Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status

The Assessment Only (AO) route allows you to achieve QTS while continuing to work in your school setting. As an accredited provider, the University evaluates your existing practice and evidence against the Teachers’ Standards using structured assessment points. You’ll be guided through the process by experienced University assessors, alongside support from a school-based mentor. Assessment takes place in your own classroom, making this route well suited to teachers who are ready to formalise their professional status while employed in a school within our catchment area.

A recognised route to QTS for experienced teachers

The AO route at Herts is delivered in partnership with schools across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and North London boroughs.

To apply, you must be teaching in a school within our partnership area and have the full support of your employing school. You’ll also need to demonstrate competence in English and mathematics, which is evaluated through the University of Hertfordshire Competency Audit. Support and guidance on this audit are available from the Assessment Only Lead.

As part of the AO route, you’ll need a portfolio of evidence and will be observed teaching in your school by experienced University tutors. During the assessment period, your school must ensure you have appropriate opportunities to demonstrate the Teachers’ Standards in practice and provide a mentor to support you. You’ll receive guidance from University assessors and the AO Lead, who will work together to guide you through each stage of the process. A full overview of the Assessment Only route is available to support your understanding of what to expect.

All applicants must meet Department for Education requirements, including a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, compliance with Fitness to Teach regulations and other professional requirements. Further guidance is available on the Department for Education website: Assessment only route to QTS: criteria and supporting advice.

Successful completion of the AO route leads to Qualified Teacher Status. After achieving QTS, you’ll progress into the Early Career Teacher induction period, in line with national requirements.

Entry requirements

You will need to:

• hold a UK honours degree (2:2 or above), or a recognised equivalent qualification;
• have GCSE grade 4 or above in English language / English literature and mathematics;
• for primary teaching, also hold GCSE grade 4 or above in a science subject (equivalent qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis);
• have at least two years’ teaching experience across at least two schools;
• have worked as an unqualified class teacher across two different key stages;
• be currently employed in a school within the area we cover;
• have the full support of your employing school to undertake the Assessment Only route;
• demonstrate competence in English and mathematics;
• prepare a detailed audit of your teaching experience and practice;
• provide evidence of a recent enhanced DBS check, including a check of the children’s Barred List, confirmation of fitness to teach, a prohibition check, and all other safer recruitment.

The application process and guidance

You’ll start by completing an Initial Expression of Interest form, which asks a few short questions about your teaching experience. Please note that this is not an application form, but begins the dialogue about your eligibility and the time frame for your potential application and assessment. Email your completed form to our AO Enquiries team.

The AO Route Lead will then be in touch to review your experience and determine whether you are eligible for the AO route, or whether more experience is required. If you need to do more to meet our entry requirements, you will be advised regarding this, so you know what steps to take next. Once you are eligible and ready for assessment, you’ll be invited to complete our formal application form. You can find further details about preparing your application and the documents required in our application guide.

The assessment process

Once you have made an application, the AO Lead will contact you to arrange the AO briefing and interview which will be undertaken in your school. Following a successful interview, you will be registered for the AO route so assessment can begin.

The assessment period runs for up to 12 calendar weeks but can be completed in less time in some cases. This provides a clear, structured timeframe for completing the AO route, while allowing you to demonstrate the Teachers’ Standards in your school, with the benefit of ongoing support from your school mentor and University assessors during the process. You can read our AO outline of process and costs for further details on how the assessment is structured.

Fees and funding

The total cost for the Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status is £2,750. This fee is paid in two instalments – the first at point of application, and the second after the briefing and interview have been carried out. Please note that there is no funding for the AO route so full costs must be paid by the applicant or their school. You can find full details of AO costs on our fees information page.

Overseas Trained Teachers

The Department for Education has introduced a new route to Qualified Teacher Status for teachers who trained outside the UK. This route allows eligible overseas trained teachers to apply directly for QTS in England, without completing further training.

If you trained to teach overseas, this route may be a more appropriate option than the Assessment Only route, depending on your qualifications and experience.

You can find full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply on the government website.