Assessment Only route leading to Qualified Teacher Status (Primary) Additional Teaching Qualification

Reasons to choose Kingston University
• Kingston University is an accredited and approved provider of the Assessment Only (AO) route into teaching and works with a number of partnership schools across the South East region.



• This route recognises highly competent teaching staff who do not have Qualified Teacher Status and actively promotes high levels of diversity and equality for those wanting to join the teaching profession.



• Portfolio tasks will be based on your classroom practice, encouraging you to engage with current research and evidence-based learning, so that you can improve your knowledge, skills and understanding to have a positive impact on your pupils' progress.



About this course

If you already have at least two years' teaching experience, and a first degree, this is the perfect route for you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) without the need for further training.

The route is ideal if you are an unqualified teacher with appropriate educational qualifications and experience. You will need to have worked across two consecutive age phases, and be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient range and breadth of experience to fully meet the Teachers' Standards by your final assessment point.

The assessment period is up to 12 weeks depending on the individual. After gaining your recommendation for QTS, you will need to complete an induction Early Career Teacher (ECT) programme at your employing school.

You will also need to have a school or setting mentor so that you can be supported throughout the duration of the assessment only route.

Whilst this is not a taught course, the portfolio has been designed to help you to develop your understanding of teaching and learning, in line with your own appraisal or developmental targets.

The Assessment Only route is not a training programme and is only available for unqualified teachers with appropriate educational qualifications and experience. The route allows you to demonstrate that you already meet all of the standards for QTS without the need for any further training. You will need to present a detailed portfolio of evidence, complete appropriate pre-selection checks and undertake an online interview in order to be selected for this route.

Subjects offered:

Primary - early years (ages 3-7)
Primary - general (ages 5-11)
Any secondary subject

Note: If you have gained your teaching qualification from one of the countries listed below, you may be recognised as a qualified teacher so may not need to undertake the AO route. You will need to apply to the Department for Education for the award of QTS.


• USA



• Canada



• Australia



• New Zealand