If you have an experienced, unqualified teacher working at your school, our assessment only route offers a streamlined and fast-tracked path to achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) supporting individuals and schools in developing and retaining teaching talent in both the Primary and Secondary Phases.
The assessment only route is intended for very experienced graduate teachers without QTS who can demonstrate meeting all of the Teachers’ Standards without the need for further training, and therefore not require a more traditional teacher training route.
Completion
Once recommended for Qualified Teacher Status with the Department for Education, individuals are eligible to take up a post as an Early Career Teacher.
Placements
The Assessment Only route does not offer placements. Candidates should have access to a UK school environment where they can be assessed.
Assessment
Assessments will include lesson observations, a range of evidence to demonstrate the teachers’ standards, and working on a personal development plan over a 12 week period (3 calendar months)
Initial assessment fee £500, final assessment fee £2000, total £2500 plus VAT
The cost can be covered by the candidate or by the school, or in collaboration
A non-refundable charge for an initial assessment visit, and a final payment on completion. The assessment visit fee will be charged prior to the visit, with the remainder of the assessment fee due once the candidate completes.
To discuss the cost of the Assessment Only Route please contact itt@bluecoat.uk.com
Supporting Information
The route allows candidates to show they already meet all the Teachers’ Standards for QTS
There’s no formal training on this route
Our application follows a staged process.
The following guidance indicates candidate suitability for the Assessment Only route
Eligibility Criteria
- Meet the Entry Criteria
- Experience of teaching in two schools6
- Experience of planning and delivering lessons and monitoring pupils for 50% of a standard teaching timetable
- Teaching for a minimum of two years6
- Breadth of experience across chosen age range
- Demonstrate ability to meet all Teachers Standards without further training
- The ability to read effectively and good verbal and written communication skills in Standard English
Entry Criteria3
GCSE standard equivalent1
All
English2 and Maths GCSE (or a standard equivalent4) grade 4 (C)
Primary (5-11)
Science subject GCSE (or a standard equivalent4) grade 4 (C)
Degree
Hold a first degree5 from a UK HEI or equivalent qualification
Evidence of Teaching in Two Schools
Candidates should provide substantial evidence that they have taught in two schools over a period of two years, where they have sole responsibility for planning, assessing and delivering lessons in the age range in which they are to be assessed and across two key stages within their age range;
- Primary 5-11 (KS1 and 2)
- Secondary 11-16 (KS3 and 4)
- Secondary/Post 16 14-19 (KS4 and 5)
Examples of second school experience would include a contrasting setting or different approaches to teaching strategies and curriculum for a minimum of 6 weeks, although additional experience would be beneficial.
For primary teaching of the full curriculum is required including maths, English, phonics, science as well as foundation subjects such as geography, history, art and music. Candidates cannot be primary subject specialist such as PE or music.
Selection Process
Following successful application, the initial interview will take place online/in person.
Candidates will:
- Present evidence that they meet the Teachers’ Standards for QTS
- Be observed teaching as part of the initial assessment
References
-
- From your current employer, supporting the application, using the Bluecoat SCITT reference Form. – signed by your mentor and approved by your current Headteacher
- The second reference should be from your previous school and signed by the Headteacher
- The references must explain
- Why candidate is a suitable applicant for the Assessment Only QTS route (meeting the Teacher Standards)
- That they have significant experience planning and delivering lessons as an unqualified teacher
- Confirmation of the dates worked and the Key Stages covered.
Footnotes
| 1 | Qualifications in key and functional skills tests at level 2 are not equivalent to GCSEs in terms of content. |
| 2 | An equivalent to grade 4 in English language or English literature fulfils this criterion |
| 3 | Intellectual and academic capabilities p7 |
| 4 | ENIC |
| 5 | First degree comprises 300 HE credits (60 Level 6 of QCF) |
| 6 | Not restricted to take place wholly or mainly in England |
13/10/2026 DfE updates noted;
- all applicants are required to have a minimum of 2 years teaching experience
- applicants with 5+ years of teaching experience will be able to access the AO route irrespective of the number of schools they have worked in
- applicants whose teaching experience is mainly in a special school or alternative provision are required to have some mainstream school experience
- applicants must have a written headteacher recommendation (or suitable alternative)
For further information contact itt@bluecoat.uk.com
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
FORM LINK
|
Intake |
Application deadline | References deadline | Initial Assessment Window | Course start date | Final Assessment Window | Exam Board Award of QTS |
| Spring 2027 | 08 January 2027 | 22 January 2027 | 01 – 26 February 2027 | 12 April 2027 | 14 June – 09 July 2027 |
16 July 2027 |