The DfE in June 2022 announced that they would be changing
the way they award qualified teacher status to teachers from overseas.
According to the report, some subjects which are much needed
in the UK will be prioritised.
DfE said that under retained EU and domestic legislation,
teachers from some countries can easily apply for QTS, but others cannot, even
if they have equivalent skills and experience.
It added that the new legislation will make this process
consistent and fair, adding, “It will also support the movement of
well-qualified teachers to the English workforce.”
Announcing a new development on the visa status and how to
appy, the Government of UK on its website, DfE said, “A new professional
recognition service, called ‘apply for qualified teacher status in England’,
will set consistent standards so the qualifications and experience of overseas
teachers can be fairly assessed.
“It will eventually be open to qualified teachers from all
countries outside the UK.
“From February 1, 2023, applicants with a teaching
qualification from the following countries and regions (Australia, Canada, the
EEA, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland,
Switzerland, Ukraine and the USA) will
be able to use the new service to check if they meet the requirements for
Qualify Teacher Status and apply.”
It further explained that applicants with a subject
specialism in languages, mathematics or science and a teaching qualification to
teach 11 to 16-year-olds from Ghana, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Jamaica and India will be able to use the service to check if they
meet the requirements for QTS and also apply.”
Speaking on the priority subjects, DfE noted that a teaching
qualification that meets the standard of a level 6 qualification qualifying you
to teach children aged 11 to 16, and a bachelor’s degree made up of at least 50
per cent mathematics, science or a language (excluding English) taught in
English state schools.”
DfE listed the priority subjects as French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish, excluding English Language.
It, however, added that there will be an update on other
subject specialism by May.