How to Get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 6, 2021 References

To teach in most schools in England, you must obtain qualified teacher status, or QTS. Although it is possible to teach in private schools, free schools, or independent schools without having QTS, having it can make you a more competitive job candidate.^{[1]
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Research source}There are several ways to obtain QTS. You can earn an undergraduate teaching degree, you can earn a Master’s certificate, or you can learn on the job in a school-setting. Navigating this process can be confusing, but if you follow the correct steps, you can qualify to teach in a variety of schools in England.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Meeting the Minimum Requirements

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Have at least a GCSE grade of a 4 in English and maths. GCSEs are earned in secondary school through the completion of a course of study in the subject area, followed by a successful performance on a standardized exam. If you want to teach primary or early years you will also need a GCSE grade 4 or equivalent in a science subject, as well.^{[2]
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- Some teacher-training providers may allow equivalency tests but you need to check with each program to find out more.
- Until 2017, GSCEs were graded on a letter scale. In this older system, you would have needed to earn a grade of “C” or above.^{[3]
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- Although the requirements are similar, to enter teaching in Wales, GCSEs must be a grade B or 5.^{[4]
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Earn a 2:2 undergraduate degree at a university in the United Kingdom. The 2:2 generally requires 3 years of university study or the completion of 300-360 credits.^{[5]
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Research source} To earn a 2:2 means you have performed in the 50-60% range in your university courses.^{[6]
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- The 2:2 designation refers to the British honors system, which divides the conferred degrees into first-class honors, second-class honors, and third-class honors. 2:2 refers to the lower division of second-class honors.
- If you wish to teach a specific subject, you should earn your degree in that subject area. For example, earn a physics degree if you want to go on and teach physics.
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Pass a criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service. When you apply for a teacher training program or school-based position, they will run a background check on you.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Official UK government website
Official website for the public sector of the UK government
Go to source} Your acceptance into the program or position will be contingent upon the results of this check. ^{[8]
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- The Disclosure and Barring Service will look for criminal records or restrictions based on your prior conduct and personal history.
- It’s best to declare any and all of your convictions up front, so that your school and future employers won’t be surprised by what they find.
- Less serious convictions, including things like drug possession or minor theft, probably won’t count against you.^{[9]
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- If you have been convicted in the past of a violent crime or of any offense against children or vulnerable adults, this will prevent you from passing a criminal background check.^{[10]
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Pass the professional skills test in numeracy and literacy. After you have applied, but before you can enter a teacher training course, you will need to pass the professional skills test.^{[11]
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Research source} You must demonstrate mastery of basic literacy skills including: spelling, punctuation, grammar, and reading comprehension.^{[12]
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Research source} The numeracy test examines your proficiency in basic arithmetic including: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurements, time, and conversions.^{[13]
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Research source} The UK Department of Education offers information sheets, study guides, and practice tests on their website.
- The test is free the first three times you take the exam. You must register online with the UK Department of Education to schedule your exam.
- Scheduling can take up to 3 months so make sure you get an early start.^{[14]
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- Consider booking the numeracy and literacy portions of the test on two different days. This will ensure you can prepare and perform to the best of your ability.^{[15]
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- When you go to the testing center, you need to provide 2 forms of identification along with your application to a teacher training program.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Pursuing an Undergraduate Degree in Teaching

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Enroll in a teacher training undergraduate program. If you know you want to go into teaching right from the start, then attending a full-time undergraduate program in teaching is a good path for you. Visit university websites to learn more about their teaching degrees. Visit their admissions offices to discuss their programs in person.^{[16]
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- Make sure the program you choose offers QTS as part of the course of study.
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Earn a bachelor’s degree in Education, Arts, or Science. The BA and the BSc are popular options for those wishing to go into secondary school teaching in specific subject areas. If you want to teach primary school, the Bachelor of Education is the most popular choice.^{[17]
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Complete a 2:2 degree in your teaching program. To earn QTS you need to complete your undergraduate degree with a 2:2. This means you will need to maintain decent grades throughout your course of study. Most undergraduate degrees require 3-4 years of full-time study.^{[18]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education

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Obtain additional subject-training if necessary. If you want to specialize in teaching in a certain subject area you may need to complete more coursework. Check with your program for specific information about their requirements.^{[19]
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- If you obtained an undergraduate degree in English, but later decide you want to teach high school biology, for example, you may need to take a subject knowledge enhancement course.
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Enroll in a Masters-level PGCE program that leads to QTS. There are three types of PGCE offered. Choose one based on the age you want to teach:^{[20]
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- Primary PGCE training prepares you to teach children up to the age of 11. Some may allow you to specialize in a subject, but most focus on the basic core curriculum.
- Secondary training prepares you in a particular subject area with the expectation that you will teach children aged 11-16.
- If you wish to teach adults, you can also complete a PGCE. Rather than QTS, you would apply for Qualified Teacher Leaning and Skills status at the end of your program.
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Complete your coursework and in-school training. Over a 9-month period, PGCE courses cover teaching and learning theory, classroom management, and current educational issues. You’ll also spend up to two thirds of your time in school classrooms, teaching and learning.^{[21]
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- Throughout your training, you will work towards meeting the standards for professional teachers. When you complete your Master’s level PGCE successfully you will be recommended for QTS.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Pursuing the School Direct Pathway

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Complete any additional education. If you choose to teach in a specific subject area that differs from your undergraduate degree, you will need to take a subject knowledge enhancement course, or SKE. These requirements vary from program to program, so check to find out what your program expects of you.^{[22]
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Pay tuition to attend a School Direct program. With the School Direct (tuition fee) program, college graduates who meet all the other minimum requirements can apply to earn QTS while they work in the classroom. This route allows you to learn on the job as you earn your QTS recommendation.^{[23]
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- Many of these programs also lead to PGCE qualification, but you need to check with each individual program to learn more.
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Earn a salary through a paid School Direct program. There are salaried School Direct programs that let you learn on the job, earn your QTS, and earn an income. This employment-based option is particularly available to high-quality applicants who can offer subject-area expertise in high-need areas.^{[24]
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- In order to apply you must be able to provide an employment reference. This path is typically open to individuals who have at least three years’ of relevant work experience.
- Increase your chances of success with this route through volunteering at schools or getting paid jobs as a teaching assistant, afterschool club counselor, summer camp counselor, etc.^{[25]
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- These can also lead to a PGCE, but you need to check with each individual program as this can vary from place to place.