QTS UK
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via University of Sunderland (through ICD)
ICD is the University of Sunderland's local partner in Pakistan for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) — a UK teaching credential recognised internationally. Sunderland offers two separate routes to QTS: the Assessment Only Route, for teachers who already meet the required teaching standards, and the PGCE iQTS, a full postgraduate qualification for those who don't yet, or who want the academic credential alongside it.
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Quick Facts
Awarding Body
University of Sunderland (UK) — recommends successful candidates to the UK Department for Education (DfE) for QTS
Study Mode
AO Route: no coursework, assessed in your own school. PGCE iQTS: distance learning with a supervised teaching placement
Local Partner
ICD — Sunderland's official partner in Pakistan for both QTS routes
Assessment
AO Route: portfolio of evidence against the Teachers' Standards. PGCE iQTS: written assignments, portfolio, and observed teaching
Certification
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), awarded by the UK DfE. PGCE iQTS also awards a postgraduate degree
Duration
AO Route: 10–12 weeks. PGCE iQTS: 36 weeks
Route Comparison
Assessment Only (AO) Route
PGCE iQTS (Distance Learning)
Best for
Experienced teachers who already meet the Teachers' Standards
Teachers wanting a full postgraduate teaching qualification alongside QTS
Format
No taught element — portfolio assessment of your existing practice
Taught distance-learning course with a supervised teaching placement
Duration
10–12 weeks
36 weeks
Experience needed
2+ years teaching whole classes, in 2+ schools
No prior teaching experience required, but a placement school and mentor are
Outcome
QTS only
PGCE (Primary or Secondary) plus QTS, with a pathway into Sunderland's MA Education
Route 1 — Assessment Only (AO) Route
For experienced teachers who can show they already meet the UK's Teachers' Standards through their existing practice — no coursework required.
- No taught element — you're assessed in your current school over 10–12 weeks
- Three intakes a year (around September, January, and April/May)
- Process: application review → interview → assessment period with a University assessor and school mentor → final recommendation for QTS
Entry requirements:
At least 20 years of age
A bachelor's degree or equivalent
GCSE grade C/4 (or equivalent) in maths and English language — plus science if you teach primary (GCSE grade 4 is the UK's "standard pass," equivalent to the old grade C; for O Level students, a grade C or above in the subject meets this)
At least 2 years' experience teaching whole classes, across at least 2 school settings
A current teaching post that continues throughout the assessment period
Currently teaching in a school delivering, or working towards, the English National Curriculum (per ICD's guidance from the Sunderland QTS team)
An Enhanced DBS or overseas police check (from your current country of teaching) and medical clearance
Professional references, plus Fundamental Skills tests in literacy and numeracy
Route 2 — PGCE iQTS (Distance Learning)
A full postgraduate teaching qualification combined with QTS, studied remotely over 36 weeks.
- Four modules: two on teaching practice/theory and two at master's level (including research methods)
- A 120-day teaching placement (in your own school or one you arrange), plus a 10-day second-school experience — a virtual option exists if a second in-person placement isn't possible
- Assessed through written assignments, a portfolio of evidence against the Teachers' Standards, and observed teaching
- Successful graduates can progress into Sunderland's MA International Education or MA Education
Entry requirements:
At least 20 years of age
A bachelor's degree or equivalent, in any subject
GCSE grade C/4 (or equivalent) in maths — plus science if teaching ages 5–11 (equivalent to the old grade C; O Level grade C or above meets this)
A placement school and mentor, approved by the University (your own school if you're already employed, or one you arrange yourself)
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (6.5 Writing, 6.0 Reading/Speaking/Listening) if your first degree wasn't taught in English
A personal statement on your motivation and teaching philosophy
Which Route Is Right for You?
Choose the AO Route if you already have 2+ years of whole-class teaching experience across two schools and want the fastest path to QTS
Choose the PGCE iQTS if you're earlier in your teaching career, don't yet meet the AO Route's experience requirement, or want a full postgraduate qualification alongside QTS
Career Outlook
QTS moves you from unqualified to qualified teacher pay in UK schools, and is widely treated as the benchmark credential for British-curriculum international schools across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. It also supports eligibility for the UK's Skilled Worker visa route.
Indicative UK pay progression: Unqualified ~£22,600 → QTS Main Pay Scale ~£32,916 → Upper Pay Scale ~£42,461 → Inner London £55,000+
Teachers in shortage subjects (Mathematics, Sciences, Computer Science, Modern Languages, SEN) may qualify under the UK's Immigration Salary List for a lower visa salary threshold and reduced visa fees
QTS is DfE-awarded and can support Head of Department, Head of Year, and senior leadership applications internationally
These pay-scale and visa figures can change over time. For the latest figures, please check the UK government's official pages at gov.uk, the University of Sunderland's website, or get in touch with ICD for an update.
FAQs
Does my school need to follow the English National Curriculum for the AO Route?
Sunderland's published course page says no — international schools following their own curriculum are accepted, though you'd need to show how your experience maps to English curriculum expectations. ICD's guidance to applicants, based directly on training from the Sunderland QTS team, has been that applicants should be teaching towards the English National Curriculum. Confirm current guidance with the team, since verbal guidance from the university may have since evolved beyond what's published.
Which route should I choose?
If you already have at least two years of whole-class teaching experience in two schools, the AO Route is faster. If you're earlier in your career, want a full postgraduate qualification, or don't yet meet the AO Route's experience threshold, the PGCE iQTS is the route built for that.
Who actually awards QTS?
The University of Sunderland assesses candidates and recommends them to the UK's Department for Education (DfE), which grants QTS. ICD is Sunderland's local partner supporting applicants in Pakistan through both routes.
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Take the next step in your teaching journey by registering your interest in TKT with ICD. Submit your enquiry online to receive guidance on modules, preparation options, registration, and payment process.
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