QTS Routes, Eligibility & Application Guidance

GOV.UK – Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Guidance

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/qualified-teacher-status-qts
Purpose: Official UK government guidance on gaining QTS through all routes, including AO and overseas routes.
Pros: Most accurate and current; explains country eligibility and documentation needed.
Cons: Dense and not user-friendly for first-time readers.
Best for: Teachers beginning their AO QTS journey.

GOV.UK – Apply for QTS if You Teach Outside the UK

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/qualified-teacher-status-qts
Purpose: Detailed explanation of applying for QTS as an overseas-trained teacher.
Pros: Lists eligible countries; outlines updated 2024/25 international recognition system.
Cons: Doesn’t guide on building your portfolio or AO process.
Best for: Teachers from countries newly recognised under DfE reforms.

Get Into Teaching (DfE)

🔗 https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/non-uk-teachers
Purpose: DfE platform offering advice, training routes, and free 1-to-1 support.
Pros: Explains AO vs. ITT vs. iQTS; offers access to free advisers.
Cons: Focused mainly on teacher training, not experienced teachers.
Best for: Overseas teachers deciding between AO and training routes.

GOV.UK – Routes to QTS for Overseas-Trained Teachers

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-qualified-teacher-status-qts-if-you-teach-outside-the-uk
Purpose: Official policy paper showing AO and alternative routes.
Pros: Helps determine if you qualify directly or need additional training.
Cons: Bureaucratic language.
Best for: Applicants seeking to confirm their eligibility route.

Best Practice Network – AO QTS Programme

🔗 https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/assessment-only-qts
Purpose: Leading DfE-accredited AO provider with a structured application and assessment process.
Pros: Provides clear entry requirements, fees, and support documents.
Cons: Requires strong evidence and UK school employment before acceptance.
Best for: Experienced overseas teachers currently teaching in UK schools.

🎓 Training, Preparation & Professional Standards

Ambition Institute – Professional Learning Programmes

🔗 https://www.ambition.org.uk/programmes/teacher-training
Purpose: Provider of teacher training and leadership development aligned with Teachers’ Standards.
Pros: CPD-rich; builds QTS-level competency.
Cons: Focused on ITT, not AO.
Best for: Teachers needing to bridge CPD gaps before applying for AO.

NASBTT (National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers)

🔗 https://www.nasbtt.org.uk/
Purpose: Represents ITT and AO providers; offers guidance on quality assurance.
Pros: Access to best-practice frameworks and CPD.
Cons: Not a training provider.
Best for: Overseas teachers researching credible AO providers.

Teacher Development Trust (TDT)

🔗 https://tdtrust.org/
Purpose: CPD resources, evidence-based teaching strategies, and professional growth support.
Pros: Builds reflection, mentoring, and leadership—key for AO portfolio evidence.
Cons: Less focus on QTS routes specifically.
Best for: Teachers improving pedagogy before assessment.

Chartered College of Teaching

🔗 https://chartered.college/
Purpose: Professional body promoting excellence in teaching and evidence-based practice.
Pros: Offers membership, research library, and CPD certificates.
Cons: Membership fee required.
Best for: Overseas teachers wanting to align practice with UK standards.

TeacherToolkit

🔗 https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/
Purpose: Practical teaching strategies, templates, and reflection tools.
Pros: Classroom-tested, easy to apply for AO evidence.
Cons: Some resources are paid.
Best for: Trainees building AO portfolios and lesson observation evidence.

🌍 Support Networks & Associations

NASUWT – Overseas Trained Teachers Advice

🔗 https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/advice/overseas-trained-teachers.html
Purpose: Employment rights, visa advice, and teaching conditions for overseas teachers.
Pros: Trusted union-backed information; legal and pastoral support.
Cons: Union membership recommended for full access.
Best for: Teachers newly arrived in the UK workforce.

National Education Union (NEU)

🔗 https://neu.org.uk/advice/classroom/employment-overseas-trained-teachers-ott
Purpose: Policy guidance, induction advice, and support networks.
Pros: Strong advocacy for overseas-trained teachers.
Cons: Requires active membership for deeper guidance.
Best for: Overseas teachers in early UK employment stages.

Education Support

🔗 https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/
Purpose: Mental health and wellbeing charity for educators.
Pros: Free helpline and wellbeing resources.
Cons: No visa or QTS-specific help.
Best for: AO applicants balancing stress and workload.

🧰 Portfolio Building & Teaching Practice Tools

TES Resources

🔗 https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources
Purpose: UK lesson plans, classroom materials, and templates.
Pros: High-quality, curriculum-aligned content for evidence.
Cons: Some paid content.
Best for: Creating AO portfolio lesson evidence and observation artefacts.

The Education Hub (DfE Blog)

🔗 https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/
Purpose: Official blog for policy updates, teacher stories, and reforms.
Pros: Keeps applicants current with changes to QTS and recruitment.
Cons: Broad focus, not AO-specific.
Best for: Staying updated on teaching policy and QTS reforms.

Teacher Training UK – AO QTS Support

🔗 https://www.teachertraininguk.org/
Purpose: DfE-accredited AO and training provider with practical guides.
Pros: Clear step-by-step AO process; includes support templates.
Cons: Competitive entry requirements.
Best for: Experienced overseas teachers working in UK schools.

eQualitas

🔗 https://www.equalitas.co.uk/assessment-only-qts/
Purpose: DfE-accredited AO QTS provider with detailed documentation guidance.
Pros: Transparent, flexible assessment pathway.
Cons: Requires substantial prior experience and full-time UK employment.
Best for: Seasoned teachers seeking straightforward AO assessment.

🛂 Visas, Relocation & Recruitment

GOV.UK – Skilled Worker Visa for Teachers

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Purpose: Explains visa routes for overseas teachers working in England.
Pros: Official source; includes sponsorship and job eligibility.
Cons: Complex and time-consuming to navigate.
Best for: Overseas teachers needing sponsorship while completing AO.

Teach in England – Recruitment Guide

🔗 https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/non-uk-teachers/teach-in-england-if-you-trained-overseas
Purpose: Government advice for overseas teachers on relocation and teaching employment.
Pros: Includes step-by-step onboarding to the UK system.
Cons: Less detail on AO process itself.
Best for: Teachers newly entering the UK job market.

Teaching Vacancies (DfE Job Board)

🔗 https://teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/
Purpose: Free government job board for teaching positions in England.
Pros: Lists schools open to visa sponsorship and AO opportunities.
Cons: Some listings lack full detail on sponsorship.
Best for: Teachers seeking UK roles compatible with AO assessment.