Assessment Only Route to QTS
Turn your classroom experience into Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our Assessment Only Route recognises the skills, knowledge and practice you've already developed as an experienced teacher.
Self-funded or school-funded
Course duration
Approximately 3 months
Awards QTS upon successful completion
Primary and SEND pathways
Assessment only
No training programme
What is the Assessment Only Route to QTS?
The Assessment Only Route is designed for experienced teachers who are already meeting the Teachers' Standards through their current practice.
What will gaining QTS help you achieve?
- Gain formal recognition as a qualified teacher
- Access opportunities available only to teachers with QTS
- Increase your long-term career prospects
- Enhance your professional credibility within your school
- Open pathways to further leadership and specialist development
- Become eligible for the qualified teachers' pay scale where applicable
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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
What counts as teaching experience?
Teaching experience means the applicant has had substantial responsibility for planning, teaching, assessing and evaluating learning for a class or groups of pupils, rather than supporting another teacher.
Applicants should normally be able to evidence that they have:
- Planned sequences of lessons independently
- Taught pupils regularly over a sustained period
- Assessed pupil progress and attainment
- Adapted teaching to meet pupil needs
- Managed behaviour and classroom expectations
- Reported on pupil progress to colleagues and/or parents
- Taken responsibility for pupils' learning outcomes
What does not normally count?
The following would not usually be sufficient by themselves:
- General teaching assistant duties
- Learning support assistant roles
- Cover supervision without responsibility for planning and assessment
- One-to-one support roles
- Occasional intervention delivery only
- Tutoring that does not demonstrate the full range of Teachers' Standards
- Leadership or pastoral responsibilities without substantial teaching
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!
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