To be eligible for the Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you must meet certain criteria.
Qualifications
You must:
- have achieved a standard equivalent to grade C/4 or above at GCSE level in English and mathematics. Those intending to teach pupils aged 3-11 will also need to have achieved a standard equivalent to grade C/4 or above at GCSE level science
- hold an undergraduate degree from a UK higher education institution or equivalent qualification: 300 HE credits with at least 60 at Level 6.
Teaching experience
You must:
- demonstrate that you meet the Teachers' Standards and have taught across two consecutive age ranges or Key Stages within your chosen pathway. (Initial evidence may include lesson observations of your teaching from senior staff, headteacher references and performance management documents.)
- have undertaken significant teaching experience in at least two schools for at least two years. You should have had full responsibility for whole classes. (We consider teaching assistant experience and planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) cover. However, you must have significant experience leading, planning and assessing learning for the same class or classes.)
- possess the intellectual and academic capabilities needed to meet the required QTS standards
- be able to communicate clearly and effectively in standard English.
Professional requirements
You must:
- have been subject to and passed the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and criminal records and background checks
- have met the Secretary of State’s requirements for health and physical capacity to teach.
School support
You must:
- be employed in an education setting in a teaching role that is willing to support you through the process by the time you start the programme.
Your school will need to allocate you a mentor for the 12-week process to allow you time to be observed and assessed whilst also preparing your portfolio of evidence.
