Guidance: Initial teacher training criteria

The qualified teacher status (QTS) standards and initial teacher training (ITT) requirements, that apply to all ITT programmes, are imposed by the Secretary of State under the Education (School Teachers’ Qualifications) (England) Regulations 2003, made under sections 132, 145 and 210 of the Education Act 2002.

Only those trainee teachers who have met all of the standards can be awarded QTS. These standards are relevant to anyone involved in ITT, including trainee teachers, teacher training providers, qualified teachers and those who employ and support newly qualified teachers.