Join The QTS AO
Overview of the QTS AO
The Qualified Teacher Status Assessment Only (QTS AO) route is designed for experienced educators who want to gain QTS without additional training.
The Assessment Only Route is for teachers who have taught whole classes for at least two years. You need experience in two different schools and significant experience in two key stages within one of these age ranges: 3-11 (primary), 7-14 (middle), or 11-19 (secondary).
To be eligible for the QTS AO route, you need at least two years of teaching experience, often in a UK or international setting. The assessment uses practical teaching experience, portfolio evidence, and observed lessons.
Depending on individual circumstances and readiness, this route typically takes three months to a year to complete, offering flexibility for teachers to achieve QTS while continuing their current teaching roles.
This pathway suits those with significant teaching experience who can demonstrate they meet the Teachers’ Standards.
Content Structure
The QTS AO route is typically completed within 12 weeks.
Learning and Teaching
This route leads to AO by preparing you for it, supporting you through to the 2 year threshold and can range from a 1 to a 5 term course.
The QTS programme allows you to build up to 2 years of teaching experience, including gaining experience in another school. You can start the course and complete equivalency tests or the Fundamental Maths Test along the way. Throughout the programme, you’ll prepare your justifications for the AO route. Support from an in-school mentor and the Pathway Tutor will be provided to help you succeed.
Assessment
Assessment involves creating an online portfolio, evaluations by a school mentor and Sunderland tutor through lesson observations, meetings, and paperwork review. There is also a six-week final assessed practice and a viva voce (oral examination).
The assessment process includes:
Initial Assessment: Review of teaching experience and readiness.
Portfolio Development: Compile evidence of teaching practice and competency.
Classroom Observations: Scheduled observations by an assessor in your teaching environment.
Feedback Sessions: Regular feedback and guidance from your assessor.
Final Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of your teaching practice.
After You Have Finished
After being awarded QTS, you can begin as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). Your host school and their ECT providing body will oversee this period, which includes professional support and further assessment against the core professional standards for teachers, usually organised by your employing school or local authority. This is not compulsory.
How do we Compare?
QTS vs. IQTS
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS AO)
QTS is primarily recognized within the UK and is essential for those teaching or intending to teach in UK schools. It includes various training routes, such as university-led, school-led, and assessment-only pathways. QTS is suitable for teaching roles in primary and secondary schools across the UK and is often a requirement for state-maintained schools.
International Qualified Teacher Status (IQTS)
This course is designed for international recognition, making it ideal for educators teaching outside the UK. This status is typically offered through flexible, online programs, catering to international educators or those seeking to work abroad.
While QTS is UK-specific and may require in-person training, IQTS is globally recognised and usually delivered online for maximum flexibility. QTS targets educators within the UK education system, whereas
While QTS is UK-specific and may require in-person training, IQTS is globally recognised and usually delivered online for maximum flexibility. QTS targets educators within the UK education system, whereas IQTS is for international teaching careers, broadening global opportunities.
is for international teaching careers, broadening global opportunities.
opens up opportunities in international schools and educational institutions worldwide.
Differences: QTS v IQTS
While QTS is UK-specific and may require in-person training, IQTS is globally recognised and usually delivered online for maximum flexibility.
The QTS AO targets experinced educators, whereas IQTS for those requiring more support in thier teaching careers, broadening global opportunities.
Criteria
- Photographic ID (i.e. passport or driving licence)
- A copy of your original degree certificate and ENIC statement of comparability, if applicable
- A copy of your original GCSE maths and English certificates, along with science if you’re applying for Primary QTS. If your education was completed outside the UK, you will need an ENIC statement of comparability or equivalency tests
- Testimonies from two schools to evidence two years of teaching, i.e. from both your current main school and a second school experience. Please use the template provided on the portal.
If you have said yes to everything and can meet all the course requirements, we would welcome your application and look forward to supporting you on the AO route to QTS.
If you do not, there is another way to QTS; contact us for more information.
Ready to take the next step in your teaching career?
