The Assessment Only (AO) route allows experienced teachers to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) without completing a traditional teacher training programme.

To be eligible, candidates must have substantial teaching experience in at least two schools and across two consecutive key stages, either in the primary or secondary phase. This experience must include full responsibility for planning, teaching, and assessing pupils in their chosen age range or subject, and it must demonstrate that they meet all of the Teachers’ Standards.

Applicants must also have taught across two consecutive age phases and be able to provide strong evidence of effective classroom practice.

The AO route is open to those teaching in schools that follow the English National Curriculum, including:

  • State-funded schools
  • Academies and free schools
  • Independent schools
  • Special schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)

As part of the assessment process, CTTC will:

  • Review a portfolio of evidence
  • Observe teaching in the current school setting
  • Conduct interviews with the candidate and school leaders

Safeguarding

CTTC is committed to safeguarding children. All AO candidates must pass rigorous background checks and follow all safeguarding policies in their school, including the Prevent duty.

Fees

(All fees are subject to VAT where applicable)

  • Initial Needs Assessment (INA): £750 (non-refundable)
    This covers the lesson observation, interviews, selection panel and administration.
  • Final Assessment Visit: £750 (non-refundable)
  • Quality Assurance and Awarding of QTS: £1500

Where travel or overnight stays are required, reasonable costs (including subsistence) will be charged in addition to the fees listed above. This applies to candidates whose schools are located more than 30 miles from CTTC.

If you are an experienced teacher looking to gain QTS through recognition of your existing skills, the AO route may be right for you.

FAQs

What experience do I need?

To be eligible for the Assessment Only (AO) route, you must already meet the Teachers’ Standards through prior teaching experience.

You will need to have:

  • Taught in at least two different schools
  • Covered the full age range and subject you wish to be assessed in
  • Taken full responsibility for planning, teaching, and assessing pupils’ learning

Each teaching placement must include a minimum of six weeks in each school.

What qualifications do I need?

You must have:

  • A UK degree (or recognised equivalent)
  • GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in English and maths
  • GCSE science at grade 4/C or above (for primary applicants)

If you have international qualifications, you’ll need a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC. Visit enic.org.uk for details.

Are there other eligibility requirements?

Yes. Candidates must:

  • Have passed a DBS check and other pre-employment safeguarding checks
  • Meet the health and physical capacity to teach as required by the DfE
  • Communicate clearly in spoken and written standard English
  • Demonstrate strong numeracy skills
  • Show the professional values and attitudes expected of a qualified teacher

Can I apply if I work in a specialist setting?

Yes — but only if you have also taught in a mainstream school for at least six weeks across the relevant age range and subject.

Can I apply if I’m not currently working in a school?

You must be employed in a school in a teaching role before you start the AO route.
Your school must:

  • Support your application
  • Sign our CTTC Partnership Agreement
  • Commit to employing you for at least 12 weeks during the assessment

What support does my school need to provide?

Your school must:

  • Assign you a mentor
  • Provide a timetable similar to that of an Early Career Teacher (ECT)
  • Support two full-day assessments at the school, which include:
    • A review of your evidence portfolio
    • A lesson observation
    • Meetings with your mentor and Headteacher

Can I apply if I’ve worked as a TA or cover supervisor?

Probably not.
Experience as a teaching assistant or cover supervisor is unlikely to meet the criteria, as the AO route requires experience with full responsibility for planning, teaching, and assessment.

Can I be assessed overseas?

No.

CTTC is unable to offer overseas assessments — all assessments must take place in schools based in the UK.