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(opens in new window).
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(opens in new window) 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.
Are teaching assistants eligible?
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.
Are non-UK citizens eligible?
If you’re a non-UK citizen, you should contact training providers who assess international teachers.
None of the other UK regional or national providers can help with non-UK enquiries. Please do not contact them if you are not in the UK.
Assessment only training providers by region
- East of England
- East Midlands
- Greater London
- North East
- North West
- South East
- South West
- West Midlands
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- National
- Non-UK
East of England
East Midlands
Greater London
North East
North West
Kingsbridge EIP SCITT
South East
Canterbury Christ Church University
Chepping View Primary Academy SCITT
West Berkshire Training Partnership
South West
Wessex Schools Training Partnership
West Midlands
The National School of Education and Teaching, Coventry University
The OAKS (Ormiston and Keele SCITT)
Yorkshire and the Humber
Leeds Trinity University
North Lincolnshire SCITT Partnership
National
Non-UK
Teachers outside the UK who do not have a teaching qualification, but meet the eligibility requirements for assessment only QTS(opens in new window), 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(opens in new window).
Learn more about the qualifications and experience you’ll need to get QTS(opens in new window) using this service.
Assessment only training providers for non-UK citizens
If you're a provider and need to update the details on your record, please contact us at: getintoteaching.helpdesk@education.gov.uk.