BEd without QTS - Can I still get QTS after graduating?

[WeDontTalkAboutLove]

Hi,
this is my first time posting, I hope i'm doing it right!
I graduated from uni a while ago with a bachelor of education degree in primary education, without QTS. After working in the education sector for a while, but not as a teacher, I'm now looking into finding a teacher role. However, when i've looked into booking my QTS skills tests, I'm asked t bring proof that I have recently enrolled on a teacher training programme. I'm worried that since I have already graduated I cannot gain QTS anymore!
Can anyone inform me if this is the way and I have lost my opportunity?
Many thanks!

[teaforbreakfast]

If it isn't with qualified teacher status, is it teacher training? Genuinely.

[WeDontTalkAboutLove]

The degree was for BEd Primary teaching with QTS, however the QTS skills are a separate test taken in a test centre away from the university. Most of my peers took the QTS tests during our final year and therefore graduated with a BEd Primary degree with QTS. I had a very difficult final year (Death of family member, break up resulting in partner buying me out of our house, etc) and I cancelled my booking for my QTS tests as I didn't feel I was in a position to pass them at this time, assuming I would be able to reschedule them at a later date. I am now worried that they had to be completed whist I was enrolled on the course.

[titchy]

I think you'd have to do a PGCE if you didn't get QTS with your first degree.

[teaforbreakfast]

Right, I see! Sorry about your situation there. No, I wouldn't think they do. Many people retake them.

[zeeboo]

The skills tests don't qualify you for teaching, they qualify you to join a QTS teaching course so you will need to find a PGCE course and then do the skills test using that establishments name as where you are training.

[WeDontTalkAboutLove]

Ah, I see, does this mean I would need to study for a further year at university? I'm sorry, I really should know this!

[allmixedupreally]

Have a look at this getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/ - it shows you different avenues of qualifying as a teacher

[WeDontTalkAboutLove]

Thank you

[Whynotnowbaby]

The rules have changed over the life of the skills tests. When I took them (in their first ever year) you just had to pass them before you completed your training but now you have to have passed them before you can start a course. That is why the system doesn't allow for someone who has already completed to take them because these days it wouldn't be possible. I though they always had to have been passed before the end of the course though but may be wrong on that. I would attempt to contact whoever actually administers the tests in the first instance and explain your situation. If that fails I would go back to the uni where you did the BEd (who were presumably aware of the situation at the time) and ask them to advise on where you go from here. Depending on when you did your qualification and what the rules were at the time you will also need to check you haven't run out of time to do your NQT year as well. If worse comes to worst and you need to requalify I would look to get 'known' by a school who are willing to take you on a salaried school direct route. You would be attractive to them as you will be fairly competent from the start and it will mean you can still earn a salary while you retrain (it is paid at unqualified teacher rate).

[WeDontTalkAboutLove]

Hi, thank you for your response. I have emailed my university tonight and they have already replied and assured me that I am still able to take the skills tests and, providing I pass them, all I need to do is let the university know so they can update my degree to include QTS. The skills test centre also confirmed this, saying it's not uncommon for BEd courses and I am what they refer to as an 'Exit candidate'.
...which is a huge relief!
Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer my slightly muddled questions :)

[Whynotnowbaby]

So pleased you've got it sorted. Thank you for updating too - it's always nice to know the outcome of these things!

[sashh]

Good luck.

I don't know if this is the same for you but new students only have three chances at each test.