The United Kingdom has updated its Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) rules, removing Nigeria and Ghana from the list of countries whose overseas-trained teachers can apply directly for QTS in England. This change, effective September 9, 2026, was announced by the UK Department for Education (DfE). The DfE assesses overseas teaching qualifications and experience against specific requirements to ensure teachers awarded QTS meet England's standards.
According to the DfE, countries eligible for the direct application route must have a national regulator capable of confirming a teacher's professional standing and providing authenticated references. However, Nigeria and Ghana no longer meet the reference verification requirements. Over 70% of applications from teachers in both countries included work history references using public email addresses, such as Gmail or Hotmail, instead of official school-domain addresses.
India was also removed from the direct QTS route because it lacks a national regulator capable of confirming teachers' professional standing. In contrast, South Africa remains the only African country on the current list of countries eligible for the direct QTS application route. The DfE emphasized that these requirements ensure the authenticity of information provided by applicants and that overseas teachers awarded QTS possess the necessary skills and experience.
To apply for QTS under the direct route, teachers must have a valid passport, an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree, professional recognition as a teacher in their country of training, and the required induction for full registration. Applicants must also demonstrate at least nine months of teaching experience after qualifying, with references confirming their work history through an official school-domain email address.
The DfE noted that teachers in England are employed by individual schools, which may consider applicants through alternative qualification routes. However, QTS remains a preferred qualification for many schools. This change may affect many teachers from Nigeria and Ghana who wish to work in English schools. The updated rules aim to maintain the standards of teaching in England.
The removal of Nigeria and Ghana from the direct application route may lead to more complex and lengthy application processes for teachers from these countries. They may need to explore alternative routes or qualifications to teach in England. The DfE's decision is based on ensuring that teachers meet the required standards and have genuine qualifications and experience.
The UK's Department for Education continues to review and update its policies to maintain high standards in education. The changes to the QTS application route reflect the department's commitment to ensuring that teachers in England have the necessary skills and qualifications. This move may have implications for teacher recruitment and diversity in English schools.
Key points
- The UK has removed Nigeria and Ghana from the list of countries eligible for the direct Qualified Teacher Status application route due to reference verification issues.
- India was also removed from the direct QTS route because it lacks a national regulator capable of confirming teachers' professional standing.
- South Africa remains the only African country on the current list of countries eligible for the direct QTS application route.
