Assessment Only
Assessment only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Assessment Only is a work-based pathway to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). There is no training or face-to-face teaching element. The programme is solely an assessment of a range of evidence to support achievement of the Teachers’ Standards.
The AO route is for experienced unqualified teachers without QTS and is designed to meet the AO requirements as specified by the DfE/TRA. The programme is regularly inspected for compliance and included within external moderation samples.
The route is designed to assess the ability of AO candidates to teach across the assessed age range and demonstrate that they have met the Teachers’ Standards. The assessment period does not exceed 12 weeks.
Assessment can take place in an independent, mainstream or special school.
AO candidates recommended for the award of QTS will have been assessed as meeting the Teachers’ Standards for QTS across one of the following age ranges:
| Ages 3 – 11 (primary) | Ages 7 – 14 (middle) | Ages 11 - 18 (secondary) |
|---|---|---|
| Typically, 3 – 7, 3 – 9, 5 – 11 or 7 – 11 | KS2 and specialist subject for 11 - 14 | Typically, 11 – 16 or 11 - 18 |
AO Process and Assessment Timeline
| Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The school and/or candidate makes initial contact to determine if the candidate fulfils the AO requirements. | The AO candidate submits an application accompanied by a reference from the Headteacher. |
The SCITT team evaluate the application form to confirm the candidate's eligibility. |
The candidate gathers the required evidence for the portfolio and engages with a Pre-Entry Discussion. | The candidate completes English and Maths skills tests. | The candidate submits their Evidence Portfolio to the SCITT team to evaluate against the Teachers' Standards. |
| Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 | Step 11 | Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The AO assessor collaborates with the candidate and the school to determine the schedule for the 12-week assessment period. | An interview visit takes place. This includes a lesson observation, interview and meeting with the school representative. | The AO assessor highlights the key targets to meet the Teachers' Standards. | The interim visit takes place, which includes a review of any development areas. Mentor observations and other supporting evidence is reviewed. | The Final Assessment Visit includes a review of outstanding targets and discussion of the Teachers' Standards. ECT targets are agreed. The recommendation of QTS is confirmed. |
QTS is awarded to the candidate.
|
Eligibility
SF SCITT will ensure that the following entry criteria are met before accepting an AO candidate onto the programme:
- All candidates have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C (grade 4) in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics (and science for Key Stage 1 and 2).
- All candidates hold a degree from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification.
- All candidates meet the expectations of SF SCITT at interview:
- Suitability to teach
- Ability to demonstrate meeting all the Teachers’ Standards without the need for any further training
- All candidates have secure subject knowledge and can communicate clearly and accurately in standard English.
- All candidates have taught and been accountable for children’s learning for at least two years (or part-time equivalent).
- Candidates need to have taught in two schools. It is not sufficient for candidates only to have had experience of two schools. Practical teaching experience is not restricted to schools in the UK.
- All candidates have taught children from a variety of backgrounds, abilities and across their chosen age range.
- All candidates have been subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure / pre-employment and safeguarding checks by their employing school.
- All candidates have met the Secretary of State’s requirement for health and physical capacity to teach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should the Assessment Only route take?
The Assessment Only route must be completed within 12 weeks.
Who can apply?
Teachers who wish to gain the award of QTS through the Assessment Only route might include experienced graduate teachers who have two years experience of teaching across two phases or Key Stages and ability settings in at least two school contexts and who are:
- currently teaching in schools but trained to teach overseas
- trained to teach in the further education sector
- teaching in the independent school sector
When to apply?
Applications are accepted throughout the year as this is a rolling route into teaching.
Why must I have taught in a second school setting?
The Department for Education (DfE) requires all candidates to have worked in a minimum of two school settings before applying for the Assessment Only route.
Typically, an applicant with fewer than 2 years’ teaching experience in schools as an unqualified teacher would be unsuitable for the Assessment Only route. Practical teaching experience for the purposes of Assessment Only is not restricted to taking place wholly or mainly in England.
AO Costs
The total fee for Assessment Only (as of 1st September 2025) is £3,000. The £3,000 fee covers the:
- First introduction/advisory meeting
- The interview visit
- The interim visit
- Final Assessment Visit
- And the associated assessment and support you will receive.
How to apply
Applications are made directly to South Farnham SCITT and there is no need to apply through DfE Apply. Our application form can be found below. This contains a very useful eligibility checklist for you to use.