Before you proceed with applying to verify your credentials for the QTS, there are a few documents you ought to have sorted.
On the TRA website, the agency has grouped these document set into four.
1. Proof of Qualification
To meet this criteria, you need to have:
- TRCN certificate (Nigerians)
- University Degree (and Transcript)
- PGDE + Transcript (where applicable)
- Letter of Attestation
Also, if you have, there's a section of the application form where you can upload additional training evidences.
Make sure you have all these documents ready in pdf or jpeg format before applying for QTS, because you'll need to provide evidence of your qualifications.
2. Proof of Identity
The next step is to provide a means of identification. This will be used to confirm your identity and ensure that your application is processed correctly. You will need to provide any one of the following forms of identification:
- National means of identification such as a Driver's license, National ID, PVC
- International passport
Also, you will need to provide your original Birth certificate and marriage certificate for a married lady with evidence of change of name.
Make sure that the identification you provide is valid, and that it clearly shows your name, photograph, and signature.
3. Proof of Teaching Practice
Ideally, after documentations, the next of the criteria is for you to choose a QTS training provider, to complete your teacher training experience.
This will typically include a combination of classroom-based learning and on-the-job training, and will take around one year to complete. You'll also need to pass a professional skills test as part of your training.
But if you've being practicing as a teacher for a minimum of 2yrs or more, you could request for a cover letter of attestation/recognition - duly stamped and signed by your employer as a supporting document for your teaching experience claim to weave this phase.
4. Certificate Translation
You may have to employ the service of a professional translator to help translate your non English certificate into English and then use the service of ECCTIS to secure certification on comparability to place your documents in par with UK's equivalence.
5. Apply for QTS
Once you've completed your QTS training, the next step is to apply for QTS. You'll need to complete an application form and provide evidence of your qualifications and teaching experience. You'll also need to pay a fee to apply for QTS, so be sure to budget for this in advance.
6. Start Teaching In England
Once you've been awarded QTS, you'll be able to start teaching in England! You'll need to register with the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) and complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before you can start work.
In addition, it's important to note that you may need to have your qualifications and documents verified by the Educational Comparability and Certifying agency (ECCTIS) to ensure they meet UK standards.
ECCTIS (the Educational Certification Comparability and Translation Information Service) is another option for an international teacher seeking a UK teaching job.
ECCTIS is a UK government-approved agency that specializes in the evaluation and recognition of foreign qualifications for teaching and other professional roles.
They provide a service that compares an individual's qualifications and experience to the UK standards and translates them into a format that is more easily understood by UK employers.
One of the advantages of using ECCTIS is that it can provide a more detailed and accurate assessment of an individual's qualifications and experience, as compared to a general English language proficiency test like the IELTS or GESE.
Additionally, ECCTIS can help to ensure that an individual's qualifications are recognized and accepted by UK employers, which can be especially important for those with non-UK degrees or certifications.
Another advantage is that ECCTIS provides a certificate that gives a summary of the comparison of the candidate's qualifications to the UK standards and this can be very useful for the candidate to show to UK employers.
It is worth noting that the use of ECCTIS is not necessary for all international teachers but it can be a valuable resource for those who may have difficulty getting their qualifications and experience recognized by UK employers.
ECCTIS is an organization that compares your qualifications and documents with those required by the UK, and provides applicants with a letter of comparability; if they are deemed equivalent.
Here are the specific steps you need to follow to use the services of ECCTIS:
- Go to the ECCTIS website and create an account.
- Select the type of document you need to have verified, such as a teaching certificate or degree.
- Upload the required documents, including your certificate or degree, and any other supporting documents such as transcripts.
- Pay the required fee for the verification service.
- Once your documents have been verified, ECCTIS will provide you with a letter of comparability, which you can use as evidence that your qualifications meet UK standards.
- Submit the letter of comparability along with your application for QTS
Note that you'll need to provide evidence that your qualifications are comparable to UK standards in order to apply for QTS.
Using the services of ECCTIS can help to simplify this process and ensure that your application is accepted.
And that's it! Follow these five simple steps and you'll be on your way to QTS and a teaching career in England in no time.
We hope this guide has been helpful in demystifying the process of applying for QTS in England as a Nigerian teacher.
Remember, it's a simple process that you can navigate with ease. So don't be intimidated, take the first step and apply today!
If you're ready to start your journey towards the QTS, Apply Here
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