Course Overview
This Qualified Teacher Status – Assessment Only (QTS AO) course allows teachers to demonstrate that they already meet all the QTS standards, without the need for any further training. If you have a degree and substantial experience working in a school, early years, or further education setting, this option allows you to gain QTS without undergoing a teacher training programme.
QTS is an English (UK) teaching qualification, application for registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland can subsequently be made through the “qualified abroad route” and is reviewed by the council on a case-by-case basis. The QTS AO process must be completed at a school in Ireland.
The next QTS start date is April 6th 2026 and applicants must apply before July 15th 2026.
The QTS Assessment Only (AO) route is a fast-track option for experienced teachers, typically lasting 12 – 16 weeks. It’s designed for those already teaching who can demonstrate they meet the required teaching standards without further training.
Candidates provide evidence of their teaching skills through a portfolio, classroom observations, and interviews. Assessment usually takes place in the candidate’s current school or a secured placement if they are not currently teaching.
Key features of the QTS AO route:
- Short Duration: Typically completed in 12 – 16 weeks.
- Experience-Based: Aimed at teachers with at least two years of experience.
- Direct Assessment: Candidates are evaluated on existing skills through lesson observations and portfolio submission.
- Primary and Secondary: Available for both primary and secondary teachers, with secondary candidates assessed in their subject specialism.
- No Formal Training: Focuses solely on assessing current competencies, not further training.
Awarded by Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU), graduates will hold an instantly recognised qualification from one of the world’s leading universities.
The QTS AO element is “Assessment Only” and it requires you to build evidence on our online system of your portfolio of experience.
There are 2 phases to this programme – pre-assessment and the formal assessment phase.
During the pre-assessment phase, you will prepare your portfolio – this will be audited against the teaching standards and areas for development will be identified to be completed during the formal assessment phase.
The formal assessment phase takes place over a 12-week placement block during which you will receive two formal assessment visits.
Upon successful completion of the assessments, you will be recommended to the Teaching Regulation Agency for the award of Qualified Teacher Status.
Application for registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland can subsequently be made through the “qualified abroad route” and is reviewed by the council on a case-by-case basis.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Applicant’s application will be reviewed by the Portobello enrolment team.
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3Applicant will be contacted by the Portobello enrolment team to confirm place on the course or for more information.
Course: €3,995
Option 1
30% deposit payment (€1,227.00), followed by 2 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €95.
- €1,431.50 due in month 1
- €1,431.50 due in month 2
