What is QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)?

QTS shows that a teacher has met the required professional standards. Most people gain it through an accredited initial teacher training programme, and there are separate routes for teachers who trained overseas. After gaining QTS, new teachers in England complete an induction period.

Not every teacher in every setting must hold QTS. Maintained schools generally require it for teaching roles, but academies, independent schools and many alternative provision providers can set their own requirements. Some roles, such as SENCo in an English mainstream school, do need a qualified teacher.

England and Wales

QTS awarded in England is recognised in Wales if the teacher trained at an accredited institution in England, and QTS awarded in Wales by the EWC is recognised in England. To work as a school teacher in Wales, a teacher also needs to be registered with the EWC. Teachers who trained in Scotland or Northern Ireland usually need to apply for QTS to teach in maintained schools in England.

Why it matters for your setting

• Commissioners and parents often ask how many of your teaching staff are qualified.
• Checking QTS, and any prohibitions, is part of safer recruitment.
• Recording qualifications makes your single central record easier to keep accurate.

How PupilDB helps

PupilDB stores each staff member’s TRN and EWC number, which you can use to check their teacher record and qualifications.