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Assessment Only Route to QTS (Primary) Non-NTU Award

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Practitioner / Professional
  • Start Date(s): Various
  • Duration: Maximum of 12 weeks
  • Study Mode(s): Part-time
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024

Introduction:

Ideal for experienced graduates with substantial teaching experience currently working as unqualified teachers in the Primary phase. This is a route to gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through an assessment of your current teaching.

This route is designed for very experienced graduates with substantial successful teaching experience, who currently work as unqualified teachers.

Supported by your school or college, the route allows you to demonstrate that you already meet all the QTS standards through assessment of your current teaching.

* The title of this award is subject to change due to an ongoing government consultation. For the latest information, please visit www.gov.uk/dfe

Course accreditation

We are accredited by the UK Government's Department for Education as a provider of initial teacher-training courses. Successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to commence a career in teaching as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and then to complete your induction period.

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What you’ll study

The Assessment Only Route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) allows you to demonstrate that you already meet all the Teachers' Standards for Primary teaching. It does not include any training and is only suitable if you are currently working in the UK as an unqualified teacher.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment takes place in the setting where you are currently employed. Full support by your employer is essential to ensure the assessments can take place. If your setting is based further than 50 miles from Nottingham please contact us to discuss whether we can support you before making an application.

The assessment period will normally take up to 12 weeks. This will require:

  • submission of an electronic professional development record (ePDR) demonstrating how you meet part one and part two of the Teachers’ Standards.
  • lesson observations and feedback from your school mentor and your NTU assessor.
  • completion of a written assignment.

The assessment process

will include:

  • a completed application form, including a personal statement and your teaching timetable;
  • two academic or vocational references - one must be from your current employing school or college;
  • evidence of observation and assessment of your teaching usually verified by a senior school leader.

How long does the assessment take?

The assessment will be completed within a maximum period of 12 weeks. If a longer period or training is required, then an alternative training programme can be advised.

As school observations are required, the assessment can not take place over school holidays. Therefore, assessments will not take place until the Autumn term for any applications made after the Easter period.

Placements

This course does not currently offer placements. Applicants must have access to a UK teaching environment where they can be assessed prior to applying.

Careers and employability

As an unqualified teacher you may be able to teach in the independent sector, but Qualified Teacher Status is essential to teach in a state-maintained school in England and Wales.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

You will need:

  • A UK degree or equivalent;
  • GCSE English, Science and Mathematics at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent;
  • two years’ working as an unqualified teacher or teaching a 50% timetable in an associated role;
  • teaching experience at two schools.

Other requirements:

  • Relevant and recent experience of teaching in at least two schools / colleges prior to being assessed against the Teachers' Standards and the ability to evidence this;
  • Teaching experience across two or more consecutive age ranges;
  • The ability to read effectively and good verbal and written communication skills in Standard English;
  • Interview;
  • You must provide satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service and Prohibition Order checks as part of the assessment process.
  • If you your setting is based further than 50 miles from Nottingham please contact us to discuss if we can support you before making an application.

Interview

If your application is successful, the initial interview and observation will take place in the school/college where you are currently employed.

You will be required to:

  • present a portfolio of evidence to meet the Teachers' Standards for QTS; and
  • provide original copies of relevant qualifications.
  • You will complete a diagnostic assessment of your fundamental English and mathematics skills at interview. This will inform any development that you need to undertake leading up to and during your training. There is no longer a requirement to complete Department for Education Professional Skills Tests.

We can advise you of how to complete your portfolio before attending the interview.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Fees and funding

There is no Department for Education funding for the Assessment Only route, therefore you or your supporting school must meet the cost of the assessment.

Fees for 2024 entry are:

  • Initial Assessment: £1000 (non-refundable)
  • Final Assessment: £1,500
  • Additional visits: £175

There could be an additional charge for travel and accommodation if you are more than 50 miles away from the University. If you your setting is based further than 50 miles from Nottingham please contact us to discuss if we can support you before making an application.

How to apply

Applications should be made directly to the University. Use the Apply button above.

Please read our Supporting Information for your Assessment Only QTS document and complete the form (page 2 to 7) - this must be submitted with your application form.

You must provide two academic or vocational references to support your application. One must be from your current employer using the university pro forma before your application can be considered. This must explain why they think you are a suitable applicant for the Assessment Only QTS route, and that you have significant experience planning and delivering lessons as an unqualified teacher.

As school observations are required, the assessment can not take place over school holidays. Therefore, assessments will not take place until the Autumn term for any applications made after the Easter period.

If you your setting is based further than 50 miles from Nottingham please contact us to discuss if we can support you before making an application.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

Diversity of our students

We are committed to promoting a diverse and representative body of teachers. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, such as male applicants, applicants from BME communities, mature applicants and those with disabilities.