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Qualified teacher status (QTS) is what you need to teach in most primary and secondary schools in England.
It is a confirmation that you have the right training and meet the standards required to be a teacher.
QTS is a teaching standard that is respected across the world. Having QTS means you can move around the country and teach in any state school.
QTS is a legal requirement to teach in many English schools and is considered desirable for teachers in most schools in England. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) is responsible for awarding QTS. It also awards QTS to qualified teachers outside England.
QTS is a legal requirement to teach in most schools in England, but not all.
It is a legal requirement for maintained schools to employ teachers who have QTS. Maintained schools are part of the state-funded school system in England. They include:
Non-maintained special schools are also legally required to employ teachers who have QTS.
Other types of schools, on the other hand, are not legally required to employ teachers who have QTS. Examples of these schools are:
Even where QTS is not a legal requirement, many schools use it to assess the quality of candidates for teaching jobs, as it is best practice.
All postgraduate teacher training courses in England lead to QTS. You can see the different types of courses available by searching for postgraduate teacher training.
Entry requirements for QTS courses are:
As well as leading to QTS, many courses also lead to a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) or postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE).
If you’re successful at the end of your training, you will be awarded QTS and your teacher record will be updated. Your QTS certificate will be available online from the teacher self-service website.
Can I get QTS through an assessment-only programme if I have the right teaching experience and background?
The answer is yes, you can if:
If you completed your Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in Wales, you’ll be awarded QTS by the Education Workforce Council (EWC). This is recognised in England and the information is held in teacher records.
If you trained in either Northern Ireland or Scotland, you will be required to apply for QTS if you want to get a teaching job in a maintained school or a non-maintained special school in England.
Overseas-trained teachers who have gained recognition as a teacher in either Northern Ireland or Scotland can also apply for QTS in England.
It generally takes between 2 and 4 weeks to process your QTS application.
If you are a qualified teacher from a country outside the UK or have gained teaching experience outside the UK, you can read the dedicated guidance on routes to QTS for teachers who qualified outside the UK.
To find out if the country where you plan to work recognises QTS, and whether they require any further teaching qualifications, check with the organisation that regulates teachers in that country.
UK ENIC is the UK’s national information centre for professional qualifications and can give you contact details for the appropriate organisation in your chosen country.
If you are an experienced post-14 teacher and have QTLS status and membership of the Society for Education and Training, you may be eligible to work as a qualified teacher in schools in England.
You can find out how to obtain QTLS and how to teach in a maintained school with QTLS.
It is often possible to get a teaching job in an independent school before completing your QTS. Many schools will take trainees whilst they work towards their QTS. You can find a list of schools that have expressed an interest in this on the Independent School Council’s website.
Whilst a QTS provides teachers and Early Years educators with valuable knowledge and insight into teaching, it is not strictly required to start a career in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
There are plenty of ways you could start gaining valuable work experience with children today, which are often overlooked by most people. Hence, we have compiled a useful list of 7 underrated ways to start a career in the EYFS.
Nutritional Therapist and Early Years NutritionConsultant
At the intersection of health, nutrition, and early years education stands Louise Mercieca, a dynamic force in the realm of nutritional well-being for young children. A prolific writer with numerous articles and the notable book ‘How Food Shapes Your Child’ under her belt, she has delved deep into the intricacies of how food impacts a child’s development.
Her passion was kindled by two key elements: the journey she undertook with her young son and the extensive research she carried out for her debut book. Not just an author, Louise further extends her reach through the airwaves with her radio show ‘Food For Thought’ on Teacher Hug Radio.
Louise’s commitment doesn’t stop at raising awareness. As an Early Years Nutrition Consultant, she actively collaborates on menu development and nutritional education, ensuring that children receive a balanced and informed start to their dietary journey. Her driving belief is unequivocal: by understanding the bond between food and biology early on, we can preemptively address and potentially prevent many health and dietary issues adults grapple with later in life.
Her dedication to this cause positions her as a beacon for professionals in the Early Years sector, guiding them to understand the pivotal role food plays in holistic child health.
Chef Trainer at LEYF
In the vibrant world of child nutrition and culinary training, Sean Cowden shines as a beacon of expertise and dedication. As of 2022, he took the reins as Chef Trainer for LEYF’s esteemed Early Years Chef Academy courses. Initiated by LEYF in 2019, the Early Years Chef Academy emerged from a pressing need: to guarantee that young learners receive the essential, nutritious food vital for their growth and cognitive development. Through this initiative, chefs are meticulously trained not only in the culinary arts but also in the nuances of child nutrition, sculpting them into experts that inspire children, staff, and parents alike to cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits.
Before his esteemed tenure at LEYF Nurseries, Sean donned the hat of a Head Chef at an independent school, bringing his culinary flair to the academic arena. Additionally, his role as a Training Specialist for Gail’s Bakery further showcases his diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to the world of culinary arts and education.