A teacher must have a qualified teacher status before starting a job in a UK school. Typically, they pursue it after graduation, but it would be advantageous to obtain it before a job application. Having a QTS certificate would offer better pay and substantial employment opportunities for aspiring educators. In addition, it would guarantee their qualifications and skills.
This permit proves that a person is qualified to teach in state-maintained schools in England. If you do not have it, then you cannot do this kind of job in government-funded schools. This “passport to teaching” shows that an individual meets the standards set by the Department for Education (DfE).
This article would be ideal for those of you who have a heart for education in general. Getting a QTS certificate is a big step toward becoming a professional teacher in England. Whether you aim for the university route or directly to school, the goal is the same: to show that you are ready to lead a classroom. If teaching is your passion, keep reading!
How do you get your QTS certificate?
The common way is to apply to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). This agency is supervised by the Secretary of State for Education. They assess lecturers to improve their skills and ensure they are ready to teach. Besides giving the assessment, they are also responsible for keeping records of instructors and trainees. They can also take action if there are serious allegations.
When you apply for a QTS certificate, you need to prepare several forms. You will fill in all specific details to pass the eligibility check. The UK government takes child safety and education standards very seriously; that is why they need these documents to verify identity, check criminal background, and test language proficiency if English is not your first language.
There is also an alternative where you can apply for an assessment-only test. An experienced instructor with a degree outside England can obtain this certification without a training programme. The only thing they have to do is perform well in the test. Here are some requirements you must have if you want to pursue this path:
- Minimum two years of teaching experience
- Degree from a local or international university
- Possess qualifications in GCSE Grade 4 or above in Science, Mathematics, and English
- Have worked with two or more school types (e.g., international, state-financed, and others)
- Comprehend English curriculum subjects
Assessment cost
A QTS certificate costs around £1,500 to £4,000. However, it depends on the establishment that provides these credentials. Hence, the best way to know is to gain and check all the information that is available. In some cases, the institution where an aspiring teacher works may pay this fee at the start of the course.
If you are starting out and have zero teaching experience, then you must apply for the standardisation training, too. Typically, it would cost approximately between £8,500 to £9,500 whether in the Great Britain area or via an international programme. This formal training will ensure all teachers receive the same baseline skills and knowledge and meet the national standards.
Is QTS higher than PGCE?
No, the QTS certificate is not higher than the PGCE qualification. They both serve different purposes. Both have the same purpose, which is to present a qualified academic instructor status, but they are the opposite. Hence, it is important for those who want to pursue a career in education to understand these two licences.
Both of these qualifications come with unique benefits that can help individuals build a rewarding career in education. If you are interested in pursuing teaching positions in the UK, then the QTS certificate is important. If you want to broaden your career opportunities, a PGCE will provide you with more theoretical depth. Below, you will find some important differences between these two routes.
Academic level
PGCE stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education. This programme usually lasts one academic year, where the learners will delve deeper into the theory and research of the teaching-learning process. On the contrary, QTS does not have the same course guidelines. It is more focused on professional standards and practical abilities.
Course content
As stated before, the QTS certificate provides a programme on the technical application of teaching skills. PGCE will shape the learners to have a greater emphasis on the academic study of education. Their courses will cover topics like pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum design. Therefore, the teacher will develop every necessity for an effective lesson.
Teaching placements
PGCE combines academic study and extensive classroom practice. Their placements will allow the learners to observe experienced instructors, plan and deliver lessons, and manage diverse classrooms. On the other hand, QTS placement develops the professional’s readiness to teach in real settings based on their practical competence.
Employment prospects
The QTS certificate is a minimum requirement for individuals who want to teach in state schools. The employers will view this licence as a baseline credential to know that a person is competent to do their job. The main aspect they will consider is how these teachers manage a classroom and deliver the curriculum. Nevertheless, those with a PGCE qualification will also attract employers because they:
- Hold strong theories and knowledge of how students learn
- Possess skills in curriculum development and assessment
- Capable of taking additional roles (e.g., mentoring, leadership, etc.)
Costs and funding
One major advantage of PGCE programmes is that they come with generous funding opportunities. Government bursaries, scholarships, and student loans make it easy for aspiring educators to pursue this path. Meanwhile, the QTS certificate has fewer formal funding schemes available because they are more practical and often shorter.
QTLS explained
QLTS is an acronym for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills. This licence is for teachers who are interested in teaching at the sixth form level and above. Some academic institutions require an individual to hold QTLS along with other licences. The reason is that they want to know if a teacher has evidence to improve their competence for further education settings.
Compared to the QTS certificate, QLTS has relatively few requirements. In addition, they only need a significant amount of experience in the education industry. By having a lot of experience and evidence, a teacher presents their value and increases their chances of securing a role. For this reason, most people want to achieve the QTLS.
The classroom awaits you to teach the future generations
In conclusion, all people play their part in ensuring the educational prospects of a country. It is important because the fate of a society depends on future generations. That is why the United Kingdom has an extremely high standard when it comes to lecturers. These skilled people must meet the national standards and relevant competencies through the QTS certificate.
If you want to contribute while thriving in the education system, the College of Contract Management offers you a Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Educational Management and Leadership. Through this programme, you will empower yourself to shape and enhance the learning experiences of students and educators. The class is calling for your skills, so enrol now!
