Assessment only route to QTS for unqualified teachers

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

Greater London


Name: Marcus Bhargava
Telephone: 020 8417 4766

Name: Ann-Marie Bahaire
Telephone: 01252 717408

Name: Rachel Fagan
Telephone: 020 8410 0006

Name: Steve Excell
Telephone: 020 3740 1808(option 1)

Name: Bryce Wilby
Telephone: 020 8223 6372

North East


Name: Rebecca Turner-Loisel
Telephone: 03451 450075

North West


Name: Karen Craven
Telephone: 0161 973 1179ext 2289

Name: Hilary Langmead-Jones
Telephone: 07549 025620

Kingsbridge EIP SCITT


Name: Gail Thomson
Telephone: 01942 510712ext 500

Name: Lynsey Smith
Telephone: 0161 843 6362

South East


Name: Thahera Konkader
Telephone: 01494 787573

Canterbury Christ Church University


Name: Keith Saunders
Telephone: 01227 925555

Name: Nicky Stephenson
Telephone: 01494 535564(option 3)

Name: Marion Rawlings
Telephone: 01865 518209

Name: Ann-Marie Bahaire
Telephone: 01252 717408

Name: Rachel Fagan
Telephone: 020 8410 0006

Name: Steve Excell
Telephone: 020 3740 1808(option 1)

Name: Tom Molloy
Telephone: 01908 669735

Name: Harvey Grout
Telephone: 0118 378 7237

South West

Gloucestershire Initial Teacher Education Partnership


Name: Becky Rose
Telephone: 01242 505945

Name: Marion Rawlings
Telephone: 01865 518209

Name: Nikki Blake
Telephone: 0300 123 1967

Name: Harvey Grout
Telephone: 0118 378 7237

West Midlands


Name: Cathryn Mortimer
Telephone: 0121 323 1128

Name: Michael Eszrenyi
Telephone: 0121 366 6600

Name: Programme Leader
Telephone: 0121 331 4627

Name: Nick Raggett
Telephone: 01562 886213

Name: Jayne Bartrop
Telephone: 01782 295977

Name: Susan Giacoletto
Telephone: 07813 976274(Diana Bannister)

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 working 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.

Get free one-to-one support

An adviser with years of teaching experience can talk you through the assessment only programme. Chat by phone, text or email, as little or as often as you need.

Find out more about advisers