QTS
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is the professional certification that teachers need to work in state schools in England. Think of it as a teaching license that proves someone is qualified to lead a classroom. Teachers earn this qualification by completing their teacher training and showing they meet certain teaching standards. Without QTS, teachers generally can't be employed as permanent teachers in state-maintained schools in England, though there are some exceptions like private schools or further education colleges.
Examples in Resumes
Achieved QTS through successful completion of PGCE program
Mentored trainee teachers working toward their QTS qualification
Maintained high teaching standards in accordance with QTS requirements
Typical job title: "Qualified Teachers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Qualified Teachers
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Teacher Questions
Q: How do you mentor newly qualified teachers working towards their QTS?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in supporting trainee teachers, understanding of QTS standards, and ability to provide constructive feedback and guidance through the qualification process.
Q: How do you ensure your teaching practice continues to meet and exceed QTS standards?
Expected Answer: Should discuss ongoing professional development, staying current with educational practices, and maintaining evidence of meeting teaching standards.
Mid-Level Teacher Questions
Q: How do you implement the teaching standards in your daily practice?
Expected Answer: Should explain practical examples of meeting teaching standards in lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment strategies.
Q: What evidence do you maintain to demonstrate your ongoing compliance with QTS standards?
Expected Answer: Should discuss maintaining a portfolio of work, lesson plans, student progress data, and professional development activities.
New Teacher Questions
Q: What are the key requirements for achieving QTS?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of the basic requirements including teaching standards, training programs, and assessment criteria.
Q: How are you preparing to meet the teaching standards required for QTS?
Expected Answer: Should discuss their teacher training program, practical teaching experience, and understanding of the standards they need to meet.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (Newly Qualified)
- Basic classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Understanding of teaching standards
- Basic assessment methods
Mid (2-5 years post-QTS)
- Advanced behavior management
- Differentiated teaching strategies
- Parent communication
- Student progress tracking
Senior (5+ years post-QTS)
- Mentoring other teachers
- Curriculum development
- Department leadership
- School improvement planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of UK teaching standards
- Unable to explain classroom management strategies
- Lack of practical teaching experience
- Poor knowledge of safeguarding requirements
- No familiarity with UK curriculum
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Virtual Reality in Certification Exams: How VR is Transforming Specialized Training
Stop Chasing Unicorns: How to Finally Improve Candidate Quality Metrics (and Actually Enjoy Hiring)
Navigating Compliance: Structuring On-the-Job Training in Regulated Industries
