The Assessment Only route – top 5 questions from candidates

We’ve gathered together the top 5 questions from candidates enquiring about the Assessment Only (AO) route with KMT. The Assessment Only route was developed for very experienced teachers who can demonstrate meeting all the standards for QTS without teacher training.

1. Am I eligible for the Assessment Only route?

If you’re an experienced teacher with a degree, and have substantial experience of working in a school, early years, of FE setting, you could gain QTS through the Assessment Only route with KMT.

To be eligible for the route you will need to be an experienced teacher with a Level 6 degree and GCSE C/grade4 equivalent in English, Maths and Science. You also need to be able to present detailed evidence that you are meeting the Teachers’ Standards within one of the following age phases:

• Ages 5 to 11
• Ages 11 to 16
• Ages 11 to 19

In addition, you must have at least 2 years of teaching experience in a minimum of two schools.

2. What counts towards the 2-years teaching experience?

You must have at least 2 years of teaching experience as an unqualified teacher, this does not include working as a Teaching Assistant/HTLA, Cover Supervisor or intervention/small group tuition. Your teaching experience must also include the subject and age covered by the assessment for QTS.

You also need to have experience and evidence of teaching in at least 2 schools, and this can include schools abroad. If you have taught in only 1 school, we can support you to do a short teaching placement in another school.

3. What does the AO programme involve?

A KMT assessor will visit you at your school to observe you and prepare you for the final assessment, which will be carried out by a separate member of the KMT AO team. You will need to gather detailed evidence that you are meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and this includes observations by your school mentor and professional tutor, as well as some reflective practice tasks set by us.

4. How and when do I apply for the Assessment Only route?

If you are working as an unqualified teacher in a UK school, then your school can apply directly to us on your behalf. The application and assessment process is a partnership between the KMT, your school and yourself.

There is no application window or deadline, and you can apply directly to KMT at any time throughout the academic year.

The first step in the process is to fill out the contact form and we will be in touch to arrange a short remote meeting to discuss the next steps and to give you can opportunity to ask any questions you may have. It would be useful for the Professional Tutor/Mentor in your school to attend this meeting too.

5. How much does the Assessment Only route cost and can I access bursaries and student loans?

The total cost for the Assessment Only route is £2,500.  

There is no government funding available for the AO route, and all costs must be met by the school or yourself. We are happy to set up payment plan for self-funding candidates.

Where do I start?

Click HERE to start your Assessment Only journey with KMT.