QTS vs QTLS: Which Route Is Right for You?
QTS vs QTLS: Which Route Is Right for You?
If you're considering a teaching career or looking to gain a recognised teaching qualification, you've probably come across the terms QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills). While they sound similar, they are designed for different teaching pathways and career goals.
For those working in Further Education (FE), adult learning, independent training providers, and skills settings, understanding the difference between QTS and QTLS can help you choose the right route into teaching.
In this guide, we'll explain what QTS and QTLS are, how they differ, and why a Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship could be the ideal pathway for professionals already teaching or training in the FE and skills sector.
What is QTS?
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional status most commonly associated with teaching in primary and secondary schools in England.
Typically, teachers gain QTS by completing an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme, such as a university-led PGCE, School Direct, or teacher apprenticeship route focused on schools.
QTS is primarily designed for those wishing to teach in:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Special schools
- Maintained schools across England
For many school-based teaching roles, QTS remains the standard qualification employers look for.
What is QTLS?
Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status is the recognised professional status for teachers and trainers working in the Further Education and Skills sector.
QTLS is awarded through the Society for Education and Training (SET) and is aimed at professionals teaching learners aged 14+ in settings such as:
- Further Education colleges
- Sixth forms
- Adult education providers
- Independent training providers
- Apprenticeship providers
- Workplace learning environments
QTLS recognises that an individual meets the professional standards expected of teachers working in the post-14 education sector.
Is QTLS Equivalent to QTS?
This is one of the most common questions prospective teachers ask.
Since changes to government regulations in 2012, teachers who hold QTLS and maintain the required professional membership can be recognised in schools in the same way as teachers with QTS for employment purposes. Government reforms were introduced to allow schools to benefit from the expertise of teachers trained in the Further Education and Skills sector.
However, this does not mean that QTS and QTLS are identical qualifications.
- QTS is designed primarily for school teaching.
- QTLS is designed for teachers and trainers in Further Education and Skills settings.
The right route depends on where you want to teach and the learners you want to work with.
QTS vs QTLS: What's the Difference for Further Education Teachers?
| QTS | QTLS |
|---|---|
| Primarily for those wanting to teach in primary, Secondary or SEND schools | Primarily for those teaching in Further Education and Skills settings. |
| Typically gained through Initial Teacher Training or Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship | Typically achieved through achieving a level 5 FE teaching qualification and then applying for QTLS via the Education Training Foundation |
| Focuses on teaching children and young people in schools | Focuses on post-14, adult, vocational and technical education |
| School-based training model | FE and workplace-focused training model |
| Must hold a Bachelor's degree to be eligible | Must hold a qualification at Level 3 or above in the subject, vocational area or curriculum specialism you teach or train. |
Which Route is Best for FE Teachers?
If you already work in a Further Education or Skills setting, pursuing a school-based teacher training route may not be the most relevant option.
Instead, many FE professionals choose a teaching qualification designed specifically around their context, learners and teaching environment. This is where the Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship comes in.
What is the Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship?
The Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship is a work-based teacher training programme specifically designed for those teaching in:
- Further Education colleges
- Independent training providers
- Adult learning organisations
- Apprenticeship providers
- Specialist post-16 settings
The programme combines practical workplace teaching with evidence-based pedagogy, helping teachers develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed in the FE and Skills sector.
Unlike school-focused teacher training routes, this apprenticeship reflects the realities of teaching learners aged 16+, adult learners and vocational students.
Can the Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship Support Progression Towards QTLS?
Successful completion of the Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship may support progression towards applying for QTLS status, subject to the requirements of the Education Training Foundation. Best Practice Network does not deliver a QTLS course or award QTLS status directly.
QTS or QTLS: Which Should You Choose?
You may wish to pursue QTS if:
- You want to teach in primary schools
- You want to teach a school curriculum subject in secondary education
- Your long-term goal is a school-based teaching career
You may wish to pursue a QTLS-focused pathway if:
- You teach in Further Education
- You work for an apprenticeship provider
- You deliver vocational or technical qualifications
- You train adult learners
- You want a teaching qualification designed specifically for FE and Skills settings
Progress Your Teaching Career with Best Practice Network
If you're already teaching, training or supporting learners in a Further Education or Skills environment, our Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship offers a flexible, employer-supported route to becoming a qualified FE teacher.
Designed specifically for the post-14 sector, the programme helps teachers develop the professional expertise needed to support learner success, progress their careers and make a lasting impact across Further Education and Skills settings.
Find out more about the Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship and take the next step towards becoming a qualified FE teacher.
If you're already employed in a school and hold a degree, our Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) offers a work-based route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to train while working and develop the knowledge and skills needed to become a qualified school teacher.