Accredited
Delivered through UK providers accredited by the Department for Education and awarded by the Secretary of State for Education.
UK Qualified Teacher Status
A recognised pathway to UK QTS for teachers in China and the wider region.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional status required to teach in most state-maintained schools in England, and it is widely recognised across international schools. SinoUK ITDC supports teachers to pursue QTS through accredited UK providers, in mentorship connection with the University of Sunderland.
University-connected
Mentorship connection with the University of Sunderland, supported by a Senior Lecturer and University Governor.
Portfolio-based
Assessment against the UK Teachers' Standards through a portfolio of evidence, observation and structured mentoring.
University of Sunderland Partnership
SinoUK ITDC works in partnership with the University of Sunderland to support eligible teachers through the UK QTS pathway.
Candidates are supported to apply through the University's Qualified Teacher Status programme, with academic mentorship from Ian Elliott, Senior Lecturer and University Governor. Our founder, A J Greaves QTS, has authored the bilingual UK Qualified Teacher Status — Standards and Practice Guide, translated into Chinese by YangYang Li (李赟阳) and used by mentees across Shanghai, Wuxi and beyond.
Over 20
Teachers successfully awarded UK QTS through this pathway
35+
Years of UK QTS-qualified teaching experience
Visit the University of Sunderland (Official Website)Read the Official UK Government Guidance on Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
WeChat ID
SinoUKITDC
Connect with SinoUK on WeChat
Scan this QR code using WeChat to contact SinoUK International Teacher Development Centre directly. We welcome enquiries regarding UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), SERS™ Evidence Review Service, teacher mentoring, and university programmes.
Academic reference available on request
The pathway
A structured route from application to award.
Teachers pursuing QTS through SinoUK ITDC are supported at every step — from initial eligibility review through to the final recommendation for award by the accredited provider.
- 01Eligibility review
Assessment of qualifications, teaching experience and language requirements.
- 02Placement and mentoring
Confirmation of a suitable teaching placement and assignment of a trained mentor.
- 03Evidence and observation
Development of a portfolio against the Teachers' Standards, with observed practice.
- 04Assessment and recommendation
Final assessment by the accredited provider and recommendation for the award of QTS.
How it works
Your QTS journey, clearly structured.
See how SinoUK helps teachers organise genuine professional evidence, prepare for assessment and understand each stage of the QTS journey.
- Organising authentic evidence of your day-to-day practice
- Preparing a portfolio against the Teachers' Standards
- Understanding each stage, from eligibility review to award
Recognised outcomes
Teachers awarded UK QTS through this pathway.
Certificates are issued by the UK Department for Education and can be independently verified via teacherservices.education.gov.uk.
Graham Martin O'Donoghue
27 May 2024
Xiaoqing (Caroline) Jin
5 December 2024
Jielin Xu
7 April 2026
Liping Chen
16 April 2026
In their own words
Endorsements from mentees and university partners.
The University of Sunderland is proud of our existing connection through QTS mentorship, and we look forward to exploring ways to deepen our academic ties, including potential affiliation and collaboration in postgraduate education. I extend my warmest congratulations to Mr Greaves and fully support his leadership of this important national-level education programme.
Mr Greaves provided me with patient, detailed and culturally sensitive guidance throughout the process. His deep knowledge of international teaching standards and unwavering commitment to helping Chinese teachers succeed gave me the confidence to pursue and achieve my QTS qualification.
Mr Greaves offered invaluable mentorship. He patiently guided me through each stage of the application, provided detailed feedback on my documents and helped me understand the requirements and expectations of the UK teaching qualification framework.
Independent school endorsement
Recognised by leadership at a British independent school in China.
"Between 2022 and 2023, we mentored apprenticeships for teachers across a range of subject areas. A significant majority of these teachers successfully attained UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with Teacher Reference Numbers confirmed by the UK Department for Education. The QTS mentoring programme continues to be implemented at WASZ today, and I understand that Mr Greaves is continuing similar work in his current role at YWIES. This initiative not only supports the professional development of teachers, but also aligns strongly with Gaogu Province's '双减' (Double Reduction) strategy by raising teaching standards, nurturing talent and contributing to the long-term goals of internationalisation and educational excellence."
Recognition & professional standing
Photographed evidence of impact.
Evidence of impact
A national-level programme, recognised by a UK university.
In a letter of support, Ian Elliott — Senior Lecturer and University Governor at the University of Sunderland — writes of the successful certification of over twenty teachers through the UK Qualified Teacher Status pathway and describes the launch of the new Education Excellence and QTS Development Centre at YWIES Lingang as "a significant milestone — one that will have long-reaching impact across international and bilingual education in China."
Full documentation, references and further evidence of impact are available to accredited partners on request.
Entry requirements
English & Maths Equivalency
Some applicants may need to demonstrate English and/or Mathematics qualifications that are considered equivalent to UK GCSE requirements before beginning the AO-QTS route.
If you do not already hold an accepted qualification, the University of Sunderland accepts and recommends A Star Equivalency for applicants requiring GCSE English and/or Mathematics equivalency qualifications.
SinoUK is happy to advise prospective candidates regarding the entry requirements and explain when equivalency qualifications may be required before beginning the AO-QTS route.
Portfolio readiness
Review your evidence before formal assessment.
SERS provides an independent, structured review of authentic evidence against the Teachers’ Standards. It is optional and does not replace university assessment.
Our Support Packages
Four levels of professional support — choose what suits you.
Every teacher's experience, confidence and support requirements are different. SinoUK therefore offers four levels of professional support, allowing you to choose the level of guidance that best suits your individual needs.
Not sure which package is right for you?
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your experience, assess your eligibility and recommend the most suitable level of support.
Essential
University Referral
Suitable for experienced teachers who are confident applying independently.
- Initial eligibility guidance
- Referral through the SinoUK University Partnership
- Direct application to the University
No additional SinoUK professional support fee.
Guided
Application Support
Ideal for teachers seeking confidence before beginning assessment.
- Everything in Essential
- Initial consultation
- Guidance on evidence requirements
- Introduction to the University assessment process
- Opportunity to discuss individual questions
Fees available following initial consultation.
Professional
Most chosenPortfolio Mentoring
Comprehensive mentoring throughout the assessment process.
- Everything in Guided
- Portfolio mentoring
- Evidence mapping
- Interview preparation
- Ongoing support following University feedback
SERS tiers: Silver Free · Gold ¥3,500 / US$525 · Platinum ¥5,800 / US$875 · Diamond from ¥8,500 / from US$1,275.
Premium
Complete Concierge Service
Our highest level of support.
- Everything in Professional
- Mock interview
- Portfolio organisation
- Administrative support
- Document preparation
- Uploading documentation to the University portal (with candidate authorisation)
- Priority support throughout the assessment process
Please contact SinoUK for an individual quotation.
Individual quotations are provided following an initial consultation to ensure each teacher receives the level of support appropriate to their experience and portfolio.
Professional Recognition
British Council UK Agent & Counsellor Training Programme
Andy Greaves has successfully completed the British Council UK Agent & Counsellor Training Programme, demonstrating knowledge of the UK education system and ethical practice when advising prospective students and teachers.
Completion of this training programme demonstrates individual professional development. It does not constitute British Council accreditation or endorsement of SinoUK ITDC.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered.
What is UK QTS?
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional status required to teach in most state-maintained schools in England. It is issued by the Department for Education following assessment against the Teachers' Standards, and is widely recognised across international schools.
Who is the QTS pathway for?
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The pathway is designed for practising teachers who wish to gain internationally recognised professional status — including Chinese teachers, teachers in international schools in China and the region, and school leaders building QTS-qualified staff bodies.
What are the eligibility requirements?
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Candidates typically hold a Bachelor's degree, have relevant teaching experience and meet the English language proficiency requirements of the accredited provider. A full eligibility review is carried out at the start of the process.
How is the assessment carried out?
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Assessment is portfolio-based, against the UK Teachers' Standards. It involves a mentor-supported portfolio of planning and reflection, observed lessons in the candidate's own school and a final assessment by the accredited provider.
How long does the process take?
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Most candidates complete the pathway within nine to twelve months, depending on prior experience and the intensity of engagement with mentoring.
Who awards the QTS?
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QTS is recommended by a UK provider accredited by the Department for Education, and awarded by the Secretary of State for Education. SinoUK ITDC supports candidates through the process; we do not ourselves award QTS.
What support do candidates receive?
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Each candidate is assigned a trained mentor, receives structured CPD, and is supported by the Centre's academic team throughout the portfolio and assessment stages.
Further information
Speak to us about QTS pathways.
Detailed guidance, eligibility criteria and current provider partners are available on request. We are happy to speak with individual teachers, schools and education authorities.
Get in touch
Partner with us to develop the next generation of teachers.
Whether you lead a school, university or education authority, we welcome conversations about mentoring, CPD programmes and long-term collaboration.