Academies free to ignore teaching status

Ministers said the move will mean schools can hire staff who are experts in their field who have not taught in state schools before and do not have qualified teacher status (QTS).

The National Union of Teachers condemned the decision, calling it a “clear dereliction of duty” and arguing that all children should be taught by qualified teachers.

Now, funding “contracts” between new academies and the Education Secretary will state that the schools have the right to employ staff they believe are properly qualified, even if they do not have QTS.