The Assessment Only Route enables you to become formally qualified within a short period while continuing to teach. It takes up to 12 weeks of assessment to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and you can begin on any of the available start dates. You are required to demonstrate that you are a reflective practitioner who has met the Teachers’ Standards and can effectively apply your skills, knowledge, and understanding across a wide range of school settings. In addition, you must show the ability to relate theory to practice and critically evaluate the fundamental aims and values of education. You will need to demonstrate competency against the Teachers’ Standards before applying for the course. Both candidates and schools are required to provide evidence towards the Teachers’ Standards at the application stage and throughout the assessment process.
Applicants are required to hold a degree from a United Kingdom institution or an equivalent qualification, with original certificates provided to validate their degree status. They must also have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above in Mathematics and English, or an equivalent qualification, supported by official certification. For those intending to train to teach pupils aged 3 to 11, a standard equivalent to a grade 4 in a science subject at GCSE is additionally required, with evidence provided through official certification. The European Network of Information Centres in the European Region (ENIC) offers guidance on the equivalence of overseas qualifications. Key Skills qualifications and OCR Level 2 Adult Literacy and Numeracy are not accepted as alternatives.