Redressing the balance - equivalent status for FE and skills teachers with school teachers

The views of IfL members have been reflected in a recent consultation report by the Teaching Development Agency (TDA).

We know that IfL members are keen that Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS), the professional status conferred by IfL, is given mutual recognition with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the professional status for school teachers. 

IfL's response to TDA’s consultation on proposals for an assessment-only route to gaining QTS expressed concern and stated that we did not support the proposals unless:

  • there were arrangements for vocational teachers in further education and skills who may not hold a degree but could be recognised as having the equivalent of a degree
  • those carrying out assessments for further education teachers were sufficiently knowledgeable about the area and the further education context to make judgements. 
Download the TDA's consultation report.

Developments will take time but we are optimistic that a good way forward can be found. IfL will continue to strive for equal recognition for QTLS and QTS for our members by:

  • offering to work with TDA and the Universities Council for the Education of Teachers (UCET) to help make sure that, as the assessment-only route is developed, the assessor provider has suitable further education and expertise.
  • working with higher education (HE) to see if there are ways of developing a degree where the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) and Professional Formation could count towards the degree, and includes elements at masters’ level for those that wish. 

Keep an eye on IfL's member newsletters On the Agenda and InTuition for regular updates on our progress as we work towards one of our key strategic priorities - to help raise the status of teachers and trainers. Read more on our strategic priorities in our five-year strategy (2009-14).

More information

  • QTLS is the professional status teachers and trainers in the Further Education (FE) sector achieve, by successfully going through Professional Formation, enabling them to teach as a qualified teacher in the FE sector.

  • QTS is the accreditation that enables teachers in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales to teach as a qualified teacher.

  • The TDA is the national agency and recognised sector body responsible for the training and development of the school workforce.

  • UCET is the representative body for universities involved in teacher education and education research.

  • DTLLS is the highest qualification within the suite of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses for teachers and trainers in the FE sector.