What is Qualified Teacher Status?

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional accreditation that enables an individual to teach in most state-maintained primary, secondary, and special schools in England. It demonstrates that a teacher has met the required standards for professional competence, subject knowledge, and classroom practice.

In simple terms, QTS is both a mark of quality and a formal requirement for most teaching roles. Schools and governing bodies use it as confirmation that a teacher is equipped to deliver high-quality education and contribute positively to the school community.

Why QTS matters for schools and pupils

Achieving QTS is not just a formality. It ensures teachers:

Understand the national curriculum and how to deliver it effectively.
Have strong subject expertise and pedagogical skills.
Can create inclusive learning environments that support all pupils.
Are committed to ongoing professional development.

For schools, employing QTS-qualified teachers means pupils receive consistent, evidence-based teaching that can drive measurable progress. It also assures parents and carers that their children are being taught by professionals who have met rigorous national standards.

How to gain Qualified Teacher Status

There are several pathways to achieve QTS, including:

Undergraduate degrees with QTS – Typically three to four years.
Postgraduate teacher training – Such as PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) courses.
Assessment Only (AO) route – For experienced teachers without QTS, allowing them to demonstrate their competence through assessment.

As an education consultant group working in partnership with schools in Thurrock, Essex, we support individuals and schools in navigating these routes. Our teacher training programme is designed to equip aspiring teachers with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to achieve QTS and thrive in the classroom.

The role of ongoing professional support

Gaining QTS is an important milestone, but it’s only the beginning of a teacher’s professional journey. The early career years can be challenging, which is why structured mentoring, high-quality CPD, and supportive school partnerships are vital.

We work closely with our partner schools to ensure that trainee and newly qualified teachers not only achieve QTS but also continue to develop, adapt, and excel. This collaborative approach benefits pupils, strengthens teaching teams, and supports school improvement.

Taking the next step

QTS is more than a qualification; it’s a gateway to shaping the future of education and improving life chances for young people.

If you are ready to start your teaching career, explore our teacher-training programme to see how we can help you gain QTS and make a lasting impact in the classroom.