Cornwall SCITT is DfE-approved to offer the Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status.

The Assessment Only (AO) route to QTS is aimed at highly experienced unqualified teachers who require no further training in order to demonstrate their practice already meets the Teachers’ Standards.

Cornwall SCITT offers the Assessment Only Route for:

• Primary (5-11)
• Secondary (11-16)

For secondary, a subject specialism must be indicated at application; we currently offer: Art & Design; Computing; Design & Technology; English; Geography; History; Mathematics; Music; PE; RE; Science (Biology; Chemistry; Physics).

 Applicants must:

• Have GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics (C/4 or above)  - for primary only, also have GCSE Science C/4)
• Have an honours degree (2:2 above)
• Have taught in at least two schools (in the appropriate age range).
• Have evidence that their practice already meets all of the Teachers’ Standards (and can demonstrate they have met the Teachers’ Standards in at least two schools).

The AO route is only suitable for applicants who already meet all the Teachers’ Standards without the need for any further training.

Applicants need to be certain that they can present sufficient, high-quality evidence to meet all of the Teachers’ Standards across the two key stage age and ability ranges they wish to teach (and that evidence will demonstrate they have done so in at least two schools). 

The Assessment Process:

• Initial Assessment (including document checking; interview; lesson observation).
• Formal registration by Cornwall SCITT with the DfE
• Final Assessment – to be completed within 12 weeks of formal registration (including lesson observations; review of evidence portfolio; interview).

For further information on this route and on entry requirements, please visit the AO page at the address below and then contact us to see if we are able to assess you.

We are not able to assess those teaching abroad, and only consider candidates currently teaching in the South West of England.

Fees for the Assessment Only Route are £2950 (for 2025-26). 

To get into teaching and explore options please click here

Get into teaching link info: Assessment only route to QTS | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK