Initial Teacher Training

Tes Institute’s Straight to Teaching, Assessment Only QTS, iQTS and iPGCE in association with COBIS

Tes Institute is the fully accredited teacher training and development arm of Tes and has supported around 4,000 teachers on routes to QTS in the UK and globally, combining in-person, online and school-based learning for partner schools.

COBIS members can access Tes Institute’s personalised and flexible QTS preparation programme Straight to Teaching, as well as their Assessment Only route to QTS at a discounted affiliate rate; saving up to £375 on the cost of Straight to Teaching and £150 on Assessment Only.

For staff who want to develop their teaching practice with a Master’s level qualification, a 5% discount, saving £175, is also available on Tes Institute’s part-time fully online International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE), delivered in partnership with the University of East London (UEL).
 

To access the discounted rate, use code COBIS5 when booking.

To access the discounted rate, on any of the above courses, use code COBIS5 when applying.

Tes Institute’s recently launched school-centred initial teacher training (ITT) route iQTS, enables international staff to gain English qualified teacher status (QTS). Combined with an optional top up International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE) learners could save up to £413 on the cost of both courses separately.

For further information and current course fees for Tes Institute’s Straight to Teaching, Assessment Only and iQTS routes to QTS, and iPGCE visit Tes Institute's teacher training course page.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Buckingham has become one of the leading providers of training for teachers and school leaders. Offering the full continuum of training for staff and delighted to be able to offer COBIS members discounted rates for the PGCE for International Trainees, Assessment Only Route to QTS and a range of master’s programmes in Education, all available online.

To view a copy of the University of Buckingham international brochure, please click here.

To receive the discounted rate, simply select COBIS from the drop down box on the relevant online application form available on our website: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/study-education/.  

Contact: education@buckingham.ac.uk

Initial Teacher Education at the University of Sunderland 

Discounted rates available for COBIS Schools using the links below.

The ‘life changing’ University of Sunderland has 20,000 students based in campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong and at its global partnerships with learning institutions in 15 countries. We are proud of our long-established commitment to widening participation, our world-leading research, public and private sector collaborations and our track-record for providing quality student experiences resulting in graduates who are the tomorrow-makers of our societies and economies. We are research active, with ten areas of 'world leading’ research - real-world research. Our graduates are sought-after, with 94.2% of our UK undergraduates and 95.8% of our UK postgraduates in employment or in further education within 6 months of graduating. 

PGCE Education IDL

Apply Here to access the COBIS discount

We have over 100 years’ experience of training teachers and are one of the largest providers of Initial teacher training in the UK in addition to 700 trainee teachers yearly worldwide.  The PGCE Independent Distance Learning (IDL) Education programme is a world leading and internationally recognised teaching qualification which has been running since 2001. It has consistently attracted large cohorts in mainland China and Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Europe, Asia and Africa.  The programme blends applied teaching theory and practice in three taught modules and an assessed teaching practice module. The PGCE has been developed to enable it to be delivered to primary, secondary and post-16 teachers and to any subject specialism. It is a 36-week full-time course, completed in one academic year. The programme blends applied teaching theory and practice in three taught modules and one extended assessed teaching practice. The assessed teaching practice is a unique feature of our provision and one which makes it extremely popular with trainee teachers and employers. The PGCE has been developed to enable it to be delivered to primary, secondary and post-16 teachers and to any subject specialism.  On the PGCE IDL, two of the modules are research-based and at Masters level, which prepares for further postgraduate study which can be undertaken with us in IDL mode. Many graduates are undertaking this as a further career-enhancing opportunity.

Please contact the programme leader, Ian Elliott, for further details on  ian.elliott@sunderland.ac.uk - To apply with the COBIS discount, please click here.

PGCE Early Years Teaching IDL

Apply Here to access the COBIS discount (Sep 2022 intake)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Teaching programme is ideal for people living outside of the UK who already work with children aged 0-5.  This course is aimed at professionals/practitioners who will engage in an intensive one year blended learning programme to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills with regard to working with children and families in the International Early Years’ context. Our course is unique and distinctive in that it offers a highly flexible mode of learning with course delivery and assessment entirely via distance using our university VLE (virtual learning environment), without ever having to come to the UK.  This programme has three modules of applied theory and one assessed practicum module (60 credits at undergraduate level and 60 credits at Masters level) which are spread out over the academic year. The three modules of applied theory allow for the examination of the context of young children’s learning and development. Exploration of how to assess development and learning, how to construct a curriculum and how to lead Early Years provision are integral to the programme.  Within the practicum module, two assessed teaching experiences in an Early Years setting of your choice will be undertaken – either at your own workplace or with an employer who is willing to provide you with a placement and mentor. The modules are cohesive and ensure the theoretical knowledge can be applied in practice.

Please contact the programme leader, Alison Griffiths, for further details on alison.griffiths@sunderland.ac.uk ; To apply with the COBIS discount, please click here

The Assessment Only Route to QTS

The Assessment Only Route to QTS (AOR) is for experienced teachers, who have been teaching whole classes for a minimum of two years. Having delivered this route in the UK for several years, the University is conducting increasing numbers of assessments overseas in British International Schools, as obtaining QTS is seen as desirable.  Applicants will have taught in at least two schools, normally for at least two years and across one of the following age ranges: 3-11 (primary), 7-14 (middle) or 11-19 (secondary).  The AOR allows candidates to demonstrate that they already meet all of the Teachers' Standards for QTS.

The assessment period is a maximum of 12 weeks which commences after registration with Department for Education, the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). If a candidate meets the eligibility criteria for AOR the University will ask for a detailed presentation of preliminary evidence at interview – then for the final recommendation for QTS we will re-assess evidence and assess teaching – normally at the school where the candidate is currently working.

Typical applications to this route include people who have taught for more than two years in the independent sector or overseas. The AOR may be possible to undertake while teaching overseas, normally in a British International School but also in other suitable international schools.

Upon award of QTS, the next step is to undertake an extended period (normally 2 years) as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). This includes a personalised programme of professional support and further assessment against the core professional standards for teachers normally organised by your employing school or local authority.  There is no formal instruction or assignments to complete on Assessment Only Route to QTS as it is an employment-based assessment pathway.

Please contact the programme leader, Ian Elliott, for further details on ian.elliott@sunderland.ac.uk or visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/short-courses-cpd/assessment-only-route-qts/

iPGCE

This one-year postgraduate international PGCE (iPGCE) from UWE Bristol is for teachers, or aspiring teachers, in international schools or those with an international focus. Supporting course participants to provide the best education for learners, we will share different theories, models and practice approaches. Participants will also be supported to try out new ways of working, implement different strategies, and evaluate the impact of their teaching on learners' needs in their own setting.

Delivered as an online course, participants will be supported by UWE Bristol tutors, alongside their work. As this is a practice-focused course, participants need to be teaching during the course, allowing them to try out different teaching strategies and ways of managing their classroom.

We will support participants to evaluate their practice and provide them with clear feedback. We will refer to a range of evidence to support themes, including teaching practice planning, transcripts, photographs, self-evaluation, and feedback to monitor and support their practice and progress. Our tutors will provide feedback on their practice, and this will refer to the appropriate English Teachers’ Standards.

Participants will need the support of their school/organisation to enrol on the course. The iPGCE course is taught and assessed in English. Please note: Qualified Teacher Status in England is awarded by the Teaching Regulation Agency on behalf of the government. It is not awarded by universities and so this course does not lead to QTS, or to the equivalent in any other country.

Applicants teaching in COBIS Schools are eligible for a 5% discount on tuition fees. To apply with the discount, please select PII314 - Council of British International Schools as a partner.

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iPGCE Early Years

This one-year postgraduate iPGCE from UWE Bristol is for early years teachers, or aspiring teachers, in international kindergartens, or schools with an international focus. Supporting participants to provide the best education for young learners, we will share different theories, models and curricula including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Participants will be supported to try out new ways of working, implement different strategies, and evaluate the impact of their teaching on learners’ needs in their own setting.

Delivered as an online course, participants will study at a distance, supported by UWE Bristol tutors, alongside their work.

As this is a very practice-focused course, participants need to be teaching during the course. Participants will try out different teaching strategies and ways of managing their classroom. We will support them to evaluate their practice and we will provide clear feedback. We will refer to a range of evidence to support this, including teaching practice planning, transcripts, photographs, self-evaluation, and feedback to monitor and support their practice and progress. Our tutors will provide feedback on their practice and will refer to the appropriate English Teachers' Standards.

Participants will need the support of their kindergarten or school to enrol on the course. The course is taught and assessed in English. Please note: Qualified Teacher Status in England is awarded by the Teaching Regulation Agency on behalf of the government. It is not awarded by universities and so this course does not lead to QTS, or to the equivalent in any other country.

Applicants linked to COBIS Schools are eligible for a 5% discount on tuition fees. To apply with the discount, please select PII314 - Council of British International Schools as a partner.

Find out more

Apply Now

iQTS – International Qualified Teacher Status

The iQTS is a new online, internationally focused teaching qualification launched by the UK Government in 2022 and highly valued in international education. UWE Bristol’s iQTS develops committed, collaborative, adaptable and solution-focused teachers, through high-quality training in international contexts. Participants will benefit from high-quality, evidence-based training, where they will study online and put their learning into practice in the classroom.

We offer the following routes to gain iQTS.

iQTS only

The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) is an internationally focused online teaching qualification which enables participants based in international schools to engage in English teacher training. On successful completion of this module, the Department for Education (DfE) in England, will automatically award participants Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying them to teach in schools internationally and in England too.

iQTS with PGCE

The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) with PGCE, is an internationally focused online teaching qualification and enables participants based in international schools to engage in English teacher training online. As part of a year-long course, participants will study for a master's level Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), while achieving International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS). On successful completion of this course the Department for Education (DfE) in England, will automatically award participants Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying them to teach in schools internationally and in England too.

UWE Bristol’s iQTS award is suitable for candidates seeking to improve their fundamental teaching skills and career development both internationally and in England. The award will offer participants an opportunity to start teacher training or develop their existing teaching career.

Participants will need the support of their school/organisation to enrol on the course. The iQTS course is taught and assessed in English.

UWE Bristol offers four iQTS options:

• iQTS Primary (5-11)
• iQTS Secondary Mathematics (11-16)
• iQTS Secondary Physics (11-16)
• iQTS Secondary Chemistry (11-16)
• iQTS – International Qualified Teacher Status

Applicants linked to COBIS Schools are eligible for a 5% discount on tuition fees. To apply with the discount, please select PII314 - Council of British International Schools as a partner

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MA Education part-time 3 years

Students who are able to dedicate sufficient time to their studies may be able to complete it in less time, including those who already have M-level credits which may be credited to this award.

This flexible part-time qualification equips participants to drive educational developments forward while progressing their career. They will apply theory to their own professional context, reflect on their experiences and engage in educational research to make a direct contribution to practice.

The quality of education plays an important role in facilitating learning. As an educator, or leader in education, participants can make a difference to the community by inspiring the next generation of learners. Educators and leaders need to understand the role they play in their students' learning and know what impacts the success of their learners. They will gain an insight into what affects learner performance and how to promote this.   

A relevant, context-based course

UWE Bristol’s MA Education course allows participants to personalise their studies to suit their own professional development. By linking academic theory with educational policy and their own practice, they will be equipped to make a real contribution to developments within the field of education.

They will critically analyse and explore the relationship between theoretical models in education and professional practice, as well as examining educational policies in a range of contexts. They will also learn how to conduct ethical and robust educational enquiry, developing research skills to support them in their career and contribute to excellence in their school.

A tailored, student-centred approach

The course takes a student-centred approach, ensuring our participants reflect on their own practice and develop expertise based on their academic interests and specific professional context. They will build a critical, reflective, and enquiring mindset that they can apply to any educational workplace.

Participants will study remotely through UWE Bristol’s online learning community, where they will benefit from online discussion boards and group forums with their peers and tutors. They will have the opportunity to share experiences, provide mutual support and gain expertise from other education professionals working in the field.

A flexible course delivery

Thanks to its part-time delivery, participants will have the opportunity to work through their online course materials at their own pace. The course delivery is designed to support career progression for all practising education professions, including those working in international contexts. Many of the modules can also be taken separately as standalone modules, offering participants opportunities in continual professional development.

Applicants linked to COBIS Schools are eligible for a 5% discount on tuition fees. To apply with the discount, please select PII314 - Council of British International Schools as a partner.

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MA Career Development

Participants can follow their aspiration to become a career development professional by studying one of our career development courses. The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) Career Development, approved by the Career Development Institute (CDI), forms the basis of progression to the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Career Development. Progressing to the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Career Development offers you the opportunity to complete the Qualification in Career Development (QCD), which is awarded by the CDI. On completion of the QCD, participants will be qualified to provide personal guidance in schools and colleges.

Applicants linked to COBIS Schools are eligible for a 5% discount on tuition fees. To apply with the discount, please select PII314 - Council of British International Schools as a partner.

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