The Assessment Only route to QTS gives experienced, unqualified teachers the chance to gain QTS over a twelve week (maximum) assessment window in their schools. Candidates need to complete and AO registration form and meet with the AO coordinator online to be formally accepted onto the programme. There will be two visits during the assessment window – the first will be at the beginning of the process where the AO Coordinator visits the candidate in school and conducts a joint observation alongside their Mentor; this is an opportunity to discuss evidence towards the Teachers Standards so far and for all to ensure clarity in terms of the requirements and the final paperwork. The candidate then collects their evidence and is observed regularly during the process by their Mentor to add to this. At the end of the period, there is a second, online visit where the candidate presents their portfolio of evidence to the AO Coordinator and the Mentor discusses their supporting evidence and teaching over the period.