What is QTLS? Is it Beneficial?

QTLS stands for Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills. It is not a course, but a professional status specifically for teachers within the further education sector. To gain QTLS you must have achieved a relevant qualification (for example the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills), and passed through a 6 month probationary period once you have applied. QTLS is maintained through membership with Society for Education and Training (SET). Achieving QTLS status shows to others that you are dedicated to your progression within the further education sector and committed to excellence.

As QTLS has been designed for teachers in further education, it is not particularly relevant to those who teach in primary or secondary education with under 14s (although some schools may accept it at their discretion in certain circumstances, such as teaching a vocational qualification within a school). For those teaching under 14s, QTS status will be much more relevant.

QTLS holders who maintain their professional status through SET membership, will also be issued with a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) and can appear on the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) central record of qualified teachers.

Other eligibility requirements for obtaining QTLS status, besides being a member of SET, include:

• Be employed in FE teaching a group of 14+ students
• Must be teaching groups of five or more for a minimum of 230 hours over six months during the professional formation period
• Have identified a suitable qualified supporter
• Hold an eligible Further Education and Skills teaching qualification at Level 5 or above.
• Hold accepted Level 2 English and Level 2 maths qualifications.
• Hold a Level 3+ qualification in subjects that you teach for five or more hours per week.