To obtain QTS there are a number of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) routes available and the best route for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
It is important to start researching your options early since it may well take a year to prepare yourself to enter the teaching profession. Up-to-date knowledge of and some first hand experience in the UK education system as well as good ICT skills are essential. Familiarity with current language teaching methodology will improve your chances of being accepted on an ITT course and an additional language such as French or German will increase your employability once you’ve completed your training.
Already completed teacher training outside the UK?
If you are a qualified teacher from within the European Economic Area (EEA):
EEA nationals who are recognised as qualified school teachers in an EEA member state, may apply for QTS in England without the need for further training. Teachers who gain QTS through this route are exempt from the requirement to serve a statutory induction period. To register and obtain your Teacher Reference number, contact the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) on 0121 345 0140.
If you are an overseas qualified teacher from outside the EEA:
You may work without QTS for exactly four years from the first day you begin work as a teacher. However, you must gain QTS within those four years in order to continue working as a teacher. At the beginning of the four years you will want to ensure that you have UK first degree equivalence and apply for Employment-based Initial Teacher Training (EBITT), such as the Overseas Trained Teacher Programme (OTTP).
