Assessment Only Route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

If you're an experienced teacher with a degree, the Assessment Only Route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is your chance to demonstrate that you already meet all the standards for QTS - without the need for further training.

Do you have considerable experience working in education but still need to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)? We offer a flexible, convenient pathway to help you realise your ambitions and progress your teaching career.

Our Assessment Only Route to QTS could be ideal if you are:

• Working as an unqualified teacher - paid or unpaid in a primary or secondary setting
• A cover supervisor, Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or supply teacher
• An experienced Further Education lecturer now working in a school and keen to gain QTS           
• An overseas trained teacher who does not automatically qualify for QTS or who did not gain QTS within the four-year limit
• The Assessment Only Route is open to colleagues in Independent Schools, Academies, Special Schools, PRUs

Formalise your teaching skills and open up your career prospects. If you are an experienced teacher with a degree, this route is your chance to demonstrate that you already meet all the standards for QTS - without the need for further training.

A fast-track route to qualification

The Assessment Only Route enables you to become formally qualified within a short space of time while you continue to teach. It takes up to 12 weeks of assessment to secure QTS and you can start on any of the start dates shown below.

You are required to demonstrate that you are a reflective practitioner who has met the Teachers' Standards and can apply your skills, knowledge and understanding effectively in a wide range of school settings. In addition, you need to show that you can relate theory to practice and to evaluate critically the fundamental aims and values of education. You will be required to demonstrate competency towards the Teachers' Standards prior to applying for the course. Candidates and schools need to complete an Assessment Against the Teacher's Standards (AATS) form and candidates also need to complete an evidence towards the Teachers' Standards folder on their electronic portfolio. Candidates will need to contact the central AO team AO@derby.ac.uk to be put in touch with an assessor who will arrange an advisory meeting to talk through all relevant documentation and evidence to ensure a full application is made.

In-school assessments

As part of your route to QTS, you will be assessed while you are teaching by staff from both your school and the University.

During the assessment period, your supporting school will need to ensure that you have sufficient opportunity to develop, and demonstrate the Teachers' Standards. You will need to comply with the Department for Education (DfE) requirements, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and meeting 'Fitness to Teach' regulations, plus any other relevant current legislation relating to the Teaching Profession.

You should normally be teaching in a school normally within 50-mile radius of the University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby Campus. Please contact the College Student Centre team AO@derby.ac.uk should you wish to check whether your working location is within range.

Support and inspiration

We have a rich heritage in training and assessing successful, confident and forward-thinking teachers. Your University assessor will come from our highly competent, experienced team and will work alongside your school-appointed mentor to offer you personalised support at every stage of the Assessment Only Route.

We offer potential candidates and their school advice and guidance prior to application and strongly recommend that we make an advisory visit to meet you in your school prior to the application process.

• Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama
• Students with an overall score of 60% would usually be eligible for the International Foundation Year
• UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required

• If you are studying and completing any internationally recognised qualification such as A-levels; International Baccalaureate (IB) or the American Curricula from the International Schools within Jordan, then you can begin from the first year of a Bachelors degree. Please see individual course pages for specific entry requirements
• If you have completed a recognised international foundation programme with good grades
• Advanced entry to year 2 or 3 may be possible. You will need to supply detailed information including courses taken, grades achieved, syllabus and a grading guide

With Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you will be able to advance in one of the most satisfying and important careers of all. The qualification opens doors to greater responsibilities, more senior roles and progression up the pay scale.

You could also consider taking your skills and knowledge to the next level. Our MA Education is an excellent option, especially if you have your sights set on more senior roles such as middle and senior leadership roles.

'The Assessment Only Route was the perfect route for me to gain my qualification. From the very start, I felt well supported by the University. I found the course to be really flexible in terms of timings of observation and interviews. This was invaluable to me because of my role in school. My assessor offered me excellent advice and resources to support the development of my teaching practice and my school-based mentor was involved at every stage of the process.'
Karen Hayes