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July 23, 20268 min read
If you're looking to teach in further education or adult learning settings, Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills(QTLS) could be the stepping stone you need. This professional status is designed for those who want to establish a credible, long-term teaching career beyond the traditional school environment.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about QTLS, from its meaning and requirements to how it differs from QTS and the application process. Whether you're new to teaching or looking to elevate your qualifications, this guide will help you navigate your journey to QTLS status.
Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills is a nationally recognised status for individuals teaching learners aged 16 and above in further education, adult education, and workplace training environments.
QTLS is often a requirement for roles in:
Further education colleges
Independent training providers
Sixth-form colleges
Adult and community learning
Work-based learning organisations
QTLS is awarded by the Society for Education and Training (SET) and is designed to demonstrate your ability to meet the professional standards required for teaching and learning in this specific area. QTLS provides a pathway to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for those working in further education, but it is distinct in focus.
Holding QTLS demonstrates that you meet the national professional standards for teaching and learning, significantly boosting your employability, professional credibility, and access to better career opportunities within the education sector.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the qualification required to teach in state-maintained schools in the UK, including primary and secondary schools. It ensures that teachers meet professional standards and have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach effectively. Earning QTS is essential for becoming a fully qualified teacher and improving your chances of employment, higher pay, and career progression within the education sector.
Understanding the difference between QTLS and QTS is key if you're considering a teaching role in the UK. While both are respected teaching qualifications, they serve different sectors and offer different pathways depending on your career goals.
Here's a clear comparison:
QTS is required for those teaching in primary and secondary schools. It's specifically designed for educators working within the school system.
QTLS is for those working in further education (FE), adult education, and vocational training. This qualification caters to teachers who work in colleges, training providers, and adult learning centres.
To achieve QTS, teachers typically must complete a teacher training programme, such as a PGCE or School Direct, which includes practical classroom experience and assessments.
For QTLS, you need to have a Level 5 teaching qualification (such as a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training) and prove your competency in teaching through a professional development route.
QTS is mandatory for teaching in UK schools, and it's the qualification you'll need to pursue if your career goal is to teach in a school setting.
QTLS recognises professionals working outside the school system and opens career pathways in the further education and vocational sectors. It also allows for equivalence to QTS in terms of teaching status.
QTS is often considered the gold standard for school teachers, and it's recognised across the UK as the qualification for effective classroom teaching.
QTLS is similarly regarded as a mark of professional competence, but it's more specific to the further education sector
QTS allows you to teach across all UK schools, whereas QTLS is typically valid in further education and training settings.
QTLS can sometimes be used as a route to gain QTS, depending on the career path and sector.
To apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status, you must meet a set of eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that applicants have the necessary skills, qualifications, and teaching experience to work effectively in the further education and training sector
Level 5 teaching qualification such as:
You need to be a current member of the Society for Education and Training (SET). Only SET members are eligible to apply for QTLS and access the Professional Formation programme.
English and Maths Qualifications
Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE Grade C/4 or above)
Professional Formation Portfolio
Applicants must complete the Professional Formation process, which is a structured online portfolio and is then assessed by SET, which involves:
Providing evidence of teaching practice
Demonstrating continued professional development (CPD)
Meeting the professional standards for teachers and trainers
Important Note: The Professional Formation process typically takes around 4-6 months, and the application fee is approximately 500, though this may vary
5. Current Teaching Role
You must be actively teaching or have recent experience in a relevant post-16 or further education setting. This ensures your evidence and reflections are grounded in real practice.
Professional Recognition: Gain a status equivalent to QTS, recognised by employers in both further education and maintained schools.
Teacher Reference Number (TRN): Receive an official TRN from the Department for Education for easy qualification verification.
Official DfE Listing: Your name is added to the DfE's list of qualified teachers, boosting your employability.
Career Flexibility: Move between FE colleges, sixth forms, and schools with confidence and recognised credentials.
Start your teaching journey today with Hurak. Whether you're aiming for QTLS or QTS, your journey begins with the proper qualification.
Enrol in the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training- This course is the essential first step to gaining QTLS status and advancing your teaching career in the post-16 sector
Meeting the above requirements is essential for progressing with your QTLS application. Applying for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status is a structured process managed by the Society for Education and Training (SET).
Once awarded, QTLS not only validates your teaching practice but also opens the door to broader teaching opportunities, especially in further education and sometimes even in schools where QTLS is recognised as equivalent to QTS.
Three main routes depending on your background:
Complete a course such as PGCE or School Direct
The course includes school placements and leads to QTS
For experienced teachers without formal training
Provide classroom evidence and have your teaching assessed
Apply if you're qualified and experienced abroad
New rules (2023 onwards) allow more countries to qualify
Choosing between QTLS and QTS depends on where, what, and who you want to teach. Here's a quick decision guide to help you identify the most suitable qualification for your teaching career goals:
Your Goal | Qualification | Why It's Right for You |
Teach children in UK schools | QTS | QTS is mandatory for teaching ages 5-16 in state-maintained schools in England and Wales. |
Teach adults or vocational learners | QTLS | QTLS is designed for the post-16 sector, including FE, adult, and skills-based training. |
Already have experience but no QTS | Assessment-only route | Ideal if you're experienced and want to fast-track your QTS without going back to training. |
Already teaching in FE | QTLS | Build on your experience and gain a recognised professional status to grow your career. |
Want flexibility + legal parity | QTLS (with school discretion) | QTLS has legal parity with QTS and is accepted in many schools, offering broader options. |
Both QTS and QTLS are highly regarded teaching qualifications, each serving distinct sectors of the education industry. If you aim to teach in the post-16 education or vocational training sectors, QTLS offers the credibility and flexibility you need. On the other hand, QTS remains the benchmark qualification for those pursuing a career in schools. By understanding the key differences, benefits, and requirements of each, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations.
Yes, in maintained schools in England.
Yes. QTLS is legally recognised as equivalent to QTS in state-funded maintained schools in England.
No, a degree isn't required, but a Level 5 teaching qualification is.
It's not legally required for all FE roles, but it is highly valued and often preferred.
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