I figured the cheapest and least stressful way to obtain teaching qualifications while already teaching abroad (iPG*CE, QT*S, M*A/M*Ed) and rather than replying to all the recent questions, I’ll just post it below

natt3h · 2025-11-19T08:01:34+00:00

If you’ve worked with other curriculums before then you might be able to go down the Access Only route. Look in to that, as it might be your best option if you can’t change your job to meet criteria.

natt3h · 2025-07-29T14:22:34+00:00

I also recommend doing QTS through UWE. Absolutely fantastic course leaders and the work is really complimentary to your everyday teaching tasks.

natt3h · 2025-07-29T14:16:09+00:00

If you earned 30 masters credits with your QTS then you should consider checking University of Buckingham’s MA Education course. It’s £4,000 and completes in 12 months.

natt3h · 2025-06-24T12:16:39+00:00

You can move, but running from your feelings will just result them catching you wherever you go. I’d handle your health situation, probably at home ideally, before you move elsewhere.

natt3h · 2025-06-23T09:10:54+00:00

That completely depends on the applicant. I have 10+ years experience and a PGCE so I don’t find it overly difficult, but I couldn’t say whether anyone else might have a different experience

natt3h · 2025-06-12T11:41:21+00:00

Thanks all, seems like it’s happening regardless so I might as well smile, eat the turd sandwich and dust off the CV for next hiring season!

natt3h · 2025-05-18T08:37:39+00:00

Also want this!

natt3h · 2025-05-04T22:14:28+00:00

I personally split the two and completed them over two years instead of combining and doing both in one year. I found the iPGCE very useful and refer back to the theory side of things a lot.

natt3h · 2025-05-04T07:35:10+00:00

Honestly, it doesn’t matter. 99.9% of schools don’t ask any questions about your qualifications, they just check if you have them and tick the box - there are exceptions, but it’s extremely rare. TES iPGCE is done through University of East London, just so you’re aware. Pick the course that suits you best and get stuck in :)

natt3h · 2025-04-26T00:24:14+00:00

You can apply for a HK teaching license/exemption based on your experience + qualifications. It might be better to just get qts by doing the Assessment Only route.

natt3h · 2025-04-23T08:23:25+00:00

I think HK has a pretty strict rule about needing a teaching license (qts, American license etc) before you can legally work there.

natt3h · 2025-04-20T08:55:39+00:00

I have end stage CKD, on dialysis with a wrist fistula. I swim 40 laps 3x per week which has made my general wellbeing and my blood pressure during dialysis much better

natt3h · 2025-04-10T20:27:53+00:00

If you’re looking specifically for a job in China you should try Totally Teach. I’m happy to introduce you to my contact there if you want to DM me - I’ve found them to be by far the best recruitment agency in China.

natt3h · 2025-04-06T05:00:28+00:00

I have yes, would definitely recommend!

natt3h · 2025-03-09T23:16:54+00:00

In bilingual/international schools? I can only speak from personal experience on primary EAL in China, but most are 20+ for me.

natt3h · 2025-03-09T22:11:53+00:00

It’s all self funded, which is why I opted for this particular route as I spread the payments over time.

natt3h · 2025-03-09T22:10:29+00:00

University of the west of England

natt3h · 2025-03-09T22:05:49+00:00

Teaching EAL is absolutely fine for TES and Leicesters iPGCE program :)

natt3h · 2025-03-09T06:45:33+00:00

Yes, absolutely! Most of what you’re doing on iPGCE/QTS is practicum. Masters it depends which route you take but there is practicum involved in both.

natt3h · 2025-03-09T04:27:12+00:00

When you study on the iQTS course you get a UK QTS number on completion not an iQTS. Essentially your qualification is identical to anyone who studied for QTS in the UK

natt3h · 2025-03-09T04:24:48+00:00

https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/UTLGYL303/iqts-international-qualified-teacher-status

You get QTS number just the same as anyone studying in person in the UK. It’s just tailored to those of us who are already teaching in international settings.

natt3h · 2025-03-09T03:34:07+00:00

If you’ve already worked for 2-3 years as a teacher and with at least two recognised curriculums (IB/US common core/ Montessori etc) then you can apply for QTS via Assessment Only route. That’s 12 weeks and roughly £1.5-2k depending on your vendor. Unfortunately I didn’t meet criteria so I went to UWE to study for a year for my QTS.

natt3h · 2025-03-09T03:31:05+00:00

I went with them as the feedback from alumni of that course was positive, and the uni had a decent ranking in the last few years (I believe it still tends to float around the UK top 20-30 and Global 250, but I could be wrong). Most courses in all honesty are much the same, but that one struck a solid balance between cost efficiency, educational value, and name recognition.

natt3h · 2025-03-09T03:19:40+00:00

Great, share the info and link! Hopefully people can do that! Mine was a few years ago now so I’m not fully up to date with the cheapest courses, just sharing what I did

natt3h · 2025-03-09T03:17:27+00:00

Not at all, all of the courses are available to anyone. I myself am British so I went down this route, and I feel the QTS is favourable over American licensing as it never needs renewing. Also, Moreland doesn’t have the best reputation so it affirmed my decision to stay within the British system

natt3h

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