Understand what you need for every step of your career journey
QTS is the professional status required to teach in maintained schools in England. There are several routes to achieving QTS:
A one-year postgraduate qualification that provides both academic grounding in education theory and practical classroom training. Most PGCE programmes are combined with QTS, giving you everything you need to begin teaching. Available through universities and some school-led partnerships.
A school-led training programme where you learn on the job in a real school environment. School Direct offers a tuition fee route (with bursaries available for some subjects) and a salaried route for those with existing work experience. You train as part of a school network and gain QTS upon completion.
After gaining QTS, all new teachers must complete a two-year ECT induction programme. This replaces the former NQT year and provides structured support, mentoring, and a reduced timetable to help you develop your practice in the early stages of your teaching career.
National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are fully funded by the Department for Education and designed to support career progression into leadership roles across education.
Designed for middle leaders and those aspiring to middle leadership positions. This 12–18 month programme covers leading teams, managing performance, and driving improvement at department or phase level. Fully funded by the DfE.
For those in or aspiring to senior leadership roles such as Deputy Head or Assistant Head. This 12–18 month programme focuses on whole-school strategy, organisational management, and creating conditions for effective teaching. Fully funded.
The national qualification for those aspiring to become headteachers. This 18-month programme covers school vision, accountability, and leading whole-school improvement. Fully funded.
For those leading or aspiring to lead across multiple schools, such as CEOs and Executive Headteachers. This 18-month programme addresses trust-wide strategy, governance, and system leadership. Fully funded.
The NASENCo is mandatory for all newly appointed SENCos who must complete it within three years of taking up the role. It is a Master's-level qualification that covers the strategic leadership of SEND provision, working with external agencies, and ensuring compliance with the SEND Code of Practice.
A range of Level 3 qualifications are available for teaching assistants and support staff who work with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. These cover areas such as supporting learners with specific needs, understanding autism, and implementing targeted interventions.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status is achieved through a formal assessment process. HLTAs take on more responsibility than standard TAs, including planning and delivering lessons under the direction of a teacher. The assessment demonstrates you meet the national HLTA standards.
Ideal for school office staff and administrators looking to formalise their skills. Covers organisational management, project coordination, communication, and business processes relevant to academy and trust settings.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications are the gold standard for HR professionals. Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is ideal for those new to HR, while Level 5 Associate Diploma suits those progressing into HR management roles.
The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) and Chartered Management Institute (CMI) offer qualifications at various levels for aspiring and current managers. These are valuable for office managers, operations leads, and those moving into trust-level management roles.
All staff working in education settings are required to hold a current Level 2 safeguarding qualification. This covers recognising the signs of abuse and neglect, understanding referral processes, and knowing your responsibilities under Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Designated Safeguarding Leads and deputies must hold Level 3 safeguarding training. This advanced qualification covers managing referrals, inter-agency working, record keeping, and leading the safeguarding culture within a school or trust. DSL training must be refreshed every two years.
