ISI appointed for pilot phase of iQTS inspection framework
ISI has been appointed to deliver an inspection pilot for a new international teaching qualification backed by the Department for Education and UK government.
International qualified teacher status (iQTS) meets the same high standards as English qualified teacher status (QTS). Applicants for iQTS train where they live and work, with no need to visit the UK.
Over the course of 2023, ISI will co-develop the iQTS inspection framework, in collaboration with iQTS training providers.
The inspection framework will set out how inspections will be carried out, while the iQTS inspection criteria defines the standards against which providers are inspected.
The inspection pilots will run from January 2024 to summer 2024, inspecting the provision of the initial six iQTS providers, who will then be in their second year of iQTS delivery.
The pilot will be used to ensure the iQTS inspection framework and the iQTS inspection criteria work together to deliver the necessary standards for iQTS training provision.
Richard Johnson, Senior Director for British Schools Overseas at ISI, said:
“The introduction of the iQTS will provide a range of benefits for British Schools Overseas, including the ability to recruit, retain and develop local teaching talent.
“With ISI’s experience inspecting in over 50 countries worldwide, we are pleased to be involved in the external assurance of this exciting new international teaching qualification.
“We look forward to working closely with partners and providers over the next two years.”
At the end of 2024, the Department for Education will draw on their research findings to finalise the iQTS inspection framework.
This will be published and used by inspectorates from 2025 onwards.