On 1 December 2022, the Department for Education updated the guidance on recruiting teachers from overseas. This update includes information about the new ‘apply for QTS in England’ service that will see qualified teachers from 9 additional countries being able to apply to the TRA for QTS as of 1 February 2023 and over time this route will be opened up to every country outside the UK. The DfE expect teachers from every country in the world will be able to apply by the end of 2023.
Currently, only teachers who qualified in the following countries and territories are eligible to apply to Teaching Regulation Agency for QTS:
- Australia
- Canada
- the EEA
- Gibraltar
- New Zealand
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- Switzerland
- the USA
From 1 February 2023, teachers who qualified in the following 9 countries will also be able to apply to TRA for QTS:
- Ghana
- Hong Kong
- India
- Jamaica
- Nigeria
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Ukraine
- Zimbabwe
From 1 February 2023, teachers from all eligible countries will have to show they meet a consistent set of criteria for the award of QTS. You can find the set criteria list here.
This will ensure all non-UK teachers awarded QTS meet the same high standards, while also increasing opportunities for highly qualified teachers wherever they trained.
The service is now undergoing a testing and improvement process. From 1 February 2023 further information on eligibility and guidance explaining how you can give the DfE evidence of qualifications and experience will become available.
Other routes to QTS for overseas teachers
Teachers who qualified or gained experience overseas can also continue to apply for assessment only QTS.
Teachers working in England under the 4-year rule can apply for assessment only QTS alongside their work in school.
You can check whether an applicant has QTS using ‘Teacher Services’ through DfE Sign-in.
If you need any help or advice, please feel free to give one of our team a call on 01924 827869 or contact us here.
