How to Get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Qualified Teacher Status, usually shortened to QTS, is the professional status required for many teaching jobs in England. It confirms that a teacher has met the Teachers’ Standards and is considered ready to teach pupils independently.

There is no single route to QTS. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you might:

complete postgraduate teacher training;
study an undergraduate degree that includes QTS;
train as a paid school employee or apprentice;
use substantial existing experience through the assessment-only route;
complete international QTS while living outside England;
apply for recognition of an eligible overseas teaching qualification.

The right option depends on whether you already have a degree, how much teaching experience you have, where you live and whether you want a salaried or fee-funded route.

This guide explains the main routes, entry requirements, application process, financial support and what happens after QTS is awarded.

Important: teaching qualifications are not organised through one identical UK-wide system. This article focuses on QTS in England. Wales has its own QTS, registration and induction arrangements. Teachers in Scotland register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, while Northern Ireland has a separate qualification and registration system.

What QTS is and when you need it

QTS is a professional status awarded to teachers who demonstrate that they meet the Teachers’ Standards in England.

You normally need QTS to teach as a qualified teacher in:

local-authority-maintained primary schools;
local-authority-maintained secondary schools;
maintained special schools;
non-maintained special schools.

Academies, free schools and independent schools have greater freedom to employ teachers without QTS. However, many still prefer or require it because QTS demonstrates recognised professional competence and makes it easier to move between different school types.

You do not normally need QTS to teach in further education. Early Years Teacher Status is also a separate status and does not automatically allow someone to work as a qualified school teacher in a maintained school.

QTS and PGCE are different

QTS is the professional status confirming that you meet the Teachers’ Standards.

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education, or PGCE, is an academic qualification. It may include postgraduate credits that can sometimes contribute towards a master’s degree.

Many postgraduate teacher-training courses award both QTS and a PGCE. Others award QTS without a PGCE.

A PGCE that does not include QTS does not, by itself, qualify someone to work as a qualified teacher in maintained schools in England.

Check whether you meet the entry requirements

For postgraduate teacher training in England, you normally need a bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent qualification.

You will also usually need:

English at GCSE grade 4, formerly grade C, or an accepted equivalent;
mathematics at GCSE grade 4 or equivalent;
science at GCSE grade 4 or equivalent if you want to train as a primary teacher.

Teacher-training providers decide whether qualifications meet their entry requirements. Some accept approved equivalency tests or other evidence where an applicant does not hold the exact GCSE qualification requested.

If your qualifications were completed outside the UK, you may need evidence showing how they compare with English qualifications.

Safeguarding and suitability checks

Before working with children, trainees must complete appropriate safeguarding and suitability checks.

These commonly include:

identity checks;
an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check;
health and fitness declarations;
references and employment-history checks;
professional-conduct checks;
overseas criminal-record checks where relevant.

A previous conviction does not automatically prevent someone from training. Relevant information must be declared honestly so the provider can assess it appropriately.

For a clearer explanation of criminal-record checks, read What a DBS Check Covers.

Choose the age range and subject you want to teach

Before comparing courses, decide which phase and curriculum you want to teach.

Primary teaching

Primary teachers normally teach a broad curriculum rather than one specialist subject. Courses may prepare teachers for ranges such as ages 3 to 7 or 5 to 11.

Training commonly covers:

early reading and phonics;
English;
mathematics;
science;
foundation subjects;
child development;
classroom routines and assessment;
SEND and inclusive teaching.

Your degree does not normally have to be in a particular subject, but you need sufficient confidence across the primary curriculum.

Secondary teaching

Secondary teachers train in a particular subject, such as:

English;
mathematics;
biology, chemistry or physics;
history;
geography;
modern languages;
computing;
design and technology;
music, art or physical education.

Providers consider whether your degree, school qualifications, professional experience and wider knowledge give you a suitable foundation for teaching the subject.

There is no universal rule requiring a fixed percentage of your degree to match the subject. Each provider considers the evidence individually.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses

If you are considered a strong candidate but need to strengthen your subject knowledge, a provider may recommend a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course.

SKE courses:

are available in selected secondary subjects;
vary in length according to need;
may be completed before or alongside the beginning of training;
must normally be recommended by a teacher-training provider.

Eligible candidates starting teacher training between September 2026 and July 2027 may receive a weekly SKE bursary. Check the current official funding rules because subjects, amounts and eligibility can change.

For a clearer overview of the phases you could teach, read Understanding the UK Curriculum: Key Stages Explained.

Postgraduate routes for graduates

Postgraduate initial teacher training is the main route for applicants who already have a degree but do not yet have enough experience for assessment-only QTS.

Fee-funded postgraduate teacher training

Courses are delivered by accredited providers, including:

universities;
school-centred initial teacher-training providers;
academy trusts;
partnerships between schools and universities.

Full-time courses normally last one academic year, while some providers offer part-time options.

Training combines structured professional study with substantial classroom experience. Trainees usually gain experience in at least two schools or settings and take increasing responsibility as their competence develops.

Course content normally includes:

subject and curriculum knowledge;
lesson planning and explanation;
behaviour management;
assessment;
safeguarding;
SEND and adaptive teaching;
professional responsibilities;
working with families and colleagues.

The distinction between university-led and school-led training is less clear-cut than it may sound. University programmes contain substantial school placements, while school-based providers still deliver structured off-the-job training.

Compare the actual course design, placement model, mentor support and qualification awarded rather than relying only on the course label.

Salaried postgraduate training

Some postgraduate routes allow you to be employed by a school while training.

You receive a salary and normally do not pay tuition fees in the same way as a fee-funded trainee. Salaried places are limited and can be highly competitive.

This route may suit applicants who already have relevant school experience and are ready to balance employment with professional training.

Before accepting a salaried place, ask:

How much teaching will I do at the beginning?
How will my timetable increase?
How much protected training time will I receive?
Who will mentor me?
Will the course award a PGCE as well as QTS?
Which salary and employment conditions apply?

Do not assume that salaried training will always provide the best financial outcome. Compare the salary with loans, maintenance support and any bursary or scholarship available through a fee-funded course.

Postgraduate teaching apprenticeships

A postgraduate teaching apprenticeship is a salaried route for graduates. The apprentice is employed by a school while completing accredited initial teacher training leading to QTS.

These apprenticeships are available for primary and secondary teaching, although vacancies depend on employers and providers.

Routes for applicants without a degree

You can begin working towards QTS without already holding a degree, but the route must include completion of an undergraduate degree.

Undergraduate degrees with QTS

Courses may include:

Bachelor of Education degrees;
BA degrees with QTS;
BSc degrees with QTS.

They normally take three or four years and combine academic study with placements in schools.

Undergraduate QTS courses are particularly common for primary teaching, although some secondary-subject programmes are available.

Check the course description carefully. A degree in education does not automatically provide QTS. It must explicitly state that successful completion leads to QTS.

Teacher degree apprenticeships

A teacher degree apprenticeship combines:

paid employment in a school;
undergraduate degree study;
initial teacher training;
assessment for QTS.

It is a full-time, multi-year programme. Apprentices spend a significant part of their working time completing degree study alongside their school responsibilities.

Places are likely to be more limited than traditional undergraduate courses because candidates must find an employer offering the apprenticeship.

This route may suit someone who wants to earn while completing a degree, but it requires balancing school employment, academic study and professional training over several years.

Routes for experienced and overseas teachers

Assessment-only QTS

The assessment-only route is for experienced teachers who already meet the Teachers’ Standards and do not require additional teacher training.

It is not a shortened training course. Candidates are expected to demonstrate from the beginning that they already perform at the required standard.

Assessment may include:

lesson observations;
professional discussions;
a portfolio of evidence;
school records and references;
written tasks;
evidence of teaching across the required age and ability ranges.

The formal assessment period normally takes no more than 12 weeks, although the eligibility review and preparation may take longer.

Applicants commonly need:

a degree;
the required English, mathematics and science qualifications;
substantial successful teaching experience;
experience in more than one school or setting;
a school willing to support the assessment;
evidence covering every Teachers’ Standard.

The route may be suitable for:

experienced unqualified teachers in academies or independent schools;
overseas-trained teachers who cannot use the direct-recognition route;
teachers who have built substantial experience outside formal English training.

Assessment-only providers set their own application processes, eligibility checks and fees.

International Qualified Teacher Status

International Qualified Teacher Status allows candidates living outside England to complete approved teacher training in the country where they live or work.

Training is delivered by an approved English provider and includes practical experience in schools. Candidates do not need to travel to England solely to complete the programme.

Successful completion of iQTS also leads to English QTS.

Before applying, check:

whether an appropriate placement school is available;
how mentoring and lesson observation will work;
the course fees;
whether the programme includes a PGCE or another academic qualification;
whether English QTS is recognised for local registration in your country.

QTS is a professional status. It does not provide a visa or permission to work in the UK.

Applying with an overseas teaching qualification

Some teachers who qualified outside England can apply directly for QTS without completing another teacher-training course.

Eligibility depends on factors such as:

where the teacher qualified;
whether the qualification gives full professional teaching status;
the age range and subject covered;
teaching experience;
professional standing;
English-language and mathematics requirements;
whether the applicant is working in an eligible role in England where required.

Country eligibility and evidence requirements can change. Use the official overseas-trained teacher QTS guidance rather than relying on an older country list.

The four-year rule

Some qualified overseas teachers can teach in many English schools temporarily without QTS for up to four years.

The exemption does not apply to every person, role or setting, and it does not automatically result in QTS.

A teacher who wants to remain in a post where QTS is required must obtain QTS through an eligible route before the exemption ends.

Immigration status and QTS are separate. QTS does not grant a visa, and a visa does not grant QTS.

How to apply for teacher training

Applications for most postgraduate teacher-training courses in England are made through the government’s Apply for Teacher Training service.

Step 1: Compare courses

Consider:

the age range and subject;
location and travel requirements;
placement schools;
full-time or part-time study;
fee-funded or salaried status;
whether a PGCE is included;
mentor and trainee support;
the provider’s employment outcomes.

Step 2: Prepare your application

You will normally provide:

personal and contact information;
degree and school qualifications;
employment history;
relevant experience with children or young people;
your reasons for wanting to teach;
evidence of subject knowledge;
referee details.

Use specific evidence rather than broad claims about enjoying working with children. Explain what you understand about teaching and how your experience has prepared you.

Step 3: Complete the selection process

Selection activities may include:

a panel interview;
a presentation;
a written task;
a subject-knowledge assessment;
a group activity;
a short teaching or explanation task.

Providers are looking for teaching potential rather than a finished teacher. Be prepared to discuss:

safeguarding;
inclusion;
subject knowledge;
resilience;
what you learned from your experience.

Read How to Prepare for a UK Teacher Interview for practical selection-day guidance.

Step 4: Meet the offer conditions

An offer may depend on:

completing your degree;
providing qualification certificates;
passing an equivalency test;
completing an SKE course;
satisfactory safeguarding checks;
health and suitability clearance.

Applications for courses beginning in September 2026 remain open until 15 September 2026, although providers may close individual courses earlier once places are filled. Overseas applicants may face earlier provider deadlines.

Fees, loans, bursaries and salaries

The financial support available depends on:

the training route;
the subject;
residency and immigration status;
previous study;
the academic year in which training starts.

Fee-funded courses

Eligible trainees may be able to apply for:

a tuition-fee loan;
a maintenance loan;
additional support relating to disability;
support for children or caring responsibilities.

Receiving an eligible teaching bursary or scholarship does not necessarily prevent someone from receiving tuition-fee and maintenance loans.

Bursaries and scholarships

Tax-free bursaries and scholarships are available in selected subjects where teacher recruitment is a priority.

Amounts and eligible subjects change between training years. Eligibility can depend on:

the subject;
the route;
degree classification or postgraduate qualifications;
student-finance eligibility;
residency or immigration status.

Eligible bursaries are normally arranged through the training provider. Scholarships usually require a separate application to the relevant professional organisation.

Always check the current teacher-training bursary and scholarship table before making financial plans.

Salaried and apprenticeship routes

Salaried trainees and apprentices are school employees and receive a salary.

They do not normally receive the same student-finance arrangements or subject bursaries as fee-funded trainees.

Exact pay and employment conditions depend on the school, programme and contract.

What happens during training and how QTS is awarded

Initial teacher training combines professional study with substantial classroom experience.

You will learn to:

plan coherent lessons and curriculum sequences;
explain subject content clearly;
establish classroom routines;
manage behaviour;
assess pupil understanding;
adapt teaching for SEND and other needs;
follow safeguarding procedures;
communicate with families and colleagues;
reflect on and improve your practice.

Your development is assessed against the Teachers’ Standards.

Teacher training is demanding, but trainees should not be treated simply as unsupervised replacement teachers. Providers and placement schools are responsible for supplying suitable mentoring, training and development opportunities.

How QTS is awarded

At the end of an accredited English initial teacher-training course, the provider decides whether the trainee has met the relevant requirements and Teachers’ Standards.

If the requirements have been met, the provider recommends the trainee for QTS and the Department for Education awards the status.

QTS does not normally expire because someone takes a career break or does not begin teaching immediately.

Gaining QTS is separate from completing statutory induction as an Early Career Teacher.

What happens after you gain QTS?

Most newly qualified teachers beginning eligible teaching work in England must complete statutory induction.

The standard induction period is equivalent to two school years when completed full-time. Part-time teachers normally complete the equivalent number of terms over a longer period.

Since September 2025, the programme of training and support has been called the Early Career Teacher Entitlement.

An ECT should receive:

a structured programme of professional development;
a trained mentor;
regular mentoring;
a reduced teaching timetable;
progress reviews and formal assessments;
support from an induction tutor;
oversight from an appropriate body.

QTS is awarded before induction begins.

A teacher does not lose QTS simply because statutory induction is not completed successfully. However, failing induction can prevent them from continuing to work in settings where successful induction is required.

Useful guides for this stage include:

Frequently asked questions

Do I need QTS to teach in every school?

No. Academies, free schools and independent schools can employ some teachers without QTS. Maintained schools and non-maintained special schools generally require it.

Can I get QTS without a PGCE?

Yes. Some initial teacher-training, assessment-only, apprenticeship and overseas routes lead to QTS without a PGCE.

Can I get a PGCE without QTS?

Yes. However, a PGCE without QTS does not qualify you to work as a qualified teacher in maintained schools in England.

Do I need a degree to gain QTS?

You must hold a degree before completing postgraduate or assessment-only QTS. Alternatively, you can complete an undergraduate course or teacher degree apprenticeship that awards a degree and QTS together.

Does my degree have to match my teaching subject?

Not necessarily. Providers assess your overall subject knowledge using your degree content, school qualifications and relevant professional experience.

Can I train part-time?

Yes. Some providers offer part-time postgraduate teacher training, although availability varies by subject and region.

Can I gain QTS entirely online?

No. Every valid route requires practical teaching and assessment in schools. Some academic content may be delivered remotely, and iQTS allows candidates to complete training outside England.

Can an overseas-trained teacher work in England without QTS?

Some can use the four-year exemption, while academies and independent schools may employ teachers without QTS. Immigration and right-to-work requirements still apply separately.

Does QTS provide permission to work in the UK?

No. QTS is a professional status, not immigration permission.

How long does assessment-only QTS take?

The formal assessment period takes up to 12 weeks. Eligibility checks and preparation may take longer.

Is English QTS automatically valid throughout the UK?

No. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own registration and recognition requirements. Teachers moving between nations should contact the relevant professional authority.

Where can I check whether I hold QTS?

Teachers can use the Department for Education’s official teacher-record service or contact the Teaching Regulation Agency where appropriate.