Education and Training – Further Education & Skills 

The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) is a nationally recognised teaching qualification for those working or aspiring to work in the post-16 education and training sector. It meets the requirements to apply for QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status).

This course is ideal for:

• New or unqualified Further Education tutors

• Workplace and vocational trainers

• Tutors in adult or community learning

• Trainers delivering in private or charitable sectors

• Professionals looking to move into teaching in colleges or sixth forms

Yes — you’ll need access to at least 100 hours of teaching practice across the course. This can be paid or voluntary and must involve real learners in a recognised post-16 education or training context. WorkplaceHero may be able to support you with your teaching placement, however, we need time to arrange this. The sooner you sign up to the course, the earlier we can put support in place. 

We offer two pathways:

• Self-Directed Pathway: Independent study with tutor support

• Guided Pathway: Monthly live workshops, peer groups, and tutor-led learning

Both include access to our online resource library and tutor/assessor support.

Both pathways run over 9 months, giving you time to complete all assignments and required teaching practice. Extensions are available in exceptional circumstances.

The self-directed route gives you full flexibility to study at your own pace.

The guided route offers structured support through monthly live workshops, action learning sets, and community engagement.

Both lead to the same qualification and tutor support is available on both pathways.

Self-Directed Pathway: £999 + VAT

Guided Pathway: £1,399 + VAT
Payment plans and invoicing options are available.

We don’t offer funding directly, but many employers will sponsor staff to complete the course. Speak with your line manager or HR department. We’re happy to provide supporting information for employer approval. We also offer flexible payment options, like Klarna. We can also offer monthly 0% interest instalments, however, the full cost of the course needs to be paid before the start date. Reach out if you would like to take advantage of payment plans. 

Yes — you must be formally observed teaching on at least four occasions. These will be carried out by one of our assessors or a suitably qualified colleague if agreed in advance. 

Yes. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for QTLS status through the Society for Education and Training (SET), which is widely recognised as equivalent to QTS in many FE settings.

• Dedicated tutor and assessor for academic and practical support

• Marked feedback on all assignments

• Observation planning and feedback

• Email access and optional support calls

• (Guided only) Monthly workshops and peer action learning sets

Life happens — if you need more time, you can request an extension or switch to a future cohort. We’re flexible and supportive, provided you keep in touch. We are bound by our awarding organisation timescales, if your registration lapses - you will have to pay an extension fee of £299 +VAT to restart your registration with the awarding body. 

Just a device with internet access (preferably a laptop). Our resources are online, and we recommend using Word or Google Docs to complete assignments. Workshops are delivered via GoogleMeets, Teams or Zoom.

No. Whilst it does help to have a basic understanding of teaching, learning, training and assessment no formal qualification is required. You can jump right into our level 5 programme. 

Before starting your placement or observations, you’ll need to complete a DBS check (criminal records check) if you don’t already have one. This is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults, as some teaching may involve working with younger learners (e.g. aged 14–17). This will be at your own cost. We can direct you to DBS approved providers. 

If you're arranging your own workplace-based observations, we’ll need to check that the person observing you is qualified and experienced. This means we’ll ask for a copy of their CV and certificates.

Yes. You will need to have an enhanced DBC check and provide evidence to us. 

This course is designed for people working in Further Education and Skills, not in primary or secondary schools.

We’ll support you through a clear and supportive admissions process, which may include a short interview or tasks to check your readiness to study at this level.

If you’ve completed previous teaching qualifications (e.g. AET or CET), we may be able to consider Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) — just ask.