Earn British Qualified
Teacher Status.
Work
& Thrive in the UK.
ICD, in partnership with the University of Sunderland, offers a streamlined Assessment Only (AO) Route to gain globally-recognised QTS — fast, flexible, and fully online portfolio-based.
Full Cost Transparency — Know Before You Apply
| Cost Item | Standard | ISL Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee (up to 3 yrs) | £769 | £590 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £3,105 | |
| Maintenance Funds | £1,270 | |
| Total Initial Outlay | ~£5,144 | ~£4,965 |
→ QTS Main Pay Scale £32,916
→ Upper Pay Scale £42,461
→ Inner London £55,000+
- SEN Allowance: £2,787–£5,497/yr
- TLR (Teaching & Learning Responsibility)
- Inner London Weighting
- Outer London Weighting
- Fringe Area Allowance
5 Reasons QTS Changes Your Career
Gold Standard
World-recognized credential awarded directly by UK Department for Education (DfE). The highest teaching qualification internationally.
Global Mobility
Essential for British Curriculum streams in elite schools across UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore and Europe.
Visa Sponsorship
QTS makes you directly eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship for relocation to England — no extra steps.
Leadership Ready
Prerequisite for Head of Department, Head of Year, and senior leadership roles in international schools worldwide.
Salary Jump
Move from unqualified to qualified pay scale. Access better pension benefits and structured pay progression.
High-Demand Priority Subjects
Teach in these subjects? You qualify for lower visa thresholds, reduced fees & near-guaranteed sponsorship.
Assessment Only (AO) Advantage
📋 Eligibility Criteria
- 2+ years of teaching experience across two key stages
- Currently teaching in a school delivering the English National Curriculum (anywhere globally)
- Honours degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution
Transform your existing experience into a world-recognised qualification. No wasted time — just verified excellence.
Immigration Salary List: Your Competitive Edge
The ISL replaced the old Shortage Occupation List in April 2024. For priority subject teachers, it remains the golden ticket to UK visa sponsorship at significantly lower thresholds.
🎯 How the ISL Benefits Teachers
- Lower Salary Threshold: Get sponsored at ~£33,400 instead of the standard £41,700 required for most Skilled Worker visas
- Reduced Visa Fees: Approx. £590 vs. £769+ for standard roles — saving you money upfront
- Easier Sponsorship: UK schools are legally required to recognise these as "hard to fill" roles, making them more willing to sponsor
- National Pay Scale advantage: State school MPS teachers can often be sponsored at £25,000–£33,400
🌟 In-Demand Subjects (2026)
- Secondary Mathematics — Critical shortage, fastest sponsorship
- Science: Physics — Particularly rare across state & independent sectors
- Science: Chemistry & Biology — High demand in all regions
- Modern Foreign Languages — French, German, Spanish top the list
- Computer Science & ICT — Growing demand post-digital curriculum reform
- SEN — Autism, speech therapy, behavioural needs specialists sought urgently
4 Steps: QTS to Working in the UK
Secure a Sponsored Job Offer
Search "Sponsorship-Ready" roles on DfE Teaching Vacancies (filter: "Visa sponsorship available"). The school issues your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Meet Skilled Worker Requirements
Salary threshold ~£30,960 (or lower if subject is ISL-listed). English proficiency satisfied via your QTS/degree — no additional language test needed.
Submit Visa Application
Apply online up to 3 months before start date. Visa fee approx. £719, IHS ~£1,035/year. Complete biometrics at your nearest visa application centre.
Decision & Relocation
Standard processing: 3 weeks. Priority service: 5 business days. Receive vignette sticker, then collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the UK.
QTS: Your International Teaching Passport
QTS is not just for the UK. Its value in the global British International School sector is immense — and growing every year.
Middle East & Asia
UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore — premium British Curriculum schools. Tax-free salaries, accommodation, flights, and medical insurance. QTS mandatory for leadership roles.
Tax-Free + Benefits PackageEurope
Spain, Germany, Switzerland — English-medium international schools treat QTS as the standard benchmark. Increasing demand for British-qualified educators post-Brexit.
Growing DemandCommonwealth Countries
Australia, New Zealand, Canada — QTS accelerates local teacher registration. Ontario College of Teachers, Victorian Institute and equivalent bodies recognise QTS.
Streamlined RegistrationQTS vs. No QTS — The Difference Is Clear
| Feature | ✅ With QTS | ❌ Without QTS |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Bracket | Qualified/Senior Scale — significantly higher | Unqualified/Assistant Scale — capped |
| Visa Sponsorship | High priority — especially for ISL subjects | Moderate to low — schools reluctant |
| Promotion Prospects | Eligible for HOD, HOY, leadership roles | Mostly limited to classroom only |
| School Tier | Elite British International Schools globally | Language centres and private academies |
How to Apply for International Roles: TES, Guardian Jobs, Search Associates, ASQ International. Remember to Apostille your QTS certificate for international use.
Your Salary Growth Trajectory
*Figures based on 2025–26 national pay scales. Leadership & allowances not included.
📊 Investment Analysis
Your British teaching
career starts today.
Contact your nearest ICD centre or complete the online enquiry form. Our team will guide you through eligibility, programme details, and next steps — at no obligation.
Assessment Only Route to QTS · University of Sunderland UK · In Partnership with ICD