QTS, PGCE or EYTS: which teaching qualifications are right for me?
Those new to teaching will quickly realise that the education world is teeming with acronyms, from training routes to teaching methods. In this blog post, we explain three common acronyms that you may come across in England and Wales and how they differ from each other.
QTS- Qualified Teaching Status
What is QTS?
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a professional qualification awarded by the Department for Education (DfE) when a person can prove that they meet all of the Teachers’ Standards and criteria. QTS is required in England to teach in a state school that is under local authority control and in special schools. It is most commonly gained alongside or as part of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualification, but it can also be awarded on its own.
QTS is recognised in some countries outside of England and Wales, but if you are thinking of teaching abroad once qualified then it is always worth checking with the department for education of a particular country that you intend to teach in.
What are the requirements?
In order gain QTS, you will need to have an undergraduate degree and GCSEs of level 4/grade C or above in Maths and English (you will also need grade C in Science if you plan to teach at a Primary level).
How can I gain QTS?
QTS can be achieved through both school-led and university-led initial teacher training, some of which are explained in this handy infographic.
One route, which is a great way for unqualified teachers to become qualified without leaving the school they know and love, is Tes Institute's Straight to Teaching programme. The course helps you with QTS preparation by creating a personalised, experience based programme, unique to you and your school. Once you meet all of the Teachers’ Standards and have a sufficient amount of teaching experience, you will then arrive at Tes Institute’s Assessment Only route to gain QTS.
If you already have substantial teaching experience and feel that you meet the Teachers’ Standards you can follow the Assessment Only route to gain the qualification, which takes just 12 weeks.
Find out more about Assessment Only
PGCE- Post Graduate Certificate in Education
What is PGCE?
A PGCE is an academic qualification awarded by a Higher Education Institution. It is typically awarded alongside QTS in the UK as the result of teacher training.
A PGCE can be gained through a variety of teacher training routes from University-led teacher training courses and school centred routes like School Direct and SCITTs that partner with a University. This course is available at both primary and secondary levels.
All applications for PGCE programmes are handled by UCAS Teacher Training, although it is usually possible to speak directly to PGCE initial teacher training providers regarding the number of places available and the best ways to apply.
What are the requirements?
There are specific entry requirements for gaining a PGCE that will vary between institutions. Some will require a subject specific degree, whilst other teaching course providers will allow non-specific degrees, particularly for shortage subjects if you complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course as a conditional of an offer.
How do I get a PGCE and who recognises it?
If the teacher training route that you apply for offers a PGCE you will need to undertake a number of additional assignments during your teacher training. It is also worth noting that if you are looking to teach abroad, while a PGCE is usually recognised as a teacher training qualification, as with QTS, it is always worth checking what qualifications they would accept.
EYTS- Early Years Teaching Status
What is EYTS?
Early Years Teaching Status (EYTS) was introduced in 2013 as a pathway to becoming a teacher of children from birth to age five, replacing Early Years Professional Status (EYPS).
What are the requirements?
Early years teachers have to meet the same entry requirements and pass the same professional skills tests as trainee primary school teachers, however, the early years qualification does not incorporate Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). As most primary PGCE or QTS routes generally cover ages three and upwards, EYTS is particularly useful for teachers who want to focus on children in the early stages of their lives.
How do I get EYTS?
There are various EYTS training courses available depending on your circumstances. You can gain your qualification through a School Direct route, as part of an undergraduate degree or as an Assessment Only route for those who already meet the Early Years standards.
Which teacher training route is right for me?
To help you decide between a university-led or school-led approach and find a teacher training route that’s right for you, take a look at our handy routes into teaching guide. If you have any questions about Straight to Teaching to Assessment Only, please contact our course advisors by emailing institute@tesglobal.com .