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QTS standards and ITT requirements

The qualified teacher status (QTS) standards and initial teacher training (ITT) requirements, that apply to all ITT programmes, are imposed by the Secretary of State under the Education (School Teachers' Qualifications) (England) Regulations 2003, made under sections 132, 145 and 210 of the Education Act 2002. They set out:

  • the Secretary of State's standards, which must be met by trainee teachers before they can be awarded QTS, and 
  • the requirements for training providers and those who make recommendations for the award of QTS.

Only those trainee teachers who have met all of the standards can be awarded QTS. These standards are relevant to anyone involved in ITT – trainee teachers, teacher training providers, qualified teachers and those who employ and support newly qualified teachers.

Guidance to accompany the current QTS standards and ITT requirements is available for training providers and trainee teachers.

The framework of professional standards for teachers is currently under review.

A new set of teachers' standards (PDF, 536KB) has been approved by the Secretary of State, and will replace the existing QTS and core standards with effect from 1 September 2012. All ITT providers will need to ensure that all trainees who complete their training on or after 1 September 2012 are assessed against the standards that are in place at the time of assessment. This arrangement replaces all prior transitional arrangements.

Enquiries relating to the new teachers' standards (effective from September 2012) can be addressed to TeacherStandards@tda.gov.uk

Recently updated guidance

 Standard/Requirement Month updated
QTS standards guidance - Q14 - resources - phonics information December 2011
ITT requirements guidance - R1.4 - scope - 10th and 11th paragraphs November 2011
ITT requirements guidance - R1.4 - scope - sharing CRB check information  October 2011
ITT requirements guidance - R1.4 - scope - CRB checks for existing staff July 2011
ITT requirements - R1.3 - further information - updated equality information June 2011

View a full list of updated guidance

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