United Kingdom · Licensing & Skills

Teaching and QTS routes

How international teachers obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in state-maintained and special schools in England.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Overseas qualified school teachers.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Teaching qualification comparable to a UK bachelor's degree
  • Qualified to teach children aged 5 to 16
  • Teachers from eligible jurisdictions can apply for direct QTS award; others complete Assessment Only (AO) route in England
  • Maths and science/English GCSE equivalence
Process

How the process works

  1. Apply via Teaching Regulation Agency 'Apply for QTS' digital service
  2. Direct recognition awarded for eligible countries, or complete 12-week Assessment Only route with UK school
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Degree diploma, teaching qualification transcripts, teaching licence/registration in home country, letter of professional standing
Good to know

What to keep in mind

Direct QTS recognition is open to qualified teachers from an expanding list of countries including Ghana, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Official source: Department for Education — QTS. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Is Teaching and QTS routes the right route for you?

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