TDA: Draft requirements for the assessment only route to QTS

reference: 139

published:  01 Oct 2009

This publication is the GTC’s response to the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) consultation on an ‘assessment only’ route to qualified teacher status (QTS).

The GTC has some reservations about the creation of the route and its scope but welcomes many of the proposed requirements.

The route is aimed at potential teachers with sufficient expertise and experience but it is unclear how many this will include. Applicants will need to meet the same requirements as those entering a course of initial teacher training.

The GTC would like to know more about the evidence that will be required from candidates, including how they meet QTS standards, and suggests that a supervised practice element be included in the assessment.

We’re pleased that the TDA doesn’t see this as a ‘quick way in’ to QTS, and that the route appears to be more rigorous than the previous, now discontinued, assessment-only scheme. Quality assurance of the whole process will be critical if it is not to devalue QTS.