QTS Assessment only (QTS)

The QTS Assessment only course is designed for students who have already completed a undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area and are seeking to obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) without completing a teaching placement. This course provides an intensive and focused assessment of your knowledge, skills, and understanding in education, with the goal of preparing you for a successful career as a teacher. Through a combination of online learning and face-to-face sessions, you will cover key topics such as educational theories, child development, curriculum design, and classroom management. Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for QTS and become a qualified teacher.

Additional Information

The QTS Assessment only course is ideal for students who have a strong interest in education but do not want to pursue a teaching degree. It is also suitable for those who have already completed a teaching degree but wish to further their knowledge and understanding of the subject area. The course is designed to be flexible, with online learning modules available 24/7 and face-to-face sessions held on campus in Canterbury. Our experienced tutors will provide guidance and support throughout the course, ensuring that you have all the tools and resources you need to succeed.

Join a Community of Innovative Educators at Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury Christ Church University is a renowned institution for education, with a long history of producing highly qualified and effective teachers. The university's strong focus on practical teaching experience and innovative approaches to education make it an ideal choice for students seeking QTS. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced tutors provide the perfect environment for learning and growth.

Assessment Only is an employment route to QTS for those with a minimum of two years of recent teaching experience as an unqualified teacher, with at least six months in their current school setting. This route is designed for those with this level of experience who are already meeting the Teachers' Standards at a good or high level and would therefore not need to undertake a full training route in order to achieve QTS.

You must also have completed at least six weeks of successful experience teaching in a secondary school or setting within the age range and subject(s) in which you intend to qualify. You must also have evidence of this experience in the form of lesson plans, at least six lesson observations, marked pupil work, and other items. We can accept evidence of teaching outside England, but you must be currently employed at a school in England.

Assessment Only is not a training course, but a route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for those who are already meeting the Teachers' Standards. If you are successful in gaining an offer of a place on this route through the recruitment process, you will have an initial visit from a Canterbury Christ Church University tutor to validate your evidence. This process will involve discussions with you and your Assessment Only Coordinator and, in most cases, at least one lesson observation by the tutor.

Before entering the Assessment Only pathway, you must:

Be currently employed as an unqualified teacher working within the age range and teaching the subject(s) applicable to where you wish to qualify.

Have worked in your current school for at least six months.

Have at least two years of teaching experience overall.

Be able to demonstrate through evidence that you meet the DfE’s Teachers’ Standards to a high standard.

Have the active support of your current employer for your application.

Be a graduate holding an undergraduate degree (2.2 or above) from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent.

Have GCSE Maths, English (for primary and secondary), and Science (for primary) at Grade C/Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

Have successfully completed the Occupational Health Clearance and a satisfactory Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check made by your employer.

Be able to evidence your successful teaching experience in two schools (see below for more detail on the second school teaching experience that you will need).

Be able to evidence your successful teaching across both key stages within the range in which you want to be assessed (e.g. KS3 and KS4 for secondary; KS1 and KS2 for primary).