Qualified Teacher Status

by
EducationUK Post-Exit Guidance Notes [2020]

Applying for qualified teacher status (QTS) from 1 January 2021

How to get qualified teacher status to teach in England if you’re from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Published 3 October 2019
From:
Department for Education and Teaching Regulation Agency

New rules for January 2021

The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end this year.

This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It will be updated if anything changes.

For current information, read: Qualified teacher status (QTS): qualify to teach in England

You can also read about the transition period.

Applies to:
England

You must have qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in England if you’re from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Apply for QTS

If you’re already recognised in an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, and you have applied for QTS recognition before 1 January 2021, then you’ll be able to continue your application under the previous system as far as possible.

To apply for QTS from 1 January 2021, you will need to:

  • show you obtained your professional training mainly within the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
  • show your teaching qualification is recognised or required by a competent authority within the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
  • provide a letter of professional standing from a competent authority, or other relevant body, in the EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, where you’re recognised – the letter should:
    • confirm that you’re recognised as a qualified teacher in that EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
    • show you’re not subject to any restrictions
    • be dated within 3 months prior to application

Teachers who are nationals from an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, and are only qualified to teach pupils with special educational needs and disability (SEND), will not be able to apply for partial QTS from 1 January 2021.