Assessment Only Route
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Assessment Only Route
The Assessment Only Route (AOR) is not a training course. Successful applicants are not students at the University of East London (UEL).
AOR is a service we offer to schools and candidates. AOR may suit teachers who trained overseas or who have been teaching in an English school for a sustained period without formal qualifications. It provides a faster route to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
AOR is not a standard alternative to initial teacher training. For many applicants, a training route such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or School Direct will be more appropriate for gaining QTS.
Information for applicants
Start date
Flexible - start any time
UEL School
School of Childhood and Social Care
Attendance
No taught sessions on campus. You will attend occasional support sessions and teach, usually full-time, in a school or sixth-form college.
Learning
Learning takes place on the job while teaching in a supporting school.
Length
Stage one: Takes as long as needed to meet all entry requirements. This may range from a short period (for example, two to three weeks) to longer.
Stage two: Lasts around 12 to 13 weeks. Once registered, you must complete the AOR within this period if you meet all requirements and need no further training.
Assessment process overview
The Assessment Only Route (AOR) has two stages:
Stage one: Advisory stage
- Apply for the AOR
- Attend an interview
- Take part in an advisory visit, where a UEL tutor observes your teaching and meets with colleagues
- Meet any entry requirements
Stage two: Assessment stage
- Register with the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL)
- Prepare for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) over around 12 to 13 weeks
- Complete an assessment visit at your school for QTS
Entry requirements
To apply for the Assessment Only Route (AOR), you must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree (for secondary teaching, usually in your subject or a closely related subject)
- GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at grade C/four or above in English language and mathematics, and science for primary teaching
- Passed the Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy (usually taken after you apply)
- Proof of identity, such as a passport (required for overseas applicants) or birth certificate
- Name change documents, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll, if your documents show different names
- A current teaching role in a school, with at least six months remaining on your contract recommended
- At least two years of full-time teaching experience (this can include overseas experience)
For overseas applicants
You must also provide:
- A valid visa, work permit, or residency permit, with at least six months remaining recommended
- A Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) confirming your qualifications match UK degree and GCSE standards
- Official translations for any documents not in English
- Original certificates (statements of results cannot be accepted)
Fees and funding
- Stage one: £850
- Stage two: £1500
We charge each stage separately after completion.
We invoice schools only. If you are paying your own fees, you must agree with your employing school on how you will be reimbursed.
There are no bursaries available for the Assessment Only Route (AOR).
Learning and assessment
The Assessment Only Route (AOR) is not a training programme. When you register with the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), you should not need further training.
After your advisory visit, you will receive a personalised training plan. This will include a small number of activities you may need to complete before registration or during the 12 to 13-week AOR period.
At the end of the AOR, we will assess you against the Teachers’ Standards during a final visit to your school.
This includes:
- Observations of your teaching
- Discussions with your professional colleagues
- A review of your portfolio of evidence
- A discussion with you
Your future career
Once you gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you can work as a qualified teacher in England. You can teach in state schools, including academies and free schools, as well as independent schools.
You will then complete a one-year induction as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). During this time, your school or local authority will support you to continue meeting the Teachers’ Standards.
Apply and get more information
Get more information
- Download the UEL Assessment Only Route (AOR) Guide.
- Email the AOR Team: assessmentonly@uel.ac.uk
- Contact the lead tutor: Bryce Wilby via b.wilby@uel.ac.uk.
Apply
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