Thinking About QTLS? What You Need to Know for the 2026 Cohort

For many teachers and trainers working in Further Education and Skills, achieving Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status is an important professional milestone.

QTLS is recognised across the education sector and provides professional recognition for experienced teachers and trainers who can demonstrate their ability to meet the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers.

If you are considering applying for QTLS, now is a good time to start preparing.

What is QTLS?

QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) is awarded by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) following the successful completion of a process known as Professional Formation.

QTLS is recognised by the Department for Education and provides parity with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in many educational settings. This means that teachers holding QTLS can teach in schools in England in the same way as teachers holding QTS, provided they meet the relevant employment and safeguarding requirements.

Who is QTLS Suitable For?

QTLS is particularly relevant for teachers and trainers working in:

• Further Education colleges

• Independent training providers

• Adult education settings

• Sixth form colleges

• Specialist SEND settings

• Employer-based training

• Apprenticeship provision

• Secondary schools (in specific circumstances where eligibility criteria are met)

Whether you are delivering vocational qualifications, professional training, adult learning programmes, apprenticeships, or specialist educational provision, QTLS can provide formal recognition of your teaching expertise and professional practice.

When Does the Next QTLS Application Window Open?

The current information published by the Education and Training Foundation relates to the October 2026 and January 2027 cohorts.

If you are planning to apply, it is worth beginning your preparation now, particularly if you need to gather qualification certificates, verify teaching hours, or identify a suitable supporter.

The most up-to-date information can be found on the Education and Training Foundation website.

What Are the Main Eligibility Requirements?

Although applicants should always check the latest guidance, the key requirements include:

Membership

You must be a current member of the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) and hold either:

• Member status (MSET)

• Fellow status (FSET)

Teaching Qualification

You must hold an approved Further Education teaching qualification at Level 5 or above.

For many applicants, this will include qualifications such as:

• Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DiT)

• Diploma in Education and Training (DET)

• PGCE (Further Education)

• Other recognised Initial Teacher Education qualifications

English and Maths

Applicants must hold recognised Level 2 qualifications in:

• English

• Mathematics

Subject Qualification

You must hold an appropriate subject-specific qualification, normally at Level 3 or above, in the subject area that you teach.

Teaching Practice

Applicants must normally be teaching groups of five or more learners and complete at least 230 hours of teaching across a six-month Professional Formation period.

However, there are exceptional circumstances arrangements available for some applicants working in specialist settings, including certain SEND environments and small-group teaching contexts.

What If I Teach Small Groups?

One concern many teachers have is the requirement to teach groups of five or more learners.

The good news is that the Education and Training Foundation recognises that some teaching environments naturally involve smaller groups.

In certain circumstances, applicants may still be able to undertake Professional Formation if:

• Their organisation supports the application.

• They can access teaching and learning opportunities involving larger groups;

• Additional evidence and reflective activities are completed during the process.

If you teach in a specialist setting, it is worth discussing your circumstances directly with the ETF before applying.

Can I Apply for QTLS if I Work in a School?

This is one of the most common questions asked by prospective applicants.

In most cases, teachers working in mainstream primary and secondary schools would normally be expected to pursue Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, the Education and Training Foundation recognises certain exceptional circumstances where teachers working in school settings may be eligible to undertake QTLS.

This is most commonly applicable to teachers delivering approved technical, vocational, or specialist subjects to post-14 learners. Examples may include:

• Engineering

• Construction

• Health and Social Care

• Business

• Digital Technologies

• Sport

• Hospitality and Catering

• Other vocational and technical qualifications aligned to the Further Education and Skills sector

Applicants working in specialist SEND settings may also be eligible, provided they meet all of the standard eligibility requirements and any additional criteria specified by the Education and Training Foundation.

Eligibility in school settings depends on a number of factors, including:

• The subject being taught

• The age of the learners

• The type of qualification being delivered

• The setting in which teaching takes place

If you work in a school and are unsure whether you are eligible, it is advisable to contact the Education and Training Foundation directly before applying.

Who Can Support My Application?

Each applicant must identify a suitably qualified supporter.

This is typically:

• A line manager

• Head of department

• Curriculum manager

• Experienced teaching colleague

The supporter's role is to provide guidance, review evidence, and help verify professional practice throughout the Professional Formation process.

Why Consider QTLS?

Achieving QTLS can:

• Demonstrate professional credibility

• Support career progression

• Enhance employability

• Provide professional recognition

• Enable teaching opportunities across a wider range of educational settings

• Demonstrate commitment to professional standards

Many teachers also find that the Professional Formation process encourages valuable reflection on their teaching practice and professional development.

For those already holding a Level 5 teaching qualification, QTLS is often viewed as the next step in their professional journey, allowing them to formally demonstrate the impact of their teaching and ongoing professional development.

Where Can I Find Out More?

The best source of information is the Education and Training Foundation website.

You can also find information about membership, eligibility requirements, and Professional Formation through the Society for Education and Training.

Disclaimer

Eligibility requirements are subject to change. Applicants should always refer to the latest guidance published by the Education and Training Foundation before applying.