Introduction to the Assessment Only (AO) route to QTS
The Assessment Only route is designed for those teaching in school who are eligible to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) without undertaking an Initial Teacher Training programme. The Assessment Only route allows teachers to demonstrate that they already meet all the Teachers’ Standards, without the need for any further training. Teachers present detailed evidence, and this evidence and their teaching are assessed in a school by an accredited and approved provider (The Cambridge Partnership).
The Cambridge Partnership welcomes applicants for this route who:
- Are graduates with a first degree of a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification
- Hold GCSEs in English and mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent (and for those who wish to be assessed for teaching pupils aged 3-11, additionally have a grade 4/C in a science GCSE)
- Have considerable experience of teaching (typically, equivalent to two or more years full time)
- Will be employed in a teaching role for the duration of the assessment period at a school where they can meet the full requirements of the Teachers’ Standards
- Are in a school that will fully support them through the application and assessment process
- Have been assessed by their school to be highly competent classroom teachers
This online guidance aims to provide the information needed for all partners involved with the AO route to QTS and will be updated regularly to incorporate any recent changes in procedure. If using a copy or printed version of the information, please check that it is the most recent version. Should there be any discrepancy between a printed version and the online version, the online version takes precedence.
The Assessment Only programme does not include any training, but constitutes only assessment against the Teachers’ Standards. The assessment is based on the details supplied by the school and applicant in the application process, formal observation of teaching, interviews with the applicant and key personnel within the school, and review of an applicant’s portfolio of evidence.
For further information or support, please contact:
The Cambridge Partnership Swavesey Village College Gibraltar Lane Swavesey Cambridgeshire CB24 4RS Telephone: 01487 833707 Email: info@thecambridgepartnership.co.uk
We look forward to hearing from you either to enquire about or to apply for the Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status.
