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Ripley ITT

Assessment Only

An opportunity for experienced unqualified teachers to work towards QTS within 6-12 weeks.

Explore our Assessment Only route

Summary – Assessment Only route

The Assessment Only route enables you to gain Qualified Teacher Status whilst working in a school. You must already have experience and be meeting the expectations of the Teachers’ Standards to be able to access this course as it is not a training route. You will be employed as an unqualified teacher for the duration of assessment period which should be no longer than 12-weeks.

Assessment Only provides a fast-track route to Qualified Teacher Status for unqualified teachers providing they are already employed in a school environment. The Assessment Only route considers an individual’s past and present teaching experience and they are potentially able to qualify in a much shorter timeframe than if they were to undertake more conventional teacher training. Candidates also benefit from remaining in paid employment throughout their assessment, with the chance of improved promotion prospects after they have fully qualified, along with an increased salary (qualified teachers typically earn, on average, at least £6000 per year more than their unqualified colleagues).

Which subjects do you offer the Assessment Only route in?
Ripley ITT offers the Assessment Only route in a number of subjects and age ranges:
PRIMARY 11-16 14-19
3-7 years & 5-11 years English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, MFL, Music, Drama, Design and Technology, Religious Studies and PE. Psychology, Business Studies.
What do I need to check before applying for the Assessment Only route?
  • You must be employed as an unqualified teacher (not a HLTA or TA) on a full-time timetable in the age phase for which you wish to be assessed. You should have the responsibility for the outcomes of pupils and be accountable to the headteacher against the Teachers’ Standards.
  • You must have taught as an unqualified teacher full-time for a minimum of two-years. Alongside the school you are employed in, you must have taught in a contrasting school for a minimum of six weeks.
  • You must have had experience of Key Stages 1 & 2 (primary), or Key Stages 3 & 4 (secondary)
  • You must be able to demonstrate experience of working with children and young people from different backgrounds across the ability range in your chosen age ranges.
  • You must be able to demonstrate that you have the suitability to teach in terms of appropriate academic capabilities and personal qualities, a positive attitude, and display professional ethics, morality and integrity.

Qualifications

  • GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and mathematics or an equivalent qualification.
  • Primary only GCSE grade 4/C or above in science or an equivalent qualification.
  • Honours degree in relevant subject.
  • Risk assessment to ensure that you are eligible to complete this route.
  • Significant entry checks including DBS enhanced disclosure check.
  • Submit a medical disclosure to meet the Secretary of State’s requirements for health and capacity to teach.
  • Complete a prohibition check.
What qualification will I gain?
  • You will gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – this is the qualification required to teach in England.
What is the assessment structure?
  • It is important to note that this is not a taught course, input will be through mentoring in your employing school.
  • The duration of the assessment period is between 6-12 weeks in your employing school.
  • The assessor will conduct an initial assessment (4-5 hours) and a final assessment (4-5 hours).
How much does Assessment Only cost?
  • The cost of the Assessment Only Route from September 2024 is £3,000 (all fees must be settled before the candidate is recommended for QTS).
  • The first non-refundable payment of £250 for mandatory enrolment checks is taken prior to initial assessment.  The second payment of £750 is taken at the initial assessment and the remainder is paid at the end of the assessment process. The route can be self-funded or paid by the employing school.
Anything else I need to know?
  • Your school will need to provide a suitable mentor to support your development for the duration of the assessment period.
  • The route is QTS only. Ripley ITT does not award Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), if you are an EYFS teacher please contact Ripley ITT to check eligibility before completing the application.
What are the considerations for the school?
  • Your school will need to provide a suitable mentor to support your development for the duration of the assessment period.
How do I apply?