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Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS Status)

What is Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS Status)?

Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) is the badge of professionalism for teachers and trainers in England who teach ages 14+.

It can only be conferred by the Society for Education and Training (SET). It used to be a mandatory process for teachers in post-compulsory education to gain their 'Licence to Practise', but it is now a voluntary process.

It demonstrates your commitment to being a professional teacher in England.
It is a 'status' not a qualification and you need to have achieved at least a level 5 teaching qualification prior to applying.

You must be a member of SET to apply for QTLS. You can find out about eligibility here.

QTLS is recognised, by law, to hold parity with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

This status is suitable for:

  • individuals currently teaching (including those who have just begun teaching) who can meet the practical requirements, including a minimum 230hrs teaching practice log and two observed teaching practice requirements of the status

What is Society of Education and Training (SET)?

The Society for Education and Training (SET) is part of the ETF. You can join to become a member and there are lots of benefits, discounts, groups and CPD activities you can access for free, or which are subsidised. Find out here.

Members should abide by the SET Code of Ethics and Conduct.

If you are a trainee teacher working towards a teaching qualification (level 3 or above) you can join SET free - just click here for details

Programme of Professional Formation:

The QTLS process is comprised of six mandatory core phases.

Starts: August each year

  • Pre Phase: Application

Starts: January each year

  • Phase One: Updates, self-assessment and planning
  • Phase Two: Development activity
  • Phase Three: Critical reflection
  • Phase Four: Sharing with supporter
  • Phase Five: Review and moderation

Teaching Practice

This qualification requires 230 hours on placement with age 14+ (a minimum of 100 hours should be in your specialist subject).

There will be 2 formal teaching practice observations. Each observation must be a minimum of 60 minutes and conducted by your supporter and/or subject specialist mentor.

Assessment

An online portfolio of evidence, including reflective practice, teaching practice log, teaching practice observations and evidence of continuous professional development and teaching knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Three 30-minute professional discussion covering any aspect of the portfolio and professional QTLS practice will be completed with a Supporter.

Entry Requirements

  • You must be teaching in the post-14 sector (a Further Education and Training setting, and in a salaried role) for a minimum of 230 hours over six months, to groups of at least five learners (throughout the QTLS process). Voluntary teaching and tutorial sessions cannot be counted
  • You must hold at least one level 3 subject qualification if you teach five hours per week or less.
  • You must hold at least a level 3 qualification in  all subjects that you teach for five or more hours per week
  • You must have achieved a relevant teaching qualification to at least level 5 (i.e. the Diploma in Education and Training/DTLLS/Cert Ed/PGCE or the Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship or the Diploma in Teaching) prior to your application.
  • You must be a member of SET.
  • You must be able to provide evidence of maths and English to at least level two (level 3 if you teach these subjects).

Application

  1. Check your eligibility
  2. Become a member of the Society for Education and Training.
  3. Members should abide by the SET Code of Ethics and Conduct.
  4. Application to proceed should be completed via the SET Website - Application window opens August.

Certification

  • Learners will achieve the nationally recognised teaching status issued by SET:
  • Qualified Teacher and Learning Skills (QTLS Status).
  • Upon successful completion of QTLS Teachers will be issued with their TRN Number.

Progression

Successful learners can progress to other continuous professional development such as:


Mentoring and Guidance during your QTLS process

The Teacher Coach has developed an informal QTLS Mentoring Group to support those undertaking their Professional Formation.

For just under £15 a month, you can have all your questions answered, and someone to ensure you keep to the timeline of activities.

Joining the WhatsApp Group gives you a community of like-minded individuals and a place to ask all your questions. Alongside this, we deliver three online live virtual sessions:

  • Application (Aug/Sep)
  • The start of your Portfolio (Jan)
  • During the CPD (Apr/May) phase.

Delivery & Prices

Delivery Induction Classroom Days Supported Sessions Recorded Session Feedback / Support Teaching Practice WhatsApp Group
WhatsApp Group 1 hour 3 0 Yes Unlimited (Email) Completed by your Supporter Yes
Teacher Coach Sessions 1 hour 3 3 (1 hour) Yes Unlimited (Virtual / Email) Completed by your Supporter Yes

WhatsApp Group: £149.95 inc VAT

The Teacher Coach Sessions: £299.95 inc VAT

Enrolment

The Teacher Coach mentoring and guidance, during your QTLS process, has been developed to support individuals during their professional formation. QTLS is conferred by the Society for Education and Training (SET) and this support is independent of their professional formation programme.

To start now, and join our WhatsApp Group or Teacher Supported Sessions

Certification & Progression

See above