Assessment Only at the Institute of Education, University of Reading

As an experienced teacher, it is possible to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) without additional training through the Assessment Only route.

The route to QTS or EYTS is only available to teachers with substantial experience teaching in the public or private sector who do not already have QTS or EYTS.

Achieving Qualified Teacher Status through the Assessment Only route was a very rewarding experience. I feel I have developed into a better practitioner and broadened my skill set thanks to the invaluable guidance I was given during the process. The process gave me the opportunity to improve all aspects of my teaching, be it lesson planning or organising after-school clubs. The Assessment Only route has made my transition into my newly qualified teacher year much more seamless and I look forward to this as the next step in my professional development.

Matthew Cassidy

Support

Assessment Only at the Institute of Education is supported by the full Initial Teacher Education (ITE) team, so you can be sure of high professional standards in the assessment of your teaching.

You can apply at any point in the year and a University tutor will guide you through the process.

As many schools are unfamiliar with Assessment Only we are very happy to talk to school leaders about the route and its process.

National standards

All applicants recommended for the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) award become Early Career Teachers (ECTs). All schools should note the ECT requirements before agreeing to support candidates for the award of QTS.

Educators Abroad

We work with Educators Abroad on behalf of teachers in overseas schools. For more information, please visit Educators Abroad Assessment QTS.

My experience with the Assessment Only programme has been a very positive one. Right from the beginning of my journey into obtaining my Qualified Teacher Status, staff were always helpful and very prompt in replying to my queries, explaining in great detail the steps in obtaining the QTS. I would strongly recommend the Assessment Only programme the University of Reading is offering to anyone who would like to pursue a career in education.

Claire Collins

Find out more

Discover more about teaching in a state school without additional training, including how to apply, by reading our Assessment Only brochure.

Frequently asked questions

Please view our Assessment Only FAQ document for most commonly asked questions.

Apply now

Download the Assessment Only application form for 2024-25.

I believe the key to the whole process is reflection, organisation and a good mentor. With these three elements and the support of the University I believe that any experienced practitioner with a passion for teaching can achieve Qualified Teacher Status through the Assessment Only route.

Nisha Gill