Qualified Teacher Status

Qualified Teacher Status, or QTS, is required in the United Kingdom to become, and continue being, a teacher.

A candidate must have completed and passed a teacher training course, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a teaching degree (BEd). The General Teaching Council for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland maintain all registrations, as well as issuing QTS certificates, a task previously undertaken by the DfES).

After having being awarded QTS teachers must still pass a year-long induction period – normally their first year of teaching. Those who fail the induction still retain their QTS, but cannot teach in state-run schools.

With QTS a teacher has the right to work in any member state of the European Economic Area (EEC). QTS is also recognised in many other non-EEC countries.