QTLS vs QTS: Which Professional Status is Best for Teachers in the UK?
So you’ve decided to become a teacher in the UK – that’s fantastic! But before you dive into lesson plans and classroom management, you’ll need to consider which professional qualification is best for your career goals: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS).
What is QTS?
Qualified Teacher Status is the golden ticket for teaching in state-funded schools in England. It ensures you meet the government’s standards for teachers.
How to get QTS?
Here’s how to get your QTS in the UK:
- Choose your path: Decide if you want to teach primary or secondary school and potentially a specific subject.
- Find an ITT program: Research and apply to an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) program offered by a university or college that aligns with your chosen path.
- Complete the program: Participate in classroom placements, and theoretical learning modules, and meet the Teachers’ Standards throughout the program.
- Pass Assessments: Successfully complete any required assessments as part of the ITT program.
- Obtain QTS: Upon successful program completion, you’ll be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), allowing you to teach in state-funded schools.
What is QTLS?
While QTS focuses on schools, QTLS caters to the post-16 education and training sector. This includes colleges, adult education centers, and other institutions offering training beyond secondary school.
How to get QTLS?
Getting QTLS involves a two-step process:
Complete a Teaching Qualification:
- Enrol in a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET), previously known as DTLLS. These programs are offered by various training providers and can be completed online with flexible schedules.
Undergo QTLS Professional Formation:
- Once you have your DET qualification, apply for QTLS professional formation through the Society for Education and Training (SET).
- This process involves demonstrating your teaching skills and knowledge through a portfolio and potentially observed teaching practice.
QTLS vs QTS: Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
| Feature | QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) | QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | State-funded primary and secondary schools | Further Education (FE) and Skills sector (colleges, training providers etc.) |
| Awarding Body | Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) | Society for Education and Training (SET) |
| Pathway to Qualification | Completion of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) program | Completion of a Level 5 teaching qualification (e.g., DTLLS) followed by successful QTLS professional formation |
| Focus | Core teaching skills for children (primary) or specific subjects (secondary) | Teaching and training skills for adults (16+) |
| Salary | Generally has a national minimum entry level salary scale of £30,000.
Inner London: Potentially exceeding £56,000 per year Rest of the UK: Up to £46,525 on the main pay scale ( Source: Reed UK) |
Salary varies depending on employer, experience, and negotiation
Lower end: £25,000 - £30,000 per year Higher end: Up to £45,000 per year ( Source: Reed UK) |
| International Recognition | Recognized within the UK and some other countrie | Primarily recognized within the UK FE and Skills sector |
Is QTLS the Same as QTS?
No, although both are respected qualifications, they cater to different sectors. QTS is for schools, while QTLS is for further education.
Have a look at these QTS and QTLS career path courses that will help you to reach your goal.
5 Major benefits of both QTS and QTLS qualification in the UK
If you have the question in your mind ‘’Is QTLS Worth It?’’ or ‘’ Is QTLS better?’’. Here’s the answer in the following:
Authorisation to Teach in the UK: Acquiring any of these qualifications means you have the necessary skills & knowledge to teach children effectively in the schools of the UK.
Enhanced Career Prospects: Opens a wider range of opportunities for you in the UK education sector. Which will help you to get promotions, comparatively higher salaries, and leadership roles.
Stronger Job Security: QTS and QTLS qualifications boost your job security in the UK.
International Recognition: QTS is now world-wide recognized, allowing you to get better job opportunities outside of the UK too. However, QTLS is recognized nationally in the entire UK.
Continual Professional Development: QTS and QTLS both focus on ongoing professional development. So, it ensures that you as a teacher are familiar with and adapted to the latest teaching techniques and curriculum updates.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Carefully consider your career aspirations. Do you dream of inspiring young minds in a school setting, or do you see yourself facilitating learning for adults in a college or training program?
Once you know your ideal environment, choosing between QTS and QTLS becomes a clear path towards a rewarding teaching career in the UK.
I hope you found this guide helpful in navigating the differences between QTS and QTLS qualifications for UK teaching careers. Understanding these pathways can help you make informed career choices, whether you’re new to teaching or looking to expand your qualifications. If you’re ready to pursue or advance your teaching journey, visit The Teachers Training to explore expert-led courses that support your goals in education. We’re here to help you thrive in the classroom and beyond!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
To become a teacher in the UK, you need a bachelor’s degree and a recognised teaching qualification, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Additionally, candidates must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure they are suitable to work with children.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a certification required to teach in most state schools in England and Wales. It confirms that a teacher has met professional standards for teaching. Having QTS is crucial for those seeking teaching positions in UK state schools, as it is often a mandatory requirement.
There are multiple teacher training routes in the UK, including university-led training (such as a PGCE), school-led training (like School Direct and Teach First), and apprenticeships. Each route has different entry requirements and caters to various learning styles, providing options to suit different career goals and backgrounds.
Teacher training in the UK typically takes one academic year (about 9 months) for a full-time PGCE programme. However, school-based programmes and part-time courses may extend to 1-2 years, depending on the structure and pace of the course.
Yes, international students can apply for teacher training programmes in the UK. They must have a recognised degree, demonstrate proficiency in English, and meet specific visa requirements to study and complete their training in the UK.
A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is an academic qualification that includes pedagogical theory and practice, while QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is a certification indicating a teacher meets the required standards to teach in UK state schools. Many PGCE courses include QTS, but it is essential to confirm this with your chosen provider.
Yes, teachers with QTLS can teach in primary and secondary schools in England. Since 2012, QTLS holders have been recognized as equivalent to QTS in maintained schools, giving them the flexibility to work across different education sectors.
The alternative to QTS is the Assessment Only (AO) route, which allows experienced teachers to gain qualified status without additional training.
No, you do not need both qualifications. You can pursue QTS if you plan to teach children in schools, or QTLS if you want to teach in further education or vocational settings. Both qualifications offer pathways to a teaching career but cater to different sectors.
To earn QTS, it typically takes one year if you follow the postgraduate route, such as a PGCE program. For QTLS, it can take between 6 to 12 months depending on your prior qualifications and the program you enroll in.
QTS does not expire, but maintaining it may require ongoing professional development depending on your role and location.
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