What Is QTS Qualification and Why Is It Important for UK Teachers?
What Is QTS Qualification?
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the certification required to teach in most state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales. Achieving qualified teacher status is a mark of professional recognition, demonstrating that an individual has met the national teaching standards and possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to educate students effectively.
Without QTS, teachers may find it challenging to secure permanent teaching roles in maintained schools in England and Wales, as most employers prioritise candidates who hold this qualification.
Benefits of QTS
While QTS is primarily recognised in the country it was awarded, it can often be recognised in other home countries with relative ease, enhancing a teacher’s professional mobility. Obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your teaching career.
One of the primary advantages is the increased job prospects, as many schools prioritise candidates who hold this respected certification. Additionally, teachers with QTS often enjoy higher earning potential, as they are placed on the qualified pay scale, which can lead to better salary progression and opportunities for promotions.
Beyond the financial and career benefits, achieving QTS provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in one’s profession, as it is a mark of meeting high national teaching standards. For those looking to secure a teaching job in England, having QTS is a crucial step that can open many doors in the education sector.
Why Is Qualified Teacher Status Important?
- Legal Requirement for Teaching in State Schools
In England and Wales, most schools require QTS for full-time teaching roles. While some independent schools and academy schools may accept teachers without QTS, having this qualification significantly increases job opportunities and career stability.
1. Higher Salary Potential
Teachers with QTS are placed on the qualified pay scale, meaning they earn a higher salary than unqualified teachers. This qualification can also pave the way for promotions, leadership roles, and pay progression based on experience and performance.
2. Greater Employability
Schools and education recruiters, like Prospero Teaching, prioritise candidates with QTS when filling vacancies. Holding QTS demonstrates that you meet the UK’s national teaching standards, making you a more attractive candidate for teaching roles.
3. International Recognition
If you are an overseas-trained teacher, gaining QTS can significantly improve your employability in the UK. Additionally, some international schools prefer hiring teachers with UK QTS due to its reputation for high teaching standards.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you must meet specific academic and professional qualifications. These include holding a bachelor’s degree and a recognised teaching qualification. Additionally, you must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure you are suitable to work with children. For teachers trained outside the UK, there may be additional requirements to fulfill, such as applying for QTS through the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) or completing a course to convert your qualifications to meet UK standards. Ensuring you meet these criteria is essential for progressing towards a successful teaching career in the UK.
How to Achieve QTS
There are several pathways to gaining QTS, depending on your qualifications and experience. Completing a teacher training course, such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), is a crucial step in this process. Below are the most common routes:
Teacher training providers play a significant role in the application process, offering support and evaluations to help you meet the necessary requirements.
1. Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Programmes
Most aspiring teachers gain QTS by completing an approved Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme. Prospective teachers with a bachelor’s degree can pursue postgraduate teacher training to meet the Teachers’ Standards and gain QTS, which is essential for teaching in state-maintained schools in England and Wales. These programmes typically last one year and combine academic study with practical teaching experience. Common ITT routes include:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – A popular option for graduates, offering both a teaching qualification and QTS.
- School Direct and SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) – These are school-based training routes that provide hands-on experience while earning QTS.
- Teach First – A competitive leadership development programme that places graduates in schools while they train to become qualified teachers.
2. Assessment-Only Route
If you already have significant teaching experience but lack QTS, you may be eligible for the Assessment-Only (AO) route. This pathway allows experienced unqualified teachers to demonstrate their teaching skills without completing further training. To qualify, you must have:
- A degree
- At least two years of teaching experience
- Evidence of meeting the Teachers’ Standards
3. Overseas Teachers Gaining QTS
Teachers who qualified outside the UK may be able to apply for QTS directly if they meet the criteria set by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). The TRA is responsible for awarding QTS in England, and candidates must submit necessary documentation evidencing their qualifications and training to successfully obtain this certification. Some teachers may need to complete additional assessments or training before being awarded QTS.
Application Process
The application process for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) can be streamlined by following these steps:
- Research the Requirements: Begin by thoroughly researching the requirements for QTS and understanding the application process.
- Meet Necessary Qualifications: Ensure you have the necessary academic and professional qualifications, including a bachelor’s degree and a recognised teaching qualification.
- Enroll in a Teacher Training Programme: Enroll in a recognised teacher training programme, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT).
- Pass Skills Tests: Successfully pass the required literacy and numeracy skills tests.
- Gain Practical Experience: Obtain practical classroom experience through your teacher training programme.
- Submit Your Application: Prepare and submit a strong application for QTS, demonstrating your qualifications and teaching experience.
By following these steps, you can navigate the application process effectively and work towards achieving QTS.
What Happens After Gaining QTS?
Once you achieve QTS, you must complete an Early Career Teacher (ECT) period (formerly known as the Newly Qualified Teacher or NQT period). Certain courses, particularly PGCE programs, offer the opportunity to award QTS, emphasising its importance for career advancement in teaching and as a validation of meeting the required teaching standards. This is a two-year induction where newly qualified teachers receive support, mentoring, and assessments in their first teaching roles.
After completing the ECT period successfully, teachers gain full certification and are eligible to progress in their careers, applying for senior roles such as Head of Department or Senior Leadership positions.
Early Career Teacher (ECT) Induction
After gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), newly qualified teachers in England must complete a two-year Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction period. This induction is designed to provide new teachers with the support, mentoring, and assessments they need to develop their teaching skills and become confident and effective educators. For non-UK teachers who gained QTS through the assessment-only route, completing the ECT induction is also required. This period is crucial for transitioning from initial teacher training to becoming a fully certified teacher, ready to take on more significant responsibilities and advance in their teaching careers.
Continuous Professional Development
The journey of learning and professional growth doesn’t end after obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is vital for teachers to stay current with the latest teaching methods, technologies, and educational research. Engaging in CPD provides opportunities for career advancement and professional growth, helping teachers develop new skills and knowledge. Maintaining QTS often requires ongoing professional development, and there are various CPD courses available, including those focused on special educational needs and disability (SEND), leadership and management, and subject-specific areas like mathematics or science. Embracing CPD ensures that teachers remain effective and innovative educators throughout their careers.
How Prospero Teaching Can Help You
Whether you’re an aspiring teacher, an overseas-trained educator, or an experienced teaching professional looking for new opportunities, Prospero Teaching is here to support you. While QTS is a legal requirement for many state schools, it is not mandatory for private schools, academies, or free schools. We offer:
- Expert careers advice to help you navigate your route to QTS
- Support for overseas teachers looking to gain QTS and start teaching in the UK
- Job opportunities in schools across England and Wales
- Guidance on training routes for aspiring and experienced educators
Start your teaching journey today by getting in touch with our team.
Achieving QTS is a crucial step in securing a successful teaching career in the UK. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or looking to advance your career, Prospero Teaching is here to help you every step of the way.
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