It is one of the most common questions from people thinking about teaching in an independent school: do you need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a private school?
The short answer, in England, is no. But QTS still affects your pay, your career options and whether you could move into a state school later. Here are 17 things to know about QTS and teaching in a private school, particularly for graduates, career changers, overseas-trained teachers and anyone already working in an independent school without QTS.
1. QTS is not a legal requirement in independent schools
Independent schools in England are not legally required to employ teachers with QTS. Each school decides what qualifications it wants for a role.
2. It is required in maintained schools
To teach in a local authority maintained school or a non-maintained special school in England, you need QTS. Teachers moving from the independent sector into these schools need QTS too.
3. The rules are changing for academies
Academies have been able to employ teachers without QTS. Under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, that changes from 1 September 2027: new teachers in academies will need to hold QTS or be working towards it, and early career teachers in academies will need to complete statutory induction. The DfE has said full guidance will follow in autumn 2026. These changes apply to academies, not to independent schools.
4. Many private schools still ask for QTS
Not being legally required is not the same as not being wanted. Many independent school job adverts list QTS, or a recognised teaching qualification, as essential or desirable, particularly for permanent posts.
5. Schools may value other strengths
Independent schools sometimes appoint people without QTS because of deep subject knowledge, research experience, industry background or a strong record in sport, music or other co-curricular activities. These appointments are more common in shortage subjects and specialist roles.
6. Pay without QTS depends on the school
Independent schools are not bound by the national teachers’ pay scales, so there is no automatic unqualified rate. Some pay all teachers on the same scale, while others pay less to staff without QTS. Ask to see the school’s pay policy before you accept a post.
7. Statutory induction is optional in private schools
DfE guidance is clear that early career teachers do not have to complete statutory induction if they only intend to work in the independent sector. Independent schools can choose to offer it, but they do not have to.
8. Many independent schools do offer induction
Schools that offer induction must follow the same regulations as state schools, including a reduced timetable, a mentor and an induction tutor. They need an appropriate body to quality assure it. This can be a teaching school hub or, for schools in membership of its associations, the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel (ISTIP).
9. You need QTS before induction can start
Induction can only begin once QTS has been awarded. Time spent teaching without QTS does not count towards it.
10. There is no deadline for starting induction
Once you have QTS, there is no set time limit for starting or finishing induction, and you cannot lose your QTS because induction takes a long time. You only get one attempt at induction, though, so it is worth doing it somewhere that will support you well.
11. There is a five-year limit on short-term supply
If you have QTS but have not completed induction, you can only do short-term supply work (less than a term) in maintained schools for five years from the date QTS was awarded. After that, you would need a post of at least one term in which you are serving induction.
12. Moving to a state school later may mean doing induction
Teaching in the independent sector does not exempt you from induction. If you have QTS but have not completed induction and later move to a maintained school, you will need to complete it there. The appropriate body can reduce the induction period to as little as one term in recognition of your experience.
13. You can gain QTS while working in a private school
The Assessment Only route lets experienced unqualified teachers gain QTS without a full training course. Providers typically look for at least two years’ teaching experience in two schools, and the assessment itself usually lasts around 12 weeks. Teachers in independent schools are eligible.
14. Assessment Only has a cost
There are no bursaries for Assessment Only. Fees vary by provider and are usually paid by the teacher or the school. Some independent schools will fund it, so it is worth asking at interview.
15. Overseas-trained teachers can apply for QTS
Teachers who qualified outside the UK can apply to have their qualification recognised through the DfE’s QTS application process. Those recognised under the current system with at least two years’ full-time teaching experience are exempt from statutory induction.
16. QTLS is another route for FE teachers
Teachers with Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status from further education, and active membership of the Society for Education and Training, are exempt from statutory induction and can work as qualified teachers in schools.
17. QTS keeps your options open
The independent sector is under financial pressure: the Independent Schools Council’s 2026 census recorded 526,611 pupils at its schools, down 3.5 per cent on the previous year, following the introduction of VAT on fees. With academies also moving to require QTS from 2027, holding QTS, and ideally completing induction, gives you the freedom to work across the whole system.
Find Out More
DfE: Qualified teacher status (QTS)
DfE: Induction for early career teachers (England)
Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel (ISTIP)
NASBTT: Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 – QTS and induction changes
Thinking about making the move? Read Moving From a State to an Independent School: 17 Differences Teachers Notice.
Have you taught in a private school with or without QTS? Teach17 would love to hear about your experience. Get in touch.