Schools Urged to Prepare as QTS Requirement Extends to Academies

School leaders are being encouraged to review their workforce plans ahead of a major change to teacher qualification requirements coming into force in September 2027.

Under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, academies will no longer be able to recruit unqualified teachers under the exemption that has previously applied to them. All schools will be required to employ teachers with qualified teacher status (QTS). Data from 2025-26 shows there are 12,444 full-time teachers and 4,316 part-time teachers without qualified status.

While supporters argue the move will ensure a consistent professional standard for all pupils, school leaders are warning that it comes at a time of ongoing recruitment and retention challenges. The new rules include several exemptions. Existing unqualified teachers employed by academies can remain in their current roles, while specialist instructors delivering vocational subjects, sport or languages may continue to work under the supervision of a qualified teacher. Overseas-trained teachers will also have up to four years to secure QTS. 

Schools have been advised to begin auditing staffing arrangements now and identify the most suitable QTS pathways for affected employees to minimise disruption and retain experienced classroom practitioners.