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Assessment Only QTS entry requirements

All applicants wishing to undertake the Assessment Only route must meet the following criteria.

  • Hold a UK degree of 2:2 or higher (or equivalent) qualification. Third-class degrees will be considered alongside other application information. International applicants must demonstrate through UK ENIC that their degree is at least equivalent to the 3rd classification.
  • Hold a standard equivalent to grade 4 (formerly a grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics. Applicants to undertake the Assessment Only route in years 3-11 require a GCSE (as above) in a science subject. St Mary's University offers equivalency tests in English, mathematics, and science. St Mary’s accepts equivalence tests from the Equivalence Testing Company, A Star Equivalence, and Birmingham City University.
  • Be employed in a school with considerable experience of whole class teaching.
  • Have a satisfactory DBS record and completed the DfE fitness to teach requirements for employment in schools.
  • Be supported by your school and Headteacher – including the relevant statutory arrangements for the induction of Early Career Teachers. N.B. Should your Headteacher change during your course, an updated statement of support will be required from the new Head.
  • Be working within national frameworks and recognised curricula (e.g. key stages, GCSE, IB, ebacc).
  • Be working in two consecutive age phases.
  • Have taught in at least two schools, early years and/or further education settings with responsibility for continuous planning, teaching, and assessment.
  • Must have experience of teaching across the whole curriculum.
  • Must have achieved GCSE examination in science at grade 4 or above (grade C if taken before 2017) or equivalent. International applicants must demonstrate through UK ENIC that their educational standard is at least equivalent to a grade 4. We offer our own equivalence tests.
  • Must complete a subject knowledge audit.
  • Should hold a degree containing 50% of the subject they wish to teach or demonstrate considerable experience of teaching that subject in key stage four, and a good A-level (or equivalent) in that subject.
  • PE secondary applicants must have achieved GCSE examination in science at level 4(grade C if taken before2017) or equivalent. International applicants must demonstrate through UK ENIC that their educational standard is at least equivalent to a level 4. We offer our own equivalence tests.

Please note: Headteachers must confirm in writing that all original certificates have been seen.