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Assessment Only

The Assessment Only (AO) route

The Assessment Only (AO) route is a self-funded route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) that does not require a period of training.  It is suitable for very experienced graduate practitioners from UK or overseas who have taught in at least two schools in the UK but do not have QTS. Candidates will need to demonstrate that they are able to meet all the standards for QTS without further training.

The AO is a route to QTS only.  Candidates who have withdrawn from, failed or been turned down for other QTS routes will not normally be considered for the AO route.

How long should the AO process take?

Once accepted candidates are expected to qualify in 12 weeks.