Course summary
This is an assessment only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), appropriate for very experienced graduates who have more than two years’ successful teaching experience in two or more schools, colleges or settings. Candidates will be able to demonstrate that they are already meeting the Teachers’ Standards, without further training, before the commencement of the Assessment Only process.
The normal duration of the route will be three months, during which candidates will be required to demonstrate that they are meeting the Teachers’ Standards in practice through evidence collected from direct lesson observation and a portfolio of evidence.
Please note that, due to high demand for our Assessment Only route, we are temporarily suspending new applications for both the Primary and Secondary Assessment Only route.
Please use the form below to register your interest in the course and our enquiries team will be in touch once we are accepting applications
Let's get you started...
About this course
Apply for this course
When you're ready to apply, the route you take will depend on your personal circumstances and preferred method of study. Click the relevant button below to start your application journey.
Entry requirements
You will need to have obtained or be predicted to obtain, normally an undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent).
In addition, all students will need to pay £57.20 for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure Barring Service. A successful Enhanced Disclosure is required before commencing the course.
If you have any questions about the entry requirements for this course, please contact our Enquiries team for advice on +44 (0) 1522 583658 or email enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk.
BGU is committed to widening access and participation and we adhere to a strict policy of non-discrimination.
Find out more about the international application process including English Language requirements.
Further information
Click here for important information about this course including additional costs, resources and key policies.
In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).
How you will be taught
What Our Students Say
Discover what life is like at Bishop Grosseteste University from our students.
Support
Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.
We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.
At BGU we have so much support available for our students, the type of support that has won us awards recently in the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2023, such as the Chaplaincy team, the Student Advice team, CELT, BGFutures and representatives at the Students’ Union.

Fees & Finance
A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.
For all applicants, there are full instructions here to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate.
About this route
Please note that, due to high demand for our Assessment Only route, we are temporarily suspending new applications for both the Primary and Secondary Assessment Only route.
This route will enable successful candidates to achieve Qualified Teacher Status. QTS is not only a valuable recognition that a teacher is meeting the Teachers’ Standards but also a pathway to career progression in the teaching profession. Bishop Grosseteste University welcomes, encourages and supports further continuing professional development towards MA Education following the completion of the Assessment Only route.
The Assessment Only route is appropriate for candidates who:
- Hold a first degree or equivalent qualification granted by a United Kingdom institution or an equivalent degree or other qualification granted by a foreign institution.
- Have substantial, successful teaching experience.
- Have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly a grade C) in GCSE English Language and Mathematics.
- Have, in the case of those who intend to teach pupils aged 3-11, achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly a grade C) in a GCSE science subject, in addition to the GCSE English Language and Mathematics.
- Have and can provide evidence of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Candidates are usually supported by a ‘sponsoring’ school in which they are currently working as an unqualified teacher.
The help and guidance offered throughout the assessment only route to achieving QTS was an invaluable part of the whole process! The tutors were available to answer any queries and put my mind at ease when needed. This made the whole experience very positive.
Assessment Only Primary Route
Assessment
Applicants will need to specify the two age ranges they would like to be assessed in. This will be in 2 of the age ranges below
- 3-5
- 5-7
- 7-9
- 9-11
- 11-14
- 14-16
- 16-19
As this is an assessment only process, candidates will be required to provide evidence that the Teachers’ Standards have been met in two age ranges, with experience in at least two settings. If it is determined during the initial screening process that additional experience is needed, we will advise the candidate on how this might be gained prior to the commencement of the three month assessment period.
Contact Us
Fees & Funding
Fees for the Assessment Only route are as follows:
2021-2022 - £2,250*
2022-2023 - £2,500*
*Please note that additional visits, travel and administrative time requested or required may be chargeable at cost.
Related Assessment Only Route to QTS (Primary and Secondary) news

World Religions and Education Research Unit Launch Announced
Events

Teaching Internationally student reflects on time at BGU
International

Aspiring teachers get creative
Study

Local school children study Brayford Pool's natural environment
Outreach

Sports students host nearly 300 local children for rugby megafest
Events

Bishop Grosseteste University celebrates excellent National Student Survey results
Announcements