PGCE iQTS Distance Learning
Gain Qualified Teacher Status while working overseas
ESP Education is proud to work in Initial Teacher Training partnership with the University of Sunderland, supporting teachers and aspiring teachers in international schools to access the PGCE International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) programme.
Delivered through distance learning, this 36-week programme enables trainees to develop their knowledge and classroom practice while working or completing a placement in a school outside the UK. Successful trainees graduate with a PGCE and are recommended by the University of Sunderland to the Department for Education for the award of Qualified Teacher Status in England.
Train internationally. Gain QTS. Develop your teaching career.
What is iQTS?
International Qualified Teacher Status is a UK Government-backed teaching qualification designed specifically for those who train outside England.
The University of Sunderland’s PGCE iQTS combines academic study with practical teaching experience. It provides a recognised route into the teaching profession for aspiring teachers and an opportunity for existing international school staff to gain a formal teaching qualification.
The course is available through:
PGCE iQTS Primary Education
PGCE iQTS Secondary Education
The University of Sunderland is the awarding body and is responsible for the academic delivery and quality assurance of the programme. ESP Education supports the programme through its international Initial Teacher Training partnership with the University.
Who is the programme for?
The PGCE iQTS is suitable for people living and working outside the UK, including:
Aspiring teachers seeking an internationally recognised route into teaching
Teaching Assistants and other school staff ready to progress into a teaching role
International school teachers who do not currently hold QTS
UK citizens working overseas who wish to qualify as teachers
Non-UK citizens seeking a UK Government-backed professional teaching qualification
Schools wishing to identify, train and retain talented members of their existing workforce
Previous teaching experience is not essential, but applicants must demonstrate that they have the potential to become effective teachers.
How the programme works
The PGCE iQTS is a full-time, 36-week distance-learning programme completed over one academic year.
The course combines:
Online academic study
Applied teaching theory
School-based professional practice
Support from an approved in-school mentor
Guidance from experienced University tutors
Written assignments and research
Observations of classroom teaching
A portfolio demonstrating progress against the Teachers’ Standards
Trainees complete 120 days of teaching experience, including experience in a second school. Where an in-person second placement is not possible, the University may provide access to a virtual second-school experience.
Teaching practice must take place in a suitable school using English as the language of instruction and must involve whole-class teaching.
Primary and secondary routes
Primary Education
Primary trainees prepare to teach pupils aged 5 to 11. Their teaching experience must include both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and provide opportunities to plan, teach and evaluate the core and foundation curriculum subjects.
Secondary Education
Secondary trainees prepare to teach pupils aged 11 to 16, with Business Studies available for ages 14 to 19. Trainees must gain experience across two consecutive key stages and develop their knowledge and practice within their chosen subject area.
Entry requirements
Applicants will normally need:
A bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent from a UK or international university
Mathematics at a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4
A science subject at a standard equivalent to GCSE grade 4 for the Primary route
An appropriate standard of spoken and written English
The support of a suitable placement school
A suitably qualified in-school mentor approved by the University
The ability to complete the required whole-class teaching experience
Applicants whose first degree was not taught in English may be required to provide a recent Academic IELTS qualification meeting the University’s specified standard.
Admission is based on the written application, personal statement and an online interview.
Support from your school
Applicants must have the agreement of a suitable school before beginning the programme.
The school must be able to:
Provide the required teaching experience
Give the trainee opportunities to teach whole classes
Support experience across the required age ranges or key stages
Nominate a suitably qualified mentor
Facilitate lesson observations and professional development
Complete the necessary safeguarding, identity and reference checks
Applicants who are not already employed as teachers are responsible for securing their own main placement and second-school experience.
Why choose the University of Sunderland and ESP Education?
Through this partnership, trainees benefit from the international education expertise of ESP Education alongside the University of Sunderland’s extensive experience in teacher training.
The programme offers:
A flexible route to teacher qualification while living overseas
A PGCE awarded by a UK university
A direct route to QTS in England following successful completion
Primary and secondary training pathways
Practical experience embedded within an international school
Support from an in-school mentor and experienced University tutors
Master’s-level academic study
A pathway towards further postgraduate study
Enhanced career opportunities within British and international education
The University of Sunderland has trained teachers for more than a century and delivers education programmes to students around the world.
What happens after iQTS?
Following successful completion, the University of Sunderland will recommend trainees to the Department for Education for the award of QTS.
Graduates may then undertake statutory Early Career Teacher induction when employed in an eligible school in England or a Department for Education-accredited British School Overseas.
ESP Education is the Department for Education’s sole specialist Appropriate Body for ECT induction in British Schools Overseas, enabling schools and teachers to continue their professional journey with expert support following the award of QTS.
Take the next step towards becoming a qualified teacher
Whether you are beginning your teaching career, formalising your existing international experience or developing talented staff within your school, the PGCE iQTS provides a respected and accessible route to QTS.
To discuss the programme and register your interest, contact Mark Bignell on mark@espeducation.co.uk.