• OTHM forms part of the United Kingdom’s national system of regulated qualifications and is integrated into the Bachelor of Arts in TESOL programme.
• OTHM is a recognised Awarding Organisation approved by the UK Government, holding the official recognition number RN5284.
• All OTHM qualifications are regulated by Ofqual – the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (UK Government) – a non-ministerial government department responsible for the recognition and quality assurance of awarding organisations and qualifications within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
• [See more HERE]

• The Bachelor of Arts in TESOL programme is integrated with the UK national qualification OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning.
• The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning is regulated by Ofqual (UK.Gov) under the qualification number 603/6695/3.
• The Level 6 Diploma under the RQF framework corresponds to the Bachelor’s degree level in the United Kingdom.
• The RQF framework is referenced to and fully compatible with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and other regional and national frameworks, enabling the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning to be widely recognised worldwide.
• The qualification’s Ofqual regulation status can be verified HERE.
• Verification of comparability to a Bachelor’s degree level in the UK and across Europe can be found HERE.

The Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) is an international higher Education Institute based in Zug, Switzerland, offering programmes that combine the excellence of Swiss private education with the recognition of the UK education system.

All accreditations and recognitions of SIMI Swiss are published [HERE]

The position of “Teacher of Language School” (including TESOL) is one of the professions that can be practised immediately after graduation without requiring a professional licence in Switzerland.

Upon completing the dual-degree Bachelor of TESOL programme awarded by SIMI Swiss and OTHM (UK), graduates are eligible to work in Switzerland as English teachers.

The Bachelor of Arts in TESOL (Top-up or Second Degree) at SIMI Swiss integrates the UK-regulated OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning (RQF).

Ofqual qualification number: 603/6695/3 [Verify HERE]

This RQF Level 6 qualification corresponds to the Bachelor’s degree level in the UK [Verify HERE].

• The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) – the national qualification framework of England and Northern Ireland – recognised by the UK Government through Ofqual.
• For international academic comparison, UK ENIC uses a 16-band framework that reflects levels of learning outcomes from entry-level to postgraduate study. Under this system, RQF Level 6 qualifications are defined as equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the UK education system and are placed at Band 9.
• Verify HERE

• The programme aligns with the UK’s RQF Level 6 framework, which is fully compatible with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 6.
• EQF Level 6 is recognised as corresponding to the Bachelor’s degree level across education systems within the European Union.
• Verify HERE

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma within the programme is recognised in the United States and Canada through credential evaluation by the international organisation WES (World Education Services).

Learn more HERE

The programme integrates the UK National Occupational Standard for the position of “Teacher” (Code ST0490), with an average salary of £42,781 per year, according to official statistics from the UK Government.

Learn more HERE

1. What is QTLS?

QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) is the national professional teaching licence of the United Kingdom, awarded by the Society for Education and Training (SET) – the professional body under the Education and Training Foundation (ETF).

In other words, QTLS is the professional licence for teachers working in the Further Education (FE) and adult education sectors, including:

• FE Colleges (Further Education Colleges)
• Adult Education Centres
• Sixth Form Colleges

Since 2012, the UK Department for Education (DfE) has recognised that:

“Teachers who achieve QTLS status and are members of the Society for Education and Training (SET) are recognised as equivalent to QTS holders in schools.”
→ Teachers holding QTLS and SET membership are recognised as equivalent to QTS holders when teaching in schools in England.

2. Eligibility for QTLS

To be awarded QTLS status, applicants must complete two main stages:
(1) meet the minimum qualification requirements, and
(2) complete Professional Formation — a professional assessment process administered by SET.

Stage 1 – Meeting the entry requirements

Applicants must have:

Academic qualification:

• A minimum of a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) or an equivalent Ofqual-recognised qualification, such as the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.
• Higher-level qualifications, such as the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning, are accepted as meeting or exceeding this standard.

English and Mathematics proficiency:

• At least Level 2 Functional Skills (GCSE or equivalent) in English and Maths.

Practical teaching experience:

• Applicants must have current or recent teaching practice (paid or unpaid) within an FE or equivalent educational setting.
• An observer or mentor must confirm and verify the applicant’s teaching competence.

Stage 2 – Professional Formation

This is a professional formation and recognition process administered by the Society for Education and Training (SET).

Applicants will:

• Submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating how they meet the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers (ETF, 2022).
• Have their practice supported and verified by a supervisor or mentor.
• Pay an assessment fee of approximately £500–£600 (subject to annual changes).

Upon successful completion, applicants are awarded QTLS status, and their names are recorded in the Professional Status Register — the national register of teachers in England.

3. The Role of OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning in the QTLS Pathway

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning is a nationally regulated qualification in the United Kingdom (RQF Level 6), accredited by Ofqual — the government body responsible for qualifications regulation.
This qualification exceeds the minimum entry requirement (Level 5 DET) for QTLS, strengthening and advancing the pedagogical competencies of aspiring QTLS applicants.

Specifically:

Source: Department for Education (DfE, UK) and Society for Education and Training (SET) – Education and Training Foundation.

1. What is QTS?

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is the national teaching licence of the United Kingdom, issued by the Department for Education (DfE) through the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).

QTS is a mandatory requirement for teaching in state-funded schools in England.
Teachers holding QTS are recognised as having met the national professional standards for teaching competence, subject knowledge, and professional ethics as defined in the Teachers’ Standards (DfE, 2012).

2. Scope and Significance of QTS

• Scope of application: Primary, secondary, and special schools within the state-funded education system in England.
• Professional significance: QTS serves as the official teaching licence in England, legally authorising the holder to teach in schools regulated by the UK Government.
• Licensing authority: Department for Education (DfE) through the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).

3. Routes to Achieve QTS

There are several pathways to achieve QTS depending on the applicant’s qualifications and teaching experience:

From 22 July 2025, the programme meets the mandatory eligibility requirements to apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, in accordance with the regulations issued by the Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

According to the changes introduced in the Immigration Rules – Statement of Changes (1 July 2025), the minimum skills threshold for new Skilled Worker applications has been raised from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6.

This means that new applicants must hold a qualification at a minimum of RQF Level 6, officially recognised within the United Kingdom’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

References:

• Official explanatory memorandum of the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 997 (1 July 2025) – confirming the increase of the skills threshold to RQF Level 6, available HERE.
• Caseworker guidance issued by the Home Office, stating “raising the skills threshold to RQF 6 for those new to the route”, available HERE.
• Official statement of the UK Parliament (Written Statement HCWS759, 1 July 2025) confirming the increase of the skills threshold to RQF Level 6, available HERE.
• Original PDF of the HC 997 – Immigration Rules Changes published by the Home Office, available HERE.

If you look closely, the qualification embedded in the TESOL Top-up and Dual Degree programme is in fact the UK National Qualification for the position of “Teacher”, not limited to the role of an English Language Teacher.
This subtle design reflects a deep understanding that English is only one of many languages — and one of many subjects — that graduates may choose to teach upon completion of the programme.

In the United Kingdom, there is no separate occupational code for “English Teachers”. The position “Teacher” is officially recognised by the UK Government as a professional title applicable to all subjects, including English.

Therefore, with the national qualification for the position of “Teacher” (Occupational Code: LAR 402), graduates are fully qualified to teach across multiple disciplines, not just within language education.
For example, if one later wishes to teach Mandarin, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or other subjects, this qualification fully meets the professional requirements to do so.

Furthermore, as discussed earlier, this qualification also provides the eligibility pathway to apply for the national teaching licence (QTS – Qualified Teacher Status) in the United Kingdom — where teachers are authorised to teach any subject, including English.

The programme is delivered by SIMI Swiss – the international higher education institute based in Zug, Switzerland, where all academic offerings combine the excellence of Swiss private higher education with qualifications officially recognised by the UK Government.

Through the unique combination of the SIMI Swiss Bachelor in TESOL and the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning, graduates are qualified to work legally in Switzerland and worldwide. They also have the freedom to change or expand their teaching specialisation without limitation, thanks to full recognition under the UK National Qualifications Framework (RQF Level 6).

The integrated SIMI Swiss Bachelor in TESOL and OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning empower learners to:

• Achieve two qualifications simultaneously – one academic and one vocational – both at Level 6, equivalent to a Bachelor’s level.
• Gain professional teaching competence aligned with the UK occupational standard for “Teacher” – Code LAR 402 – officially recognised by the UK Government and applicable to all subjects, including English.
• Meet the academic requirements to progress towards the national teaching licence (Qualified Teacher Status – QTS) in the United Kingdom.
• Expand global career opportunities, qualifying to teach in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and within international school systems.
• Enjoy full teaching flexibility across disciplines such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or other languages without re-taking foundational teacher training.
• Enhance international academic and professional recognition with qualifications regulated by Ofqual (UK Government) and benchmarked at European Bachelor’s level (EQF Level 6).

Information regarding the programme, qualifications, accreditation, and recognition is referenced from official sources of the UK Government, regulatory authorities, and relevant competent organisations. The content is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without prior notice, depending on future updates to policies and regulations issued by these authorities.

Although recognition, cross-recognition, and equivalence frameworks are established based on transparent and verifiable criteria, each country, ministry, department, or receiving institution may apply its own regulations during the evaluation and recognition process. Therefore, learners are strongly advised to verify recognition details directly with the relevant authority or institution before using the qualification for any specific purpose.

In accordance with the principles of transparency and jurisdictional compliance, SIMI Swiss, OTHM, and all related parties make no commitment or representation regarding qualification recognition, equivalency, residency, or professional licensing in any country, ministry, department, or regulatory body.

The above information is provided to ensure honesty and transparency in public communication, consistent with international standards and best practices in academic disclosure.

• LRN Level 7 Diploma in TESOL is a national qualification of the United Kingdom awarded by the Learning Resource Network.

• LRN (Learning Resource Network) is a UK government-recognised awarding organisation, officially registered under the recognition number RN5165.

• All LRN qualifications, including the LRN Level 7 Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), are regulated and monitored by Ofqual – the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, a UK Government authority.

• Ofqual is responsible for regulating, recognising, and maintaining the quality and integrity of awarding organisations and qualifications within the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

• [See more HERE]

• The LRN Level 7 Diploma in TESOL is regulated and recognised by the Government of the United Kingdom through the Ofqual system, under the official qualification number: 603/3788/6.
• Official verification by the UK Government: HERE

The Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) is an international higher education institute based in Zug, Switzerland, delivering programmes that combine the excellence of Swiss private education with the recognition of the UK education system.

All accreditations and recognitions of SIMI Swiss are published [HERE]

The position of “Language School Teacher” (including TESOL) is one of the professional fields in which individuals can work immediately after graduation without requiring a professional teaching licence in Switzerland.

After completing the Dual Degree Master’s Programme in TESOL offered jointly by SIMI Swiss and OTHM (UK), graduates are eligible to work in Switzerland as English language teachers.

The Dual Degree Master’s Programme in TESOL jointly offered by SIMI Swiss and LRN (UK) is officially recognised by the UK Government through the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

UK Government Qualification Code: 603/3788/6 — [Verify HERE]

This qualification is officially recognised as equivalent to the Master’s level within the United Kingdom’s education system — [Verify HERE].

• The LRN Level 7 Diploma in TESOL is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) — the national qualification framework for England and Northern Ireland, officially recognised by the UK Government through Ofqual.
• When comparing international academic qualifications, UK ENIC uses a Band Framework consisting of 16 levels, reflecting learning outcomes from entry-level to postgraduate study. Under this system, RQF Level 7 qualifications are recognised as equivalent to the Master’s Degree Level in the UK education system and are placed at Band 11.
• Verify HERE

• The programme is aligned with the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 7, which is fully compatible with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) at Level 7.
• EQF Level 7 is recognised as equivalent to the Master’s or Postgraduate level across education systems within the European Union.
• Verify HERE

The LRN Level 7 Diploma is recognised in the United States and Canada through international academic evaluation conducted by the World Education Services (WES).

See more HERE

The programme integrates the UK National Occupational Standard for the position of “Academic Professional” (code ST0477), with an average annual salary of £47,652, according to official statistics from the UK Government.

See more HERE

The Teaching Licence System in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, to teach in maintained schools or special schools, teachers are required to hold the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) — the national teaching licence issued by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE), under the UK Government.

QTS certifies that the holder has met the national professional standards for teaching, including academic knowledge, pedagogical competence, and practical teaching experience. It is a mandatory requirement for teachers in the state-funded education system, whereas private schools, academies, and free schools may employ teachers without QTS.

Pathways to Achieve QTS

Applicants may achieve QTS through one of the officially recognised routes approved by the DfE, including:

1. PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
   The most common postgraduate route designed for individuals who already hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent to RQF Level 6 or above). Many PGCE programmes are structured to lead to QTS upon completion.

2. School Direct / Teach First
   A school-based training route in which candidates combine theoretical learning with practical classroom experience under the supervision of experienced teachers. Upon completion, candidates may be recommended for QTS if they meet the required professional standards.

3. Assessment Only Route (AO Route)
   An evaluation-based route for those with substantial teaching experience. Applicants are not required to undergo retraining but are assessed on their teaching competence, portfolio, and classroom observation to determine whether they meet QTS standards.

The Role of the LRN Level 7 Diploma in TESOL

The LRN Level 7 Diploma in TESOL is a UK-regulated qualification recognised by Ofqual — the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation under the UK Government — within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), qualification number 603/3788/6.

This qualification is positioned at Level 7 on the RQF, equivalent to a Master’s level qualification (EQF Level 7) within the UK and European education frameworks.

Accordingly, the qualification can support candidates in meeting the academic entry requirements for teacher training programmes or QTS pathways — particularly through the Assessment Only Route — provided they have sufficient teaching experience and are assessed as competent by an approved provider.

Note: The acceptance of TESOL qualifications (such as LRN Level 7) or equivalent qualifications (e.g., OTHM) within the AO Route depends not only on general regulations but also on individual training providers or QTS assessment bodies approved by the DfE. Therefore, applicants are advised to contact approved QTS providers directly for confirmation of specific eligibility conditions.

Career Opportunities Before and After QTS

• Before obtaining QTS:
  Graduates may teach in private schools, language centres, international academies, or vocational education institutions in the UK and other countries where QTS is not a mandatory requirement.

• After achieving QTS:
  Holders of QTS are legally authorised to teach within the UK state-funded education system (maintained schools) and are often given preferential recognition or favourable evaluation in many Commonwealth countries, depending on local regulations.

The programme is delivered by SIMI Swiss – the International Higher Education Institute in Zug, Switzerland – where all academic programmes combine the excellence of Swiss private higher education with qualifications officially recognised by the Government of the United Kingdom.

Through the unique combination of the Master of Arts in TESOL from SIMI Swiss and the LRN Level 7 Diploma in TESOL, graduates are eligible to work legally in Switzerland and worldwide, thanks to comprehensive recognition under the UK’s national qualifications framework (RQF Level 7).

The dual qualification system of the SIMI Swiss Master of Arts in TESOL and the LRN Level 7 Diploma in Teaching and Learning enables learners to:

• Earn two qualifications simultaneously: one academic and one vocational, both at Level 7 – equivalent to the Master’s level.
• Achieve professional teaching competence aligned with the “Academic Professional” standard – Code ST0477, officially recognised by the UK Government and applicable across all areas of education, including English language teaching.
• Meet the entry requirements to progress towards teacher licensing programmes leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the United Kingdom.
• Expand global career opportunities, qualifying to teach in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and within international school systems.
• Enhance both academic and professional recognition internationally, with qualifications regulated by Ofqual (UK Government) and mapped to the European Master’s level (EQF Level 7).

Information about the programme, qualifications, accreditation, and recognition is referenced from official and publicly available sources of the UK Government, relevant regulatory authorities, and competent organisations. The information provided is accurate at the time of publication; however, it may be subject to updates or modifications by the respective authorities without prior notice.

While the frameworks for qualification recognition, comparability, and equivalence are based on clear and transparent principles, the evaluation or acceptance of qualifications may vary depending on the policies and regulations of each country, ministry, department, or receiving organisation. Learners are therefore advised to consult directly with the relevant authority or institution before using their qualifications for specific purposes.

In accordance with the principles of transparency and regulatory compliance, SIMI Swiss, LRN, and associated partners do not guarantee or represent the recognition, equivalence, immigration eligibility, or professional licensing of any qualification in any specific jurisdiction. All recognition processes remain subject to the discretion and authority of the relevant national or professional bodies.

These statements are intended to ensure transparency, integrity, and alignment with international standards of academic communication and quality assurance practices.