FULL LIST: UK removes Nigeria, Ghana from teacher qualification route
The United Kingdom Department for Education has excluded teachers trained in Nigeria, Ghana and India from using the route to apply for Qualified Teacher Status in England. The change took effect on September 9, 2026, according to updated guidance posted by the DfE and sighted by PUNCH Online on Tuesday. QTS is the professional teaching Read More:…
The UK Department for Education has excluded teachers trained in Nigeria, Ghana, and India from using the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) application route for England, starting September 9, 2026. This decision follows data showing high rejection rates for QTS applications from teachers in these countries. Teachers in Ghana and Nigeria had rejection rates of 95% and 97%, respectively, with assessors citing issues in verifying public email addresses provided as references.
India was excluded due to the lack of a national regulator to confirm professional standing. Eligible teachers must have a valid passport, an equivalent undergraduate degree, professional recognition, and at least nine months of teaching experience. They must also provide verified employment references and demonstrate qualifications to teach pupils aged between five and 16.
Countries like South Africa, Australia, Canada, and the USA remain eligible for the QTS application service. Teachers previously ineligible for QTS can explore alternative routes into teaching in England.
Written by urgent.news from Punch's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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