Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Since 1 September 1989, a person wishing to teach in the maintained sector has had to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The three most common routes are via a PGCE, a B.Ed or by taking part in the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP). Once an individual successfully completes one of these training programmes and passes or is deemed to be exempt from, the three skills tests (numeracy, literacy and ICT) he or she is awarded QTS, becomes an NQT and can start induction.

The Skills Tests
The skills tests were introduced on 1 May 2000. Prior to this date, teachers did not have to pass any skills tests either to obtain QTS or to complete induction.

Between 1 May 2000 and 30 April 2001, it was not necessary to pass any skills test in order to obtain QTS, but the numeracy test had to be passed in order for induction to be completed successfully.

Between 1 May 2001 and 30 April 2002, QTS could not be obtained without passing the numeracy and literacy tests and QTS had to have been awarded before induction started.

Since 1 May 2002, it has been necessary for all three skills tests (numeracy, literacy and ICT) to have been passed before QTS can be awarded and induction can begin.

As an NQT, you cannot start induction unless you have obtained QTS. Hence induction cannot, as is sometimes thought, lead to QTS.

Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Scotland has its own probationary period, and any teacher who has successfully completed this and gained full recognition with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) will count as having satisfactorily completed induction in England.

Northern Ireland has an induction stage within their teacher education, so teachers who complete this are exempt from induction in England.

Wales has its own induction arrangements in place, and any teacher who successfully completes induction in Wales will be considered to have successfully completed induction in England.

Please note that teachers who trained in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are exempt from the Skills Tests. 

Other countries with exemptions
Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, Gibralter and SCE (Service Children's Education) schools in Cyprus and Germany also have induction arrangements in pplace. ANy teacher who completes these is exempt from induction in England.

It should be noted that NQT induction should not be undertaken in any other school or country abroad.

Overseas Teachers
EEA
Teachers with Higher Education teaching diplomas and/or training of 3+ years are exempt from induction. For the award of QTS, teachers who are EEA nationals should contact the General Teaching Council England (GTCE) on 0870 001 0308 and ask for the form EC1.
Outside EEA
Teaching qualifications do not automatically lead to QTS. Further training may be required, although such teachers can present themselves for assessment against the QTS Standards, and if they have 2+ years' teaching experience in England, against the Induction Standards as well. If successful, they will be exempt from the requirement to complete induction. Contact the Overseas Trained Teacher advice line on 01245 454321 for more information.

In Wales, teachers who qualified abroad and have had two or more years' teaching experience in the UK or elsewhere, and who then embark on the Graduate Teacher Programme are eligible for assessment against both the standards for the award of QTS and the induction standards at the same time. They will not have to undertake induction after obtaining QTS.

Assessment Only Route
Experienced teachers (with more than 3 years experience) can follow an Assessment Only based route to QTS. You are recommended on the basis of a portfolio of evidence which must demonstrate that you have met the professional standards for QTS, as set out in 'Qualifying to Teach', published by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). Following the submission of the portfolio there is an assessment visit to you at your school to verify the information contained in the portfolio of evidence and to observe you teaching. The assessment visit normally lasts for one school day. More information on the Assessment Only Route can be found from the University of Gloucester.