To be eligible for this scheme an OTT must have:

• Maths and English GCSE at grade C or above or equivalent qualification*
• For primary teachers you must also have a science GCSE at grade C or above or equivalent qualification*
• A UK first or bachelors degree or equivalent qualification. For those who do not have a degree or equivalent qualification, they may be able to gain QTS through the Registered Teacher Programme (RTP) but will not be eligible for the OTTP. The West London Partnership does not run the RTP and therefore they will need to approach the TDA for details of Designated Recommending Bodies that do.
• A teaching qualification from abroad which has trained them to teach at primary or secondary level.
• If applicable, a teachers' accreditation document from their state or country of qualification (this does not have to be current, but is mandatory for applicants from Canada, USA, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia).
• A degree relevant to the subject(s)they will teach if teaching at secondary level.
• The ability to speak and write Standard English. This means that they must be able to make themselves understood by pupils and follow Standard English usage when speaking or writing.
• not previously failed to gain QTS. The TDA will not accept applications for candidates who have failed in earlier attempts to gain QTS through another route unless there are exceptional circumstances. If someone is in this position they will need to provide a letter from the previous teacher-training provider, explaining what happened, which will be included with the application to the TDA.
• A statement from UK NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre, Oriel Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1XP Tel:01242 260 010)verifying their academic qualifications.

*GCSE Equivalence Tests
The WLP will not process applications that do not satisfy the eligibility criteria for entrance to QTS. All applicants must ensure that they are in possession of GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in English, Mathematics and, for Primary, a Science subject. Such equivalence should be verified by UK NARIC. Those not yet in possession of the relevant qualifications will need to take an equivalency test in the subject(s) and should do so before submitting their application for the OTTP.

The WLP offers in house equivalence tests for those candidates who do not have the relevant GCSEs at the required level. These tests are offered once per term and this is subject to availability as places are limited.

There is a charge of £80.00 for each test taken and the WLP is unable to offer a retake if a candidate fails a test. Candidates must prepare themselves for any of the tests they take and revision guidance is provided after registering for the test(s). For the maths test we also run a preparation session on the day of the test.

The WLP test dates for 2008/9 are as follows:

Autumn term
English - 20th October 2008
Science - 28th October 2008
Maths - 7th November 2008

Spring term
English - 16th February 2009
Science - 11th February 2009
Maths - 13th February 2009

Summer term
English - 18th May 2009
Science - 19th May 2009
Maths - 5th June 2009

To apply to take a WLP equivalence test please download an application form which you should complete and send with your payment to the WLP office at the address shown on the form. Once we have processed the application form you will be sent an information pack detailing your attendance to the required test(s) as well as supplementary revision information.
For those unable to take one of the WLP in-house equivalence tests the WLP can also accept equivalence tests offered by www.equivalencytesting.com. Please check their website for details.

If you not sure about the eligibility of an OTT for this scheme please contact the Partnership office for advice, telephone 020 8547 8789 (Tuesday-Thursday only).

The main features of the OTT scheme are:

• It is an employment-based route, which enables teachers trained outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to gain QTS.
• It is undertaken over a minimum of 6 weeks and maximum of one year. The ususal length for the programme is one term.
• It usually will include some form of training programme.
• Assessment is undertaken through seeing the candidate teach and the examination of a portfolio of evidence against the standards for QTS and interviewing senior colleagues.
• There are two options for assessment: 1) Assessment against the standards for QTS or 2) assessment against the standards for QTS and induction – dual assessment. Option 2 is only open to teachers with at least two year’s teaching experience, at least one of which must have been in England.

  Application to OTTP
  Provided the OTT's school is within one of the ARB's LAs application to the OTTP must be made directly to the West London Partnership. To apply for the OTTP scheme downloaded the OTTP application form here.The completed application must be returned to the ARB with copies of the OTT's qualifications. Once the applicant's eligibility has been confirmed, the DRB will arrange for a tutor to contact them. In preparation for the visit schools and candidates should look at the TDA website (see Partnership Links) which provides further information about the OTTP.

  OTTs in schools which are not in a West London Partnership LA will need to approach another ARB. Information about all ARBs are held on the TDA's website.

  Teachers trained in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or another European Economic Area (EEA)countryIf a teacher qualified in one of these countries s/he may be eligible for QTS without further assessment. Non-EEA nationals who have trained in an EEA member state outside the UK will not automatically be recognised for QTS. Contact the General Teaching Council for England (GTC), Teachers’ Qualifications Section on 0870 001 0308 for advice.
  
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