Advanced Teacher Status (ATS) is designed for experienced teachers like you who want to strengthen their leadership, sharpen their practice, and gain Chartered Teacher Status.
Available exclusively to ETF members, ATS provides a structured pathway to recognised professional status, helping you extend your influence, lead improvement and demonstrate your impact across your organisation.
Applications for the October 2026 cohort have now closed.
ATS accepts one cohort each year and the next application window is expected to open in June 2027.
What to expect
ATS is a structured 14-month programme designed to develop and recognise advanced professional practice and leadership.
During the programme you will:
Complete a structured 14-month programme of professional development
Strengthen yourleadership, influence and advanced professional practice
Be assessed on your individual development and ability to work collaboratively with others
Spend an average of four hours per week engaging with the programme
Fees:*
£895 programme fee
*Please note that payment must be made by card.
What ATS entails
Throughout the programme, participants undertake a range of developmental and reflective activities, including:
Self assessment of your practice
Professional development plan, CPD and professional reading
Quality improvement project with impact at strategic level
Coaching and mentoring colleagues
Critical reflection on your developmental journey
Preparing for the next ats COHORT
Applications for the October 2026 cohort have now closed.
ATS accepts one cohort each year, with the next application window expected to open in June 2027. If you're considering applying for a future cohort, now is a great time to review the requirements and assess whether ATS is the right next step in your professional development.
ATS is designed for experienced teachers who can demonstrate advanced professional practice, leadership and influence within the FE and skills sector. The 14-month programme provides the opportunity to develop your leadership, evidence your impact and gain Chartered Teacher Status.
To prepare for the next application window, we recommend that you:
review the current eligibility criteria
ensure you hold an active ETF membership
explore the programme requirements and commitment
Please note that eligibility to undertake ATS, including the review of qualification and individual applicant circumstances, can only be assessed as part of the formal application process.
Check your eligibility
Make sure you meet the requirements.
ATS is designed for experienced teachers who are able to demonstrate advanced practice within the FE and skills sector and meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility requirements may be updated for future cohorts. Please check the latest criteria before applying.
Become an ETF member
Start your journey towards ATS.
ATS is available exclusively to active ETF members. Membership gives you access to a range of professional development opportunities to support your career progression.
Chartered. Credible. Career-defining.
'The main benefit of ATS is the stretch and challenge with your practice, and actually giving you time and space to revisit elements that you want to look into and see how you can further improve your practice.'
Lucy FSET ATS QTLS, Programme Leader at The Guernsey Institute
Why choose ATS?
With ATS, you can achieve these benefits already enjoyed by aspiring peers:
Gain formal recognition for your leadership in teaching, learning and impact
DEMONSTRATE your expertise in mentoring, coaching and strategic development
Lead a research project that drives measurable change in your organisation
Stand out for senior and leadership roles
Showcase your status with a nationally respected accreditation
Earn Chartered Teacher Status
'The ATS programme provides formal recognition of your status as an advanced teacher in the further education and skills sector.
With this respected status you will influence and enhance learner skills and employability within and across local communities. ATS holders have also told us how the programme has supported their career progression to more senior roles.'
Berta Miguez-Lorenzo, Professional Standards and Recognitions Manager, ETF
'I found the ATS process really helpful to encourage me to make regular time to reflect on my practice. My confidence has grown as a result of the ATS process.'
Louise Elsby FSET ATS QTLS, Law Lecturer and Work Force Development Specialist
'It gave me the opportunity to reflect on my practice and talk to a mentor to ask how they would go about doing something. The other thing I benefited from hugely was seeing other people's practice.'
Peter Saban FSET ATS QTLS, Hostage Negotiator Development Manager
ETF Partnership
ETF Partnership offers long-term, tailored collaboration to support your organisation's professional development goals.
You can enhance the skillset and confidence of your team by supporting them to undertake QTLS or ATS programmes as part of your ETF Partnership.
Please note that our Professional Status Register is currently offline for maintenance - click below to learn how to verify QTLS/ATS status and access alternative checks.
