Assessment Only Route to QTS (AOR)

The Assessment Only Route (AOR) to QTS is designed for experienced teachers with a degree, who can demonstrate that they have met all the Teachers Standards but who don’t yet have qualified teacher status (QTS).

It does not include any training and is only suitable for those currently working as an unqualified teacher in a school, with teaching experience in at least two schools.

Who can undertake an AOR

• Candidates who have significant experience working in schools (or equivalent educational settings), as an unqualified teacher but do not possess Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You must be currently employed in a UK school in the North-West of England.
• Overseas Trained Teachers who do not automatically qualify for QTS.
• Experienced FE lecturers who are now working in school and wish to gain QTS.

About the programme

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate that they are a reflective practitioner who has met all of the Teachers’ Standards.  Candidates will be able to demonstrate that they can apply their skills, knowledge and understanding effectively and flexibly in a range of school settings and age phases.

As this is an AOR, there is no formal taught element to the course. Candidates will normally be assessed over the period of the course in the school in which they are employed. Over this period there is an expectation that the employment-based school will provide the candidate with appropriate and effective mentor support. The formal AOR is expected to last no more than three months. Applicants can apply at any point during the academic year.

Entry requirements

Candidates must have:

• Taught in at least two schools, early years or further education settings and be currently employed in a school.
• Experience of teaching children and young people with different backgrounds and abilities across the chosen age ranges.
• The candidate must not have previously failed a QTS programme.

Qualifications

• Grade C/4 GCSE (or equivalent) in English and mathematics. In addition for primary, a science GCSE at Grade C/4 is required.
• A first degree or equivalent qualification, normally at 2:2 or above though this is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Other entry requirements

Candidates must:

• Demonstrate the health and physical capacity to teach.
• Be able to evidence they have met the Fundamental Maths and English Proficiencies.
• Have regard to the ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ statutory guidance and be deemed suitable to work with children through pre-selection checks; DBS and children’s barred list.
• Candidates who have lived or worked outside of the UK must not be subject to a prohibition order issued by the Secretary of State or prohibited to teach in another country of the European Economic Area.

Please note: Candidates are required to provide original GCSE and Degree certificates.

Fees

The fees can be paid by the applicant or the supporting school.

Please note this route cannot be funded through Student Finance England. 

• The pre- stage/stage one of application process costs £625 and this is non-refundable and will not be reimbursed if the provider deems the candidate to be unsuitable for the programme. We therefore recommend that you read the compliance criteria in detail before you make an approach to Bright Futures SCITT.
• Fees can be paid in two instalments or as a one-off payment at the start of the assessment.
• Please note: QTS will not be recommended until the fee is paid in full to Bright Futures SCITT.

To apply for this course, you must first check you have met the eligibility criteria using this document AOR Self Assessment

• After completing the AOR assessment form, and if you are sure you meet the government’s eligibility requirements for this route (as outlined above), please send the completed form to admin@scitt.bright-futures.co.uk .
• Please note, the AOR assessment form is for us to further explore your eligibility and may not result in you being asked to formally apply for the AOR.
• If you meet the entry criteria, you will be sent an application form.