What is the Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status?

The Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) offers a flexible way for teachers with significant experience to gain QTS, while in their current role. It allows experienced educators to showcase how they consistently meet the Teachers’ Standards without needing any further training, but it might not be the right path for everyone. Here, NITE’s Course Leader: Assessment, Emma Clift, who oversees our Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status, shares more information about why teachers looking to obtain QTS might choose this pathway.

What is the Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status?

This route does what it says on the tin! The Assessment Only (AO) route is not a training course or programme but is an assessment process which enables experienced teachers, who can already demonstrate that they are meeting the Teachers’ Standards, to gain QTS.

The route is intended for teachers who have been working in the full role of a teacher for at least two years, and who don’t require any further study or training to meet the Teachers’ Standards. Importantly, candidates continue working in their current teaching role while completing the assessment process.

At the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE), we appreciate that there are many different journeys into teaching, and our Assessment Only route to QTS is available to those who meet the eligibility criteria, so they can achieve this significant milestone in their teaching career.

Who is eligible?

To be considered for the AO route, candidates must already be undertaking the full responsibilities of a classroom teacher. This includes:

• Teaching a regular, sustained timetable to a whole class/classes, including planning and delivering lessons independently.
• Assessing pupil progress and adapting teaching accordingly, managing behaviour and routines, and engaging with parents and carers.
• Supporting pupils' pastoral development and wellbeing.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, contributing to school life, and following school policies.

Candidates must also hold:

• An undergraduate degree, any classification (or equivalent)
• GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• For primary assessment, GCSE Science at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is also required.

Non-UK qualifications will need to be deemed equivalent, as assessed by UK ENIC.

The importance of teaching experience

A key requirement of the AO route is that candidates have substantial teaching experience in the age range and, where applicable, subject area in which they wish to be assessed. Candidates must also have experience teaching in at least two different school settings. This requirement helps ensure that teachers have experience across a range and breadth of abilities, backgrounds, contexts and teaching approaches.

For those who have not yet taught in two settings, there may be opportunities to complete an additional placement before making a formal application. Our screening process helps identify the steps that individual candidates may need to take before progressing.

What does the assessment process involve?

The first step is to complete our Notification of Interest form. Our AO Team will review the information and will then contact the candidate to start to start the eligibility screening process.

The next steps include a screening information form, and then, if they appear to meet the criteria, they are invited to a screening interview meeting. This provides an opportunity to discuss their experience in more detail, find out more about the assessment process, and determine whether the AO route is right for them.

Successful candidates are then invited to submit a formal application.

Once accepted, candidates begin preparing an online teaching and learning portfolio, gathering evidence that demonstrates how they meet each of the Teachers' Standards.
The formal assessment period includes:

1. An initial assessment visit.
2. A final assessment visit, taking place 8 to 12 weeks later.
3. Review of portfolio evidence and professional practice.
4. Judgement against the Teachers' Standards leading to a recommendation for QTS where all requirements are met.

Our Assessment Only team provide support at every step of the way: from the initial free screening process; through building the teaching and learning portfolio; to an experienced assessor who will complete the in-school assessment visits.

Can international teachers apply?

Yes! International candidates may be eligible for the AO route where they have experience teaching within a curriculum that broadly aligns with UK curricula and are based in countries where assessor visits can be carried out safely and practically.

This pathway has enabled experienced teachers working internationally to gain recognised professional accreditation while remaining in their current role. Because everyone’s role, school and context are different, our AO team reviews notifications of interest individually, so they can provide bespoke information about candidates’ eligibility.

So, why choose the Assessment Only route?

For experienced teachers who are already meeting the Teachers' Standards, the AO route can be an efficient and rewarding way to gain QTS. It allows teachers to demonstrate their consistent high-quality practice over time, enabled by their teaching experience over a number of years, without undertaking a traditional initial teacher training course – all whilst remaining in their current role.