Once a candidate feels that they have met the necessary conditions for AO they then complete a second school experience form and a registration form which includes a Headteacher’s reference and verifications of fitness to teach/enhanced DBS. They also send through scans of their qualifications. If this is satisfactory, they receive an offer letter and are invited to the first stage of the process: an in-person meeting at their school, which signals the beginning of the Assessment Only window.  

Stage 1

This is a meeting between the candidate, their Mentor and a University assessor. The tutor will watch the candidate teach along with their mentor in school in order to moderate with them. Candidates then talk about their classroom practice and areas for future development. This is designed to get them thinking about content for their rationales and also gives further evidence as to their functional English abilities. The tutor will talk through the assessment process and check that mentors and candidates are clear about the Assessment Only process.

Stage 2

The candidate needs to share their completed rationales with their University assessor and Mentors need to be present to discuss how teaching has developed. After this has been completed (again, usually online but with additional meetings in place if need be) a final meeting will be arranged; this may be online or in-person depending on need, after this meeting, we will then confirm whether the candidate has met the criteria for QTS.

After the Final Visit

We will send confirmation of completion to the DfE and will send candidates a copy of their Teacher Reference Number which will be needed for ECT registration.