Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills: applications open for January 2025 cohort

Applications are now open for the next Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) programme cohort.  

Designed for teachers and trainers working with post-14 learners in Further Education (FE) and Skills settings, QTLS is a recognised professional status gained after successfully completing a six-month period of professional development based on the Education and Training Foundation’s Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers. Once achieved, QTLS status is maintained through continued membership of the Society for Education and Training (SET).   

The current QTLS application window is open from Monday 12 August until Thursday 24 October, with successful applicants starting the programme in January 2025.   

Each year, eligibility criteria are reviewed to ensure QTLS continues to meet the needs of practitioners and the sector. This year’s changes strengthen the professional route for FE and Skills teachers and trainers, while teachers in schools should undertake QTS or the new teaching apprenticeship launching this autumn. In exceptional circumstances, individuals working in a school but teaching a technical subject to post-14 learners, or maths and English to post-16 learners, may be eligible for QTLS if they meet all other eligibility criteria. If you are considering embarking on QTLS, or recommending it as a development programme for your staff, please read this year’s updated eligibility criteria in full.  

Paul Smith, Head of Quality and Standards, said: “The QTLS professional formation programme is widely recognised throughout the FE and Skills sector as a badge of professionalism for early career teachers and trainers. It provides participants with the opportunity to examine their practice against the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers, identifying areas for development, over a six-month period. Since its launch in 2008, more than 27,000 FE and Skills professionals have achieved QTLS, and we look forward to welcoming and supporting the next cohort.”    

Lee Norton, Foundation Skills Tutor at Adult Learning, Norfolk County Council, shared their experience of undertaking QTLS and how it developed their teaching. Lee said “Unlike a formal qualification, QTLS offers free choice regarding what areas you decide to develop, so long as they fall within the Professional Standards. Once I knew what I wanted to work on, [...] I found the experience to be very motivating and was surprised at how much I enjoyed developing my practice in areas which I found challenging”.  

Please visit the QTLS webpage for further information including details of the application process, programme fees and full eligibility criteria.