If you’ve ever dreamed of standing in front of a classroom and helping young minds grow, you’ve probably come across the term Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It’s the golden key that opens the door to most teaching jobs in England and Wales — the official recognition that you’ve met national standards and are ready to teach.
Whether you’re a new graduate, switching careers, or bringing international experience, understanding how to get QTS can feel like navigating a maze. Different routes, training options, requirements, and terminology can quickly become confusing. This guide breaks everything down clearly — so you’ll know exactly where you stand, what steps to take, and how to move confidently toward your first teaching post.
What Is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?
In simple terms, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is your professional licence to teach in state-maintained primary and secondary schools in England and Wales. It proves that you’ve completed teacher training, demonstrated strong teaching standards, and are ready to educate pupils independently.
Think of QTS like a driving licence: once you’ve passed all the necessary training and assessments, it shows you can be trusted to “drive” a classroom safely and effectively.
Teachers with QTS can work in most state-funded and special schools. While some academies and free schools can employ teachers without QTS, most still prefer it — because it’s a mark of professional competence and commitment.
You can confirm your teaching status at any time using the government’s Teacher Status Check service.
Who Needs QTS (and Who Doesn’t)?
If your goal is to work in a state primary or secondary school, you’ll need QTS. It’s also usually required for special schools.
If, however, you plan to teach in an independent (private) school, or certain academies or free schools, you might not need it — though holding QTS will still strengthen your CV and often improve your pay prospects.
In short: while QTS isn’t legally required for every teaching job, it’s the qualification that opens the most doors and provides the best long-term security and flexibility.
Who Can Apply for QTS?
To start your journey, you’ll need to meet some key eligibility requirements. Every applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) and must have GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 (formerly grade C) or above.
If you plan to teach primary-aged pupils, you’ll also need a Science GCSE.
These qualifications prove you have the academic foundation needed to teach core skills. In addition, you’ll need to undergo a DBS check to confirm you can safely work with children and demonstrate literacy and numeracy competence — vital skills for any classroom professional.
If your qualifications were gained outside the UK, you may need to have them verified through UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) to confirm they meet UK standards.
Routes to Gaining QTS in England
There are several routes to achieving QTS, and the right one depends on your background, experience, and learning style. Let’s look at them in detail.
1. University-Led Route (PGCE + QTS)
For many aspiring teachers, this is the most familiar route. You apply to a university or teacher training institution for a one-year postgraduate course that combines classroom theory with practical placements in real schools.
At the end of your training, you’ll earn QTS and often a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). The PGCE adds academic depth to your training and can count toward a Master’s degree later on.
A typical PGCE year includes several school placements, where you’ll gradually take on more teaching responsibility under supervision. Back at university, you’ll reflect on your experiences, study learning theory, and attend workshops on topics like classroom management, safeguarding, and special educational needs.
This route suits those who prefer structured learning with close academic support — ideal if you’re a recent graduate or changing careers and want the reassurance of guidance every step of the way.
2. School-Led Route (School Direct, SCITT, Teach First)
Some people learn best by doing — and that’s exactly what school-led training provides. From your first day, you’ll be immersed in a real classroom environment, working alongside experienced teachers while training for QTS.
There are several school-led options:
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School Direct programmes are delivered by groups of schools in partnership with universities. You can apply for a salaried or unsalaried position.
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SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) programmes are run by schools themselves and are known for being practical and hands-on.
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Teach First is a prestigious graduate scheme that combines leadership development with teaching in schools that need it most.
These routes give you immediate classroom experience — you’ll be working with pupils, planning lessons, and being mentored by qualified staff. You’ll still attend training sessions, but most of your learning comes through direct experience.
School-led training is often fast-paced but incredibly rewarding, especially if you enjoy learning through real-world challenges.
You can explore these options through the Get Into Teaching website.
3. Undergraduate Route (For School Leavers)
If you already know you want to teach before starting university, you can study a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a BA/BSc with QTS.
These degrees combine academic study with classroom experience across three or four years. You’ll start with observation and support roles in your first year and gradually move toward independent teaching by your final year.
This option allows you to qualify straight after university without needing a postgraduate course. It’s popular among school leavers who want to commit early to the teaching profession.
4. Assessment-Only Route (For Experienced Teachers)
If you’ve been teaching successfully without QTS — perhaps as an unqualified teacher in an academy, or as an overseas-trained teacher — you may be eligible for the Assessment-Only route.
You won’t have to complete additional training. Instead, you’ll be observed and assessed in your current teaching role to prove you meet the national Teachers’ Standards.
This process involves compiling evidence of your teaching practice, lesson planning, pupil progress, and professional conduct. Once assessors confirm you meet all standards, you’ll be awarded QTS.
This route is ideal for those who already have experience but need formal recognition to progress their career. More details are available on the Assessment Only route to QTS.
5. Overseas Teachers
If you trained outside the UK, you may be able to apply for QTS without retraining — depending on your country.
Teachers from countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, India, Nigeria, Singapore, and many EU nations can often apply directly through the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).
If your country isn’t eligible, you can still gain QTS through the assessment-only route or by completing UK teacher training.
The UK government maintains an updated list of eligible countries and details at Get QTS if you qualified outside the UK.
QTS by Teaching Level: Primary, Secondary, Nursery, and Special Education
While QTS is the same qualification across all levels, your training will differ based on the age group and subjects you plan to teach.
Primary Teaching
Training for primary education prepares you to teach pupils aged 5 to 11 across all subjects. You’ll learn how to teach English, Maths, Science, and foundation subjects such as Geography, History, and Art.
Because you’re responsible for teaching the full curriculum, you’ll develop broad subject knowledge, classroom management skills, and a strong understanding of child development.
Primary teaching also places huge emphasis on literacy and numeracy, so you’ll need to demonstrate strength in those areas.
Many primary teachers say that one of the greatest rewards of the job is watching a single group of pupils grow academically and emotionally throughout an entire year.
Secondary Teaching
Secondary teaching, on the other hand, focuses on subject expertise. You’ll specialise in a specific subject such as Mathematics, English, Biology, History, or Computing and teach pupils aged 11 to 16 (or 18 if the school includes sixth form).
To train as a secondary teacher, your degree should be closely related to your chosen subject — generally at least 50% of your degree content. If it isn’t, you can take a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course before starting your training.
Secondary teachers often inspire students to pursue careers or further study in their chosen subject, making subject passion and communication skills key qualities.
Nursery and Early Years Teaching
If you’re drawn to working with very young children, you’ll want to consider Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) rather than QTS. EYTS focuses on teaching children aged 0–5 and is aimed at nursery and reception-level education.
While EYTS doesn’t carry exactly the same legal standing as QTS, it’s highly respected in early education settings and allows you to lead learning in nurseries and preschool environments. You can find out more at Become an Early Years Teacher.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching
Teachers who work in special schools or inclusion units usually train through a standard QTS route but gain experience with pupils who have additional needs such as autism, dyslexia, or ADHD.
These teachers are trained to adapt lessons, create inclusive environments, and work closely with parents and support staff. After earning QTS, many go on to complete further qualifications in SEND coordination or inclusive education.
You can read more about supporting children with special needs in our guide: The Ultimate Guide to SEN Support and EHCPs for Parents.
How to Get QTS: The Full Framework
Here’s how the process looks from start to finish.
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Check your eligibility.
Make sure you hold a recognised degree and the required GCSEs. If you studied abroad, verify your qualifications through UK ENIC. -
Choose your training route.
Decide whether you want the academic environment of a university course, the practical immersion of school-led training, or the streamlined assessment-only option. -
Apply to your chosen provider.
Applications are made through Apply for Teacher Training or directly to course providers. You’ll need a personal statement, references, and proof of qualifications. -
Complete your training and placements.
During your course, you’ll gradually take on full classroom responsibility, learning to plan lessons, manage behaviour, and assess progress. -
Achieve QTS.
Once your training provider confirms you’ve met all Teachers’ Standards, you’ll officially receive QTS from the Teaching Regulation Agency. -
Start your Early Career Teacher (ECT) period.
Formerly the NQT year, this two-year induction in a school gives you extra support, mentorship, and time to grow in confidence.
You can read our guide How to Build Confidence as a New Teacher for tips on navigating your first year.
Funding, Bursaries, and Salaries
Teacher training can be expensive, but the UK government offers generous bursaries and scholarships to help. The exact amount depends on your subject and degree classification.
For example, teachers in high-demand subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Computing may receive up to £30,000 tax-free. Those training to teach languages, Biology, or Geography may qualify for £10,000–£25,000.
Some programmes also offer salaried training where you earn while you learn, particularly in shortage areas or challenging schools.
You can check current funding information on Get Into Teaching – Funding and Salary.
After You Qualify
Once you hold QTS, you’re officially recognised as a qualified teacher. Your name is added to the DfE’s Register of Teachers, and you can apply for teaching positions across the country.
The next stage is completing your ECT period, where you’ll refine your teaching style, work with mentors, and gain confidence in managing your own classes.
From there, your career options are wide open. Many teachers move into specialist or leadership roles — such as becoming a Head of Year, Special Educational Needs Coordinator, or Assistant Headteacher.
Others explore continuing education through postgraduate qualifications or leadership training such as National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).
Final Thoughts
Becoming a qualified teacher in the UK takes time, effort, and reflection — but the rewards are immense. QTS is more than a credential; it’s proof that you’ve mastered one of society’s most vital skills: inspiring and guiding the next generation.
There’s no single “best” route — the right one depends on your background and goals. Whether you prefer studying at university, training directly in schools, or applying based on experience, the UK education system offers a flexible and supportive pathway for everyone who wants to teach.
With the right preparation, funding, and mindset, you can make that first step into the classroom and start building a career that makes a real difference.
