We use cookies to collect information about how you use this service.
Accept all cookies or set your cookie preferences
Beta This is a new service – give feedback or report a problem
QTS (qualified teacher status) allows you to teach in state schools in England and may allow you to teach in other parts of the UK.
It may also allow you to teach in the EU and EEA, though this could change after 2020. If you’re planning to teach overseas, you should always check what’s needed in the country you’d like to teach in.
A PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) is an academic qualification in education. PGCE with QTS allows you to teach in state schools in England and may allow you to teach in other parts of the UK.
Many PGCE courses include credits towards a Master’s degree. Some providers offer a PGDE (postgraduate diploma in education) with QTS, which is equivalent to a PGCE. In some cases these offer more Master’s credits than PGCE courses.
To teach further education you don’t need QTS. Instead you can study for a PGCE or PGDE without QTS.