Overview
The Assessment Only Route to QTS (AOR) is for experienced teachers, who have been teaching whole classes for a minimum of two years. In addition, you will need to have been teaching in at least two schools, normally for at least two years and across one of the following age ranges: 3-11 (primary), 7-14 (middle) or 11-19 (secondary).
The AOR allows you to demonstrate that you already meet all of the Teachers' Standards for QTS. The Teachers’ Standards currently in force can be found on the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-standards.
The assessment period is a maximum of 12 weeks which commences after registration with NCTL (National College for Teaching and Leadership). If you meet the eligibility criteria for AOR (see summary in Entry Requirements) we will ask you to present detailed preliminary evidence at interview – then for the final recommendation for QTS we will re-assess your evidence and assess your teaching – normally at the school where you are currently working.
Typical applications to this route include people who have taught for more than two years in the independent sector or overseas. The AOR may be possible to undertake if you wish to be assessed while teaching overseas, normally in a British International School.
If you are awarded QTS, the next step is to undertake a year as a newly qualified teacher (NQT). This includes a personalised programme of professional support and further assessment against the core professional standards for teachers normally organised by your employing school or local authority.
There is no formal teaching on Assessment Only Route to QTS.
Why us?
- The University of Sunderland is an accredited provider for the Assessment Only Route to QTS. More details are available from the Department for Education.
Course structure
Assessment takes place in the school where you are employed.
Assessment periods are for a maximum of 12 weeks. We provide an individualised assessment plan to suit your requirements which includes the recommended assessment period. If we consider that a longer period would be beneficial, we will advise you to consider applying for one of our ITT training courses.
There is no formal teaching on this Assessment Only Route.
Entry requirements
We require applicants to have the following:
- An honours degree normally a 2:2 or above
- GCSE grade C, or equivalent, in mathematics and English language. If you intend to teach at primary level you also need at least a grade C in a science subject
- Full proficiency in English language
- Recent significant experience of teaching in at least two schools
- Teaching experience across the breadth of the chosen age range either 3-11 (primary), 7-14 (middle) or 11-19 (secondary)
- Successful completion of the Skills Tests
- An enhanced check from the Disclosure and Barring Service and Fitness-To-Teach approval
- References recommending you for the Assessment Only Route from the headteacher/principal of the schools in which you have gained your experience
We invite potential candidates to an interview where you present a portfolio of initial evidence that shows clear progress towards meeting the QTS standards.
If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.
For further information please contact fes.itt.assessment.only@sunderland.ac.uk
Fees and finance
The total fee for this course is:
- £1,850 (£300 for the interview and £1550 for the final assessment) plus assessor expenses as required
This information was correct at the time of publication.