personal statement and gather supporting evidence for your application.
• Be Professional: Conduct yourself professionally throughout the application process and during your training.
• Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your mentors, tutors, and colleagues.
• Stay Positive: Teacher training can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Stay positive, work hard, and remember why you wanted to become a teacher in the first place.

Conclusion

Obtaining QTS is a significant step towards a fulfilling career in teaching. By understanding the different routes available, meeting the entry requirements, and preparing thoroughly, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to research your options carefully, gain relevant experience, and seek support throughout the process. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goal of becoming a qualified teacher and making a positive impact on the lives of students.