Answered: What it Takes to Teach in the UK (International Teachers).
There are three ways you can get your QTS qualification to be able to work in the UK as a teacher:
Qualified teacher status (QTS) for England (Application cost is FREE).
iQTS trainee for the UK (Cost is £9,000 to £10,000).
Assessment only route to iQTS (Cost is £2,250 to £2,500).
International teaching assistant Course (Cost is £500 to £2,000)
Qualified teacher status (QTS) for England.
This service is for qualified teachers who are trained to teach outside of England and who achieve qualified teacher status (QTS) to be eligible to teach in English schools. The service allows users to check their eligibility and understand the evidence needed to apply. This service is for qualified teachers who are trained to teach outside of England and want to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in English schools. It will assess the teacher training and experience gained outside of England to decide whether the teacher is qualified to teach in English schools.
Having QTS does not guarantee a job or the right to work in England, and applicants must still apply for a teaching job separately and have the correct visa or status. This service will check eligibility for QTS in England and verify the evidence you provide as part of your application. Applying for QTS is free, and applicants do not need to be in the UK to use the service.
It is unclear precisely how long the process takes to complete the process (from application to certification), but you should expect this to take at least a few weeks.
QTS Requirements:
You must have a teaching qualification that was completed in your home country.
You must have a degree (the degree may include your teaching qualification or a degree in another subject). If it is in another subject, then you will require another certificate (in teaching) to accompany your application.
You must be qualified to teach children aged 11-16 to be eligible for QTS.
One of your certificates must mention one of these subjects below. You'll need to upload your certificate and a transcript showing all the modules you studied and the scores you achieved.
Languages
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Latin
Mandarin
Russian
Spanish
Maths and Science
Maths
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
If you've been teaching consecutively for more than 20 months, then you're well on being awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). In some cases, you may be able to qualify with less than 20 months of experience. However, if this is the case, you'll need to complete a two-year 'statutory induction' period as a newly qualified teacher.
You must be registered as a licensed teacher in your home country and be in good standing with the body.
You must not have any criminal record on your file.
To check if you are eligible, use this link: https://apply-for-qts-in-england.education.gov.uk/eligibility/start
iQTS trainee for the UK.
The Department for Education and the UK government have created the International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS). This iQTS teaching qualification meets the same high standards as English Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), allowing you to teach in schools in the UK.
Trainees who complete this program will obtain iQTS certification, a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), and training without needing to visit the UK physically. This is aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers worldwide. While holders of both iQTS and QTS can teach in English schools, they must complete a mandatory induction period before they can teach in schools where QTS is a legal requirement.
The iQTS training program is divided into two semesters and consists of four core modules. Trainees will complete one taught module, two research-based modules, and a teaching practice module. The teaching methods will include required reading, directed activities, and self-assessments. There will also be online discussion forums and study groups available for trainees. The program will be conducted in the trainees' current school (where they are employed in their home country), with support from a mentor and university staff. The evaluation will be based on written assignments, evidence of teaching standards, and observed teaching.
Trainees will complete the academic part of the program through online learning. Students will also undergo assessed placements in international schools in their home countries.
The PGCE iQTS course incorporates applied teaching theory and practice in three taught modules and one extended teaching practice module that lasts for 120 days. It is designed for primary homeroom teachers (all subjects) and secondary subject specialist teachers. The course is full-time, 36 weeks long, and must be completed in an international setting. Trainees must be working at an international school or have the ability to obtain a placement in one.
During your training, a second school placement will be required (meaning you will be accessed based on your participation in two separate schools).
Two of the research-based modules are taught at a master's level. Successful graduates can go on to Stage 2 of the MA International Education or MA Education, both available as distance learning or in-classroom courses.
iQTS Trainee Requirements.
To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
The successful applicant must have a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, from a UK or non-UK University.
A strong personal statement must also be submitted as part of the application.
You must demonstrate that you have achieved a standard equivalent to grade 4 in GCSE mathematics and a GCSE science subject (biology, chemistry or physics).
For those with a first degree, you must provide a letter showing that the degree was studied in the medium of English,
Some applicants will require a minimum academic IELTS band score of 6.5, with 6.5 in writing and no less than 6 in Reading, Speaking and Listening.
In addition, the trainee must find a placement school that provides a teaching experience for a total of 120 days, 10 days of which should be in a second school placement setting with a suitably qualified mentor (must be approved by the University).
Lastly, two references and police checks must be provided.
Universities to Consider for your iQTS Trainee Program.
The University of Sunderland is one of six approved UK providers for the iQTS trainee scheme aimed at creating the next generation of international teachers. The University of Sunderland has been training teachers for over a century, and the iQTS course is guided by experienced tutors. The program costs £9,250 per year, and a £1,000 deposit is required before the course begins.
Comparing institutions offering the iQTS training:
The University of Warwick costs £9,250 for the iQTS training, while the assessment-only option costs £2,500.
At Canterbury Christ Church University, it costs £9,000 for the iQTS training (the assessment-only option cost is currently unavailable).
The University of Derby costs £9,250 for the iQTS training, while the assessment-only option costs £2,300.
At Sheffield Hallam University, it costs £9,250 for the iQTS training (the assessment-only option cost is currently unavailable).
At The University of Birmingham Dubai, it costs AED 60,000 to 63,414 for the iQTS training (the assessment-only option cost is currently unavailable).
The University of Sunderland costs £9,250 for the iQTS training, while the assessment-only option costs £2,000.
Assessment Only Route.
The Assessment Only Route to Qualified Teacher Status (AOR to QTS) is designed for experienced teachers who have taught whole classes for a minimum of two years in two different schools, with significant experience in two key stages within the age ranges of 3-11 (primary), 7-14 (middle), or 11-19 (secondary).
To be eligible, candidates must meet specific criteria, including a minimum of five years of teaching experience in the last ten years and a degree in education or a related subject. The assessment process involves completing an online application form and a professional interview. Upon successful completion of the assessment process, candidates receive iQTS certification and accreditation, enabling them to pursue a teaching career.
The assessment period is a maximum of 12 weeks, and the process begins with registration with the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). Upon meeting the entry requirements, candidates provide evidence of their teaching during the interview, with a final recommendation for QTS involving a reassessment of evidence and an assessment of teaching conducted in the school where they are currently employed.
Upon receiving Qualified Teacher Status, candidates begin a period as an Early Career Teacher (ECT), overseen by their host school and ECT providing body, which includes a personalised programme of professional support and further assessment against core professional standards for teachers. There is no formal teaching on the AOR to QTS course.
The University of Sunderland has these as its requirements to apply for the Assessment Only Route to QTS.
Qualifications:
An honours degree with a grade of 2:2 or above.
GCSE grade C or equivalent in mathematics and English language. If you intend to teach at the primary level, you also need at least a grade C in a science subject.
Full proficiency in the English language.
Experience:
Recent significant experience teaching in at least two schools.
Teaching experience across two key stages in your chosen age range: either 3-11 (primary), 7-14 (middle), or 11-19 (secondary).
Employment:
Be placed at an English National Curriculum school or a school that runs a recognized international curriculum (IB, IPC, Cambridge, etc.).
Credentials
An enhanced check from the Disclosure and Barring Service and Fitness-To-Teach approval or the international equivalent if you are overseas.
References recommending you for the Assessment Only Route from the headteacher/principal of the schools in which you have gained your experience.
Your numeracy and literacy competency will be assessed continuously throughout the course following the DfE’s removal of the Professional Skills Test.
We invite potential candidates to an interview where you present a portfolio of initial evidence that shows clear progress towards meeting the QTS standards.
Assessment Only Route with University of Sunderland: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/short-courses-cpd/assessment-only-route-qts/.
Countries where you can apply for iQTS and QTS.
Most of Europe.
The Americas: Canada, USA, and Jamaica.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
Asia: Hong Kong, India, and Singapore.
Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
The International Teaching Assistant Option.
Some teaching assistant courses allow you to qualify as a teaching assistant. The pay might be less, but it’s worth it to get yourself going in the profession. The program costs between £500 to £2,000.
The International Teaching Assistant (TA) Course is based on the Level 3 NCFE CACHE course and offers three Level 3 qualifications: Award, Certificate and Diploma. The course helps individuals build and develop their skills and knowledge while providing specialist support as they ease into the role. Learners can fit learning around their commitments and get support from a dedicated pathway tutor. TES University has a great TA course that you might want to look at.
Next four session deadlines to register for the course are 17th April 2023, 5th June 2023, 4th September 2023 and 20th October 2023. Course start dates are a week after the application deadline.
To enrol in their International Teaching Assistant course, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
Fluency in both verbal and written English.
Commitment and relevant aptitude that would permit finishing the Level 3 course.
Well-being and physical capability to practice.
Being employed or volunteering in a school in an assistant teaching role before completing the course (Certificate and Diploma only).
Explicit consent of the existing or intended school to support the preparation for the Level 3 qualification and be independently evaluated by NCFE, including selecting a qualified faculty for the part of school mentor (Certificate and Diploma only).
Having gone through and passed the local police screenings applied by the school as part of their Safer Recruitment procedure (Certificate and Diploma only).
To find out more about this course, contact TES University via this link: https://www.tes.com/institute/courses/international-teaching-assistant-course
My advice would be to dig deeper by contacting the relevant agencies and institutions to get a better understanding of each option. Good luck on your journey.
