GORSE SCITT offers the opportunity for those with significant experience teaching in a school to achieve QTS though our ‘Assessment Only’ (AO) route. The Assessment Only (AO) route provides a pathway for those who have considerable experience of teaching in schools but who do not possess Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It is a route that allows you to be assessed for QTS if you are working as an unqualified teacher. Candidates will have a maximum of 12 weeks to complete the assessment. This route is therefore only appropriate for candidates who already have evidence which proves that they meet the Teachers’ Standards. The AO route is not suitable for candidates who would require more training.

Entry Requirements:

  • A degree qualification, preferably a 2:2 or above
  • Grade C/4 or above at GSCE Maths, English and Science (if Primary) or equivalent
  • Overseas qualifications should be accompanied by a statement of comparability from UK ENIC. Equivalent qualifications will be accepted from www.equivalencytesting.com

Considerable School Experience Required

You need to have substantial experience (a minimum of two years) of teaching in England, in two or more settings and across two or more consecutive age ranges. The minimum period in one school is six weeks. You must be working as an unqualified teacher in both school settings in the subject/age phase that you wish to be assessed in.

You will be required to demonstrate considerable experience of whole-class planning, teaching, assessment and reporting to parents. Experience must be sufficiently broad and sustained to have prepared candidates to fully meet the Teachers’ Standards.

You must have at least a 70% teaching timetable during the assessment period.

Please note we do not accept as experience the following:

  • Teaching assistant experience
  • Cover supervisor experience
  • Agency work (unless long term for a minimum of six weeks in the same school, with a full teaching timetable and accountability for the classes you teach)
  • Coaching experience
  • Tutoring experience

School Endorsement

  • Your Headteacher should be in support of your application and your ability to meet the Teachers’ Standards. You need to be employed by the school in order to complete this route.

  • Confirmation of DBS & Fitness to teach

  • Your supporting school should confirm that you have a suitable DBS, prohibition check and fitness to teach.

Assessment Process

Once a candidate has met all of the compliance criteria they will have to complete an application form meeting the entry criteria. This includes providing two referees.

Following a successful initial application process you will need to attend a pre-assessment period meeting. This meeting will provide you with key information regarding the process and the required standard needed for your evidence portfolio.

You will be asked to submit a portfolio of evidence showing how you have met the Teachers’ Standards, this must include evidence from teaching across at least two schools and at least two key stages.

The assessed period will comprise of three school visits during these visits the following activities will take place:

  • Take part in a formal interview that includes a pedagogical discussion

  • Complete a writing task

  • Complete a mathematical task

  • Complete a subject knowledge audit

  • Lesson Observations (across different age ranges / subjects)

Cost

Our Assessment Only Route costs £3500

(£500 is payable at the point of the pre-assessment period meeting and the balance is due on completion of the programme)

This may be funded by the school, the candidate or a combination of both. Further details can be discussed during initial enquiries