QTLS criteria 2025 updates

The Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status eligibility criteria have been reviewed and updated ahead of the 2026 cohort application window this year.

QTLS is a professional status for teachers and trainers in the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector, gained after successfully completing a six-month period of professional formation and maintained through membership of the Education and Training Foundation's (ETF) professional body, the Society for Education and Training (SET).

All SET members awarded with QTLS status, who maintain this status through SET membership, are issued with a Teacher Reference Number and will appear on both SET’s professional status register and the Department for Education’s (DfE) central record of qualified teachers. 

There are no major eligibility criteria changes to note this year ahead of the 2026 cohort application window opening. Eligibility criteria updates include: 

• An exceptional circumstances option for applicants teaching in FE and Skills settings teaching groups that are typically smaller than five. Please see the details in the link below.

• An extended list of eligible technical subjects for school settings. Please see the details in the link below.

• Updated lists for eligible ITE Qualifications for those who started ITE programmes before, or after, 1 September 2024 due to the introduction of the Diploma in Teaching.

• Updated FAQ documents reflecting the common questions from applications submitted in 2024.

The application window for the 2026 QTLS cohort will open 11 August 2025 and will close 20 October 2025. Due to anticipated volumes applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. 

If you have any questions or require support with your application, please contact us membership@etfoundation.co.uk 

Alternatively, we encourage applicants to join us at one of our free live QTLS webinars where the Standards and Statuses team are on hand to help you. 

24 April 2025 – 4.00pm 
15 May 2025 – 4.00pm 
12 June 2025 – 4.00pm 

Booking details can be found on this link.