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Assessment Only route leading to Qualified Teacher Status (Secondary) at Kingston University - UCAS

Kingston University

Degree level: Postgraduate

Assessment Only route leading to Qualified Teacher Status (Secondary) (Taught)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston University is an accredited and approved provider of the Assessment Only (AO) route into teaching and works with a number of partnership schools across the South East region.
  • This route recognises highly competent teaching staff who do not have Qualified Teacher Status and actively promotes high levels of diversity and equality for those wanting to join the teaching profession.
  • Portfolio tasks will be based on your classroom practice, encouraging you to engage with current research and evidence-based learning, so that you can improve your knowledge, skills and understanding to have a positive impact on your pupils' progress.
About this course If you already have at least two years' teaching experience, and a first degree, this is the perfect route for you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) without the need for further training. The route is ideal if you are an unqualified teacher with appropriate educational qualifications and experience. You will need to have worked across two consecutive age phases, and be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient range and breadth of experience to fully meet the Teachers' Standards by your final assessment point. The assessment period is up to 12 weeks depending on the individual. After gaining your recommendation for QTS, you will need to complete an induction Early Career Teacher (ECT) programme at your employing school. You will also need to have a school or setting mentor so that you can be supported throughout the duration of the assessment only route. Whilst this is not a taught course, the portfolio has been designed to help you to develop your understanding of teaching and learning, in line with your own appraisal or developmental targets. The Assessment Only route is not a training programme and is only available for unqualified teachers with appropriate educational qualifications and experience. The route allows you to demonstrate that you already meet all of the standards for QTS without the need for any further training. You will need to present a detailed portfolio of evidence, complete appropriate pre-selection checks and undertake an online interview in order to be selected for this route. Subjects offered: Primary - early years (ages 3-7) Primary - general (ages 5-11) Any secondary subject Note: If you have gained your teaching qualification from one of the countries listed below, you may be recognised as a qualified teacher so may not need to undertake the AO route. You will need to apply to the Department for Education for the award of QTS.
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Secondary

Entry requirements

You need to have taught at a minimum of two schools. Typical offer A first degree from a UK higher education institution, or equivalent qualification. For secondary, your degree must be at least 50% in the subject you wish to teach. GCSE English and mathematics (plus science for primary) at grade 4 or above (C or above for examinations taken before 2017). If you do not have GCSEs in English, mathematics and science, we are happy for you to take your tests externally via ET Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency. Extensive teaching experience in two or more schools (the applicant must currently be employed at a school) across two consecutive age ranges within the primary or secondary phase. This should include some experience in a mainstream UK state school: 3–7 yrs 5–11 yrs 11–16 yrs 14–19 yrs Satisfactory Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced disclosure and occupational health checks undertaken by the school as necessary.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £3000 Whole course
Northern Ireland £3000 Whole course
Scotland £3000 Whole course
Wales £3000 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Visit website for details. Please note, this programme is not eligible for Student Finance.
Assessment Only route leading to Qualified Teacher Status (Secondary) at Kingston University - UCAS