FE teachers’ assessment-only route to QTS welcomed by IfL

The introduction of an assessment-only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) has been welcomed by the Institute for Learning (IfL).

The move will enable FE teachers with a degree and Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) to quickly advance to QTS, the accreditation for qualified teachers in special and state-maintained schools.

“Mutual recognition of QTLS for gaining QTS is a top priority for IfL members, and the assessment-only route to QTS is an important step towards achieving that,” said IfL’s chief executive Toni Fazaeli.

IfL had responded to a Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) consultation last autumn, recommending a number of additions that have been included in its recently published report. These include recommendations to ensure those carrying out assessments for FE teachers are “sufficiently knowledgeable about the vocational or subject area and the further education context to make judgements”.

Ms Fazaeli added: “IfL sees this as a landmark decision and we are working closely with the TDA at every stage to help ensure that arrangements work for FE teachers.

“Last year, as well as sharing our views with the TDA, IfL also responded to DCSF’s consultation on the enabling legislation for the assessment-only route to QTS; had discussions with senior government officials; and in June gave evidence to the select committee on initial teacher training, focusing on the need for recognition of QTLS for QTS and teaching in schools.

“Mutual recognition of QTLS and QTS was central to the evidence we gave to the Skills Commission, chaired by Sir Mike Tomlinson, in October. IfL has worked hard on this issue, as a key development for our members, and it is heartening to see some progress.”

She ended: “Allowing FE teachers to gain QTS and teach in schools will give young people, wherever they learn, the chance to benefit from learning with expert vocational teachers. It will also give FE and schoolteachers greater opportunities to work together and teach flexibly across school and FE settings to meet the needs of young people.”

Jason Rainbow

(Pictured: IfL chief executive Toni Fazaeli)