Who is the Assessment Only Route to QTS for?

The Assessment Only Route is available for experienced teachers working in primary schools and SEND settings, who can demonstrate that they consistently meet all Teachers' Standards.

This route may be suitable for:

  • Unqualified teachers working in primary or SEND schools
  • Overseas-trained teachers with experience in English schools
  • Experienced school staff who have built substantial classroom practice
  • Teachers seeking formal recognition of their expertise through QTS

 Assessment Only Entry Requirements

Eligibility Criteria for the QTS Assessment Only Route

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be employed within a school setting
  • Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
  • Hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
  • Hold GCSE Science at Grade 4/C or above (Primary and SEND applicants)
  • Have the right to work and study in the UK
  • Demonstrate substantial teaching experience
  • Be currently teaching classes independently
  • Candidates must be able to evidence that they already meet all Teachers' Standards.

Teaching Experience Requirements

Applicants will normally need:
A minimum of 2 years' teaching experience across two schools
OR
Five or more years' teaching experience within one school
Applicants teaching exclusively in special schools or alternative provision settings may also need evidence of mainstream school experience. 

School Support Requirements

As part of the Assessment Only Route, candidates must have support from their school throughout the assessment process.

Your school will be required to:

  • Verify your teaching experience and responsibilities
  • Support lesson observations and assessment activities
  • Provide relevant evidence where required
  • Confirm your ability to meet the Teachers' Standards
  • Nominate a suitable school-based contact

 How Much Does the Assessment-Only Route Cost? 

The Assessment-Only Route is a self-funded or school-funded programme.

Stage

Fee (Excl. VAT)

Initial Application & Administration

£350

Professional Discussion & Portfolio Review

£900

Final Assessment & School Visits

£1,750

Total Fees

£3,000

VAT (20%)

£600

Total Including VAT

£3,600 

 

 How will I be Assessed? 

The Assessment Only Route is designed to evaluate the teaching practice you already demonstrate every day.

There is no additional training programme. Instead, you'll provide evidence and participate in a structured assessment process that allows you to demonstrate your ability to meet the Teachers' Standards.

Step 1: Start an application

Speak with our team to discuss your eligibility.

Step 2: Eligibility review

We'll review your qualifications, teaching experience and suitability for the route.

Step 3: Evidence preparation

You'll begin gathering and organising evidence against the Teachers' Standards.

Evidence may include:

  • Lesson plans and teaching resources
  • Examples of assessment and feedback
  • Pupil progress evidence
  • Professional responsibilities and wider school contribution
  • Observation records
  • Evidence aligned to the Teachers' Standards

Step 4: Assessment period

Teaching observations, portfolio review and professional discussions take place.

Step 5: QTS recommendation

Successful candidates are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

 Benefits for Schools

Supporting an employee through the Assessment Only Route enables schools to recognise and retain experienced teaching staff while strengthening workforce capacity.

  • Retain experienced and effective practitioners
  • Develop existing talent without requiring full teacher training
  • Support workforce development goals
  • Reward staff already demonstrating the Teachers' Standards
  • Strengthen teacher recruitment and retention
  • Build teaching capacity within your school

 

Meet the team! 

Latest from the BPN Blog

Get inspired by stories and insights from our teacher training community, from practical classroom advice to case studies from our student teachers.