Frequently asked questions about QTS

last updated:08 Jun 2009

What is Qualified Teacher Status?
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is an award governed by regulations made to teachers who have demonstrated that they have met the required professional standards to be considered qualified to teach in maintained schools or non-maintained special schools. Without QTS a teacher cannot register with the GTC and therefore cannot be employed as a qualified teacher in the above schools

Does the award of QTS refer to any specific age range or subject?
No, the award of QTS allows teachers to teach any age range and any subject.

Does the award of QTS expire?
No, QTS is a permanent award.

How can I find out if I have QTS?
The GTC can check to see if you have been awarded QTS. Contact the Teachers' Qualifications (TQ) Helpdesk.

• email: tqanswer@gtce.org.uk
• phone: 0121 345 0140
• fax: 0121 345 0100
• write: Teachers' Qualifications Section
  General Teaching Council for England
  Victoria Square House
  Victoria Square
  Birmingham
  B2 4AJ

I already hold QTS in England, how can I register with the GTC?
If you have been awarded QTS by the GTC, then you will automatically receive the forms to register, along with details of how and when to pay the membership fee. Otherwise please contact the GTC to request a registration information pack.

• email: tqanswer@gtce.org.uk
• phone: 0121 345 0140

How do teachers from Scotland or Northern Ireland apply for QTS in England?
Teachers from Scotland and Northern Ireland can apply to be awarded QTS in England based on their recognition and qualifications from those countries. Please complete the relevant form and return it to the Teachers’ Qualifications team at the above address.

How do teachers from an EEA country apply for QTS in England?
EEA nationals who are recognised as qualified school teachers in an EEA member state, may apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England under the terms of Council Directive 2005/36/EC, without the need for further training.

How long will it take to process my application?
For teachers from Scotland and Northern Ireland typical turnaround times, for fully completed forms, are between two and four weeks (dependent on the number of applications received at our offices).

For teachers from the European Economic Area applying for QTS in England under the terms of Council Directive 2005/36, the directive gives us four months from the date of receipt of all supporting documentation to consider individual cases.

My teaching qualifications were obtained from an EEA member state, but I am not an EEA national. Can I apply through the EEA route?
No. This route to QTS is available to EEA nationals only. You will need to contact the overseas trained teacher section of the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) about gaining QTS in England. You can also contact them by calling 0845 6000 991.

I'm an EEA national but trained as a teacher in a country outside of the EEA. Can I apply through the EEA route?
Providing an EEA member state recognised your qualifications and you have three years' professional experience as a school teacher in that state, you may still be eligible to apply for QTS under the EEA route.

I have lost my QTS certificate - how can I get official confirmation of my QTS?
The GTC can provide official letters confirming your QTS. To obtain a letter please contact the Teachers' Qualifications Helpdesk.

• phone: 0121 345 0140
  
• email: tqanswer@gtce.org.uk

Can the GTC help me in gaining employment as a teacher in England?
The GTC itself does not employ teachers in a teaching capacity, nor does the GTC advertise teacher vacancies or recommend any particular institution as a suitable employer.

To be considered for employment you will need to write to individual employers, for example boards of school governors who recruit and employ teachers, or respond direct to specific job advertisements in the press. The Times Educational Supplement, published every Friday, carries advertisements for teaching posts.

You may be asked to attend an interview conducted by the governors of the school where the vacancy exists. The governing body will make the decision about who should be appointed. In all cases you will be in direct competition with other applicants for the particular post.

Am I allowed to work in the maintained sector if I do not hold QTS?
You cannot be employed as a qualified teacher. An unqualified teacher, however, may be employed as an instructor if "no suitable qualified teacher, graduate teacher or registered teacher is available for appointment to give instruction". The decision to employ unqualified teachers is at the sole discretion of the school.