If you’ve worked as an unqualified teacher, you may be able to get qualified teacher status (QTS) through an assessment only programme.
If you already have QTS, find out how you can return to teaching.
What is the assessment only route to QTS?
You can take the assessment only route to QTS if you already meet the standards for qualified teacher status, so do not need any further training.
Instead, you will undertake a series of assessments. This may include lesson observations, providing a portfolio of evidence to show you meet the teachers’ standards, or written assessments. This will vary by your provider.
The assessment programme takes up to 12 weeks.
How much does assessment only QTS cost?
Fees range from about £1,500 to £4,000, but vary between provider so it’s best to check with them for more information.
Fees may be paid by you or your school at the start of the programme. If you’re currently working in a school, talk to your employer about your funding options.
Eligibility for assessment only QTS
To be eligible, you need (all of the following):
- to be able to show you meet the teachers’ standards without any more training
- to have worked in 2 or more schools
- a degree
- GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths (and science if you want to teach primary)
Specific entry criteria may vary by teacher training provider. You should ask them about eligibility before you apply.
If you’re a teaching assistant
If you’ve worked as a teaching assistant, it’s unlikely you’ll have the experience required for assessment only.
There may be exceptional cases where teaching assistants have worked for a significant amount of time (at least 2 years) independently teaching classes and may be eligible.
Talk to your provider about whether your experience makes you eligible for this route.
Or, find other ways you can train to be a teacher.
If you live outside the UK or are a non-UK citizen
If you’re based outside the UK, you will need to contact a non-UK assessment only provider. You may also be interested in international qualified teacher status (iQTS). With iQTS, you can train where you live and work, with no need to visit the UK.
If you’re a non-UK citizen based in the UK, contact one of the regional or national providers listed on this page.
Assessment only training providers by region
- National
- East Midlands
- East of England
- Greater London
- North East
- North West
- South East
- South West
- West Midlands
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- Outside of the UK
National
East Midlands
East of England
Greater London
North East
North West
South East
South West
Gloucestershire Initial Teacher Education Partnership
West Midlands
Yorkshire and the Humber
Outside of the UK
Teachers outside the UK who do not have a teaching qualification, but meet the eligibility requirements for assessment only QTS, can apply to be assessed by an English teacher training provider.
You will not have to visit or train in England. However, you will need to be assessed at your place of work by an examiner from your teaching training provider. Your teacher training provider can explain what type of school you must be working in to undergo assessment only QTS.
Fees may be substantially more than £4,000 if you’re outside the UK. Check with individual providers for more details.
Assessment only training providers cannot give you advice about:
- finding a teaching job in an English school
- other routes to QTS, including Apply for QTS in England
- applying for a visa to work or study in the UK
Learn more about teaching in England if you’re a teacher from outside the UK.
Apply for QTS in England
Teachers outside the UK with a teaching qualification may be eligible to apply for QTS in England.
Learn more about the qualifications and experience you’ll need to get QTS using this service.
Training providers offering assessment only outside of the UK
If you're a provider and need to update the details on your record, please contact us at: getintoteaching.helpdesk@education.gov.uk.
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