Booking Terms and Conditions
Your attention is particularly drawn to the provisions of clause 14 (Limitation of liability)
1 ABOUT US
1.1 Company details. Education Training Foundation (we, us, our), a registered charity (charity registration no: 1153859) and company limited by guarantee (company registration number (England and Wales): 08540597). They also include our subsidiary company, ETF Services Limited (company registration number (England and Wales): 9511877).
1.2 Contacting us. To contact us, telephone our customer service team on 0800 083 1830 or email us at enquiries@etfoundation.co.uk. How to give us formal notice of any matter under the Contract is set out in clause 19.
2 OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU
2.1 Our contract. These terms and conditions (Terms) and any policies referred to therein (including the Code of Ethics and Conduct, the Investigation and Disciplinary Policy and Procedures and Data Privacy Notice) apply to the order by you and supply of Services by us to you (Contract). They apply to the exclusion of any other terms that you seek to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by law, trade custom, practice or course of dealing.
2.2 The Terms. These Terms apply whether you are a Business Customer or a Consumer. A Consumer means an individual acting wholly or mainly outside their trade or business and who is not an organisation, company, or institution of any kind. A Business Customer means any participant or customer who is not a Consumer. If you are a Business Customer, the contract will be formed with you, and you must ensure that each participant of any of the Services complies with these Terms. You will be responsible for each participants’ adherence to, and compliance with, these Terms.
2.3 Applicability of These Terms. These Terms apply to both Consumers and Business Customers. Where you are acting on behalf of an organisation, you confirm that you have authority to bind that organisation to the Contract. If you are a Consumer, you may have statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Nothing in these Terms affects those rights.
2.4 Changes to these Terms: If we make changes to these terms, we will notify you on this web page and confirm how these changes may impact your rights under this contract.
2.5 For terms specific to professional formation leading to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) please also see clause 25.
2.6 For terms specific to professional development leading to Advanced Teacher Status (ATS) please also see clause 26.
2.7 For terms specific to professional development leading to a Specialist Status, please also see clause 27.
2.8 For terms specific to course bookings, please also see clause 28.
2.9 Entire agreement. The Contract is the entire agreement between you and us in relation to its subject matter. You acknowledge that you have not relied on any statement, promise or representation or assurance or warranty that is not set out in the Contract.
2.10 Language. These Terms and the Contract are made only in the English language.
3 PLACING AN ORDER AND ITS ACCEPTANCE
3.1 Making a booking. Please follow the onscreen prompts to make a booking or application and place your order (Order). You may only submit an Order using the method set out on the site. Each Order is an offer by you to buy the training, course, programme or other services set out in your Order (Services) subject to these Terms. For certain courses and programmes, a formal application process is also required as part of your Order.
3.2 Authorisation. By submitting an Order, you confirm you are authorised to incur the associated cost. Where you are acting for an organisation, you confirm you have authority to bind that organisation.
3.3 Correcting input errors. Our Order process allows you to check and amend any errors before submitting your order to us. Please check the Order carefully before confirming it. You are responsible for ensuring that your Order and any specification submitted by you is complete and accurate.
3.4 Acknowledging receipt of your order. After you place your Order, which may include the submission of an application, you will receive an email from us to either acknowledge receipt or confirmation. Please note that if we acknowledge receipt, this does not mean that your Order or application has been accepted. Our acceptance of your Order will take place as described in clause 3.5.
3.5 Accepting your order. Our acceptance of your order takes place when we send an email to you to accept it (Order Confirmation), at which point and on which date (Commencement Date) the Contract between you and us will come into existence. The Contract will relate only to those Services confirmed in the Order Confirmation.
4 OUR SERVICES
4.1 Descriptions and illustrations. Any descriptions or illustrations on our site are published for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the services described in them. They will not form part of the Contract or have any contractual force.
4.2 Compliance with specification. Subject to our right to amend the specification (see clause 4.3) we will supply the Services to you in accordance with the specification for the Services appearing on our website at the date of your Order or as communicated to you via email in all material respects.
4.3 Changes to specification. We reserve the right to amend the specification of the Services if required by any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement or if the amendment will not materially affect the nature or quality of the Services.
4.4 Reasonable care and skill. We warrant to you that the Services will be provided using reasonable care and skill.
4.5 Time for performance. We will use all reasonable endeavours to meet any performance dates specified in the Order Confirmation, but any such dates are estimates only and failure to perform the Services by such dates will not give you the right to terminate the Contract.
5 ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN SERVICES
5.1 Eligibility Checks:
5.1.1 You are responsible for checking that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Services. Entry and eligibility requirements are available on our website.
5.1.2 Certain programmes have additional eligibility criteria, including the confirmation that the participant holds qualifications such as Initial Teacher Education, English and Maths from our approved lists and access to certificates proving award of the qualifications.
5.1.3 If you hold a qualification achieved outside of England, Wales or Northern Ireland you will be required to have access to the original award certificate and an accompanying UK ENIC statement of comparability (formerly NARIC) prior to placing any Order.
5.2 Accuracy of information provided:
5.2.1 By uploading any certificates or proof of qualifications, you confirm to the best of your knowledge that they are a true reflection of the qualification and grade(s) achieved. If we have any authenticity concerns, we reserve the right to contact the awarding body or a relevant employer to verify the details. We may limit access to the Services until such time as all eligibility criteria have been met and we will notify you in writing where further verification is required.
5.2.2 Submitting fraudulent, altered and modified certificates will be considered as a breach of the Code of Ethics and Conduct. We take these acts very seriously and we may take action against you in line with our Investigation and Disciplinary Policy and Procedures.
5.3 Consequences. We accept no responsibility if you commit to a course or programme for which you do not meet the eligibility criteria and this will not be considered grounds for a refund. If you require clarification on any aspect of the eligibility criteria, you should contact us by emailing membership@etfoundation.co.uk or calling 0800 083 1830 (Monday to Friday between 9:30am to 5pm).
6 APPLICATIONS TO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
6.1 Certain services will require you to be an active member at either ‘Member’ or ‘Fellow’ grade, this includes applications for and attendance of professional formation leading to QTLS or professional development leading to ATS. Full details regarding membership can be found online.
7 YOUR OBLIGATIONS
7.1 It is your responsibility to ensure that:
7.1.1 the terms of your Order and any submission or application are complete and accurate;
7.1.2 you cooperate with us in all matters relating to the Services;
7.1.3 you provide us with such information and materials we may reasonably require in order to supply the Services and ensure that such information is complete and accurate in all material respects.
8 CHARGES
8.1 In consideration of us providing the Services you must pay our charges (Charges) in accordance with this clause 8.
8.2 The Charges are the prices quoted on our site at the time you submit your Order and as communicated to you via email on acceptance of your Order.
8.3 If you wish to change the scope of the Services after we accept your Order, and we agree to such change, we will modify the Charges accordingly.
8.4 We take all reasonable care to ensure that the prices stated for the Services are correct at the time when the relevant information was entered into the system. However, please see clause 8.6 for what happens if we discover an error in the price of the Services you ordered.
8.5 Our Charges may change from time to time, but changes will not affect any Order you have already placed.
8.6 It is always possible that, despite our reasonable efforts, some of the Services on our site may be incorrectly priced. If the correct price for the Services is higher than the price stated on our site, we will contact you in writing as soon as possible to inform you of this error and we will give you the option of continuing to purchase the Services at the correct price or cancelling your order. We will not process your order until we have your instructions. If we are unable to contact you using the contact details you provided during the order process, we will treat the order as cancelled and notify you in writing. However, if we mistakenly accept and process your order where a pricing error is obvious and unmistakeable and could reasonably have been recognised by you as a mispricing, we may cancel supply of the Services and refund you any sums you have paid.
9 DISCOUNTS AND SUBSIDIES
9.1 From time to time and at our sole discretion, we may offer discounted or free Services, including those provided on behalf of third parties (such as the Department for Education), which may be part or fully funded.
9.2 Where discounts are offered as part of an individual membership, these are for use for that named individual’s benefit only and cannot be used on purchases for others. To be eligible, a member must be in active membership. Full details on membership can be found online.
9.3 We reserve the right to withdraw or change the discounts offered at any time, though in such circumstances any such changes will not impact on courses that have been booked but not yet attended.
9.4 Unless stated otherwise, our subsidised prices, where offered, are available to employees of Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funded organisations only. By selecting this option during booking, the customer is confirming that they work for an ESFA-funded organisation. We reserve the right to periodically spot check and validate this confirmation and to pursue any customers for additional payments if this confirmation is proved to be invalid.
10 HOW TO PAY
10.1 All payments should be made by credit or debit card, or by invoice to organisation where agreed. Where we offer invoicing terms, payment is due within 30 calendar days of receipt by you of an invoice and no later than the day before commencement of your course or programme.
10.2 If you fail to make a payment under the Contract by the due date, then, without limiting our remedies under clause 17 (Termination), we may charge interest on the overdue sum from the due date until payment of the overdue sum, whether before or after judgment. Interest under this clause 10.2 will accrue each day at 4% a year above the Bank of England's base rate from time to time, but at 4% a year for any period when that base rate is below 0%.
11 COMPLAINTS
If a problem arises or you are dissatisfied with the Services, please email complaints@etfoundation.co.uk.
12 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
12.1 All intellectual property rights in or arising out of or in connection with the Services (other than intellectual property rights in any materials provided by you) will be owned by us.
13 HOW WE MAY USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
13.1 We will use any personal information you provide to us to:
13.1.1 provide the Services;
13.1.2 process your payment for the Services; and
13.1.3 inform you about similar products or services that we provide, but you may stop receiving these at any time by contacting us.
13.2 We will process your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Notice, the terms of which are incorporated into this Contract.
14 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
14.1 Nothing in the Contract limits any liability which cannot legally be limited, including liability for:
14.1.1 death or personal injury caused by negligence;
14.1.2 fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; and
14.1.3 breach of the terms implied by section 2 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (title and quiet possession).
14.2 Subject to clause 14.1, where you are a Business Customer, we will not be liable to you, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), for breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the Contract for:
14.2.1 loss of profits;
14.2.2 loss of sales or business;
14.2.3 loss of agreements or contracts;
14.2.4 loss of anticipated savings;
14.2.5 loss of use or corruption of software, data or information;
14.2.6 loss of or damage to goodwill; and
14.2.7 any indirect or consequential loss.
14.3 Subject to clause 14.1, our total liability to you arising under or in connection with the Contract, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, will be limited to the total Charges paid under the Contract.
14.4 Save as specifically provided for in these Terms, we shall have no liability whatsoever for any costs or expenses incurred by any Business or Consumer Customer in connection with planned attendance at a course or event that is cancelled, postponed or otherwise rearranged by us, including (without limitation) travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.
14.5 We have given commitments as to compliance of the Services with the relevant specification in clause 4.2.
14.6 Subject to clause 14.1, where you are a Consumer Customer, you can ask us to repeat or fix a service if it's not carried out with reasonable care and skill.
14.7 Unless you notify us that you intend to make a claim in respect of an event within the notice period, we shall have no liability for that event. The notice period for an event shall start on the day on which you became, or ought reasonably to have become, aware of you having grounds to make a claim in respect of the event and shall expire three months from that date. The notice must be in writing and must identify the event and the grounds for the claim in reasonable detail.
14.8 This clause 14 will survive termination of the Contract.
15 COOLING OFF
15.1 Subject to these Terms and this clause 15, if you are a Consumer Customer, you may have 14 days from the date your Order is accepted to withdraw from the contract and receive a refund.
15.2 By placing an Order and paying any applicable registration, booking or application fee, you:
(a) expressly request that we begin providing the Services immediately, including granting access to any online application portfolio and associated materials; and
(b) expressly consent to the immediate supply of digital content.
15.3 You acknowledge and agree that, by providing this request and consent, you will lose your statutory right to cancel the contract during any applicable cooling off period once the provision of digital content and/or Services, such as an online or live course, has begun.
15.4 Accordingly, no refund will be payable where access to any online application portfolio, course or related materials has been granted following your Order.
15.5 If, in exceptional circumstances, you exercise any cancellation right before any access to digital content has been provided or any Services have commenced, we will refund any sums paid in accordance with applicable law.
15.6 Where Services have been provided prior to any valid cancellation, no refund will be given for any part of the Services already supplied.
16 CONFIDENTIALITY
16.1 We each undertake that we will not at any time disclose to any person any confidential information concerning one another's business, affairs, customers, clients or suppliers, except as permitted by clause 16.2
16.2 We each may disclose the other's confidential information:
16.2.1 to such of our respective employees, officers, representatives, subcontractors or advisers who need to know such information for the purposes of exercising our respective rights or carrying out our respective obligations under the Contract. We will each ensure that such employees, officers, representatives, subcontractors or advisers comply with this clause 16; and
16.2.2 as may be required by law, a court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental or regulatory authority.
16.3 Each of us may only use the other's confidential information for the purpose of fulfilling our respective obligations under the Contract.
17 TERMINATION, CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION AND SURVIVAL
17.1 Termination. Without limiting any of our other rights, we may suspend the performance of the Services, or terminate the Contract with immediate effect by giving written notice to you if:
17.1.1 you commit a material breach of any term of the Contract and (if such a breach is remediable) fail to remedy that breach within 30 days of you being notified in writing to do so;
17.1.2 you fail to pay any amount due under the Contract on the due date for payment;
17.1.3 you take any step or action in connection with you entering administration, provisional liquidation or any composition or arrangement with your creditors (other than in relation to a solvent restructuring), applying to court for or obtaining a moratorium under Part A1 of the Insolvency Act 1986, being wound up (whether voluntarily or by order of the court, unless for the purpose of a solvent restructuring), having a receiver appointed to any of your assets or ceasing to carry on business or, if the step or action is taken in another jurisdiction, in connection with any analogous procedure in the relevant jurisdiction;
17.1.4 you suspend, threaten to suspend, cease or threaten to cease to carry on all or a substantial part of your business; or
17.1.5 your financial position deteriorates to such an extent that in our opinion your capability to adequately fulfil your obligations under the Contract has been placed in jeopardy.
17.2 Survival. Any provision of the Contract that expressly or by implication is intended to come into or continue in force on or after termination will remain in full force and effect.
18 EVENTS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL
18.1 We will not be liable or responsible for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of our obligations under the Contract that is caused by any act or event beyond our reasonable control (Event Outside Our Control).
18.2 If an Event Outside Our Control takes place that affects the performance of our obligations under the Contract:
18.2.1 we will contact you as soon as reasonably possible to notify you; and
18.2.2 our obligations under the Contract will be suspended and the time for performance of our obligations will be extended for the duration of the Event Outside Our Control. We will arrange a new date for performance of the Services with you after the Event Outside Our Control is over.
18.3 You may cancel the Contract affected by an Event Outside Our Control and you will be offered the option to transfer (if available) your Order to an alternative instance at no additional charge. If there is no available alternative, or you choose not to transfer your booking, we will fully refund their payment of course costs or cancel any unpaid invoice. Please note that we cannot refund travel or accommodation costs when a course is changed or cancelled.
19 COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN US
19.1 When we refer to "in writing" in these Terms, this includes email.
19.2 Where possible, we will communicate with you via email, this includes sending you the outcome of any applications or portfolio reviews. It is your responsibility to review your email, including “junk” folders for any correspondence from us.
19.3 Any notice or other communication given by one of us to the other under or in connection with the Contract must be in writing via email.
19.4 A notice or other communication is deemed to have been received at 9.00 am the next working day after an email is sent.
19.5 In proving the service of any notice, it will be sufficient to prove that such email was sent to the specified email address of the addressee.
19.6 The provisions of this clause will not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action.
19.7 Reasonable adjustments for those receiving the Services.
If an individual requires reasonable adjustments, they should read the Reasonable Adjustment policy and contact membership@etfoundation.co.uk during the registration process (or as early as possible) to discuss any further support required.
20 ACCESS PLACES (SPECIFIC COURSES ONLY)
20.1 For some funded contracts, we are able to offer free places where a participant charge would otherwise be applied. These are only available on selected courses. This initiative aims to ensure greater diversity on these courses and we will be monitoring uptake to assess its impact.
20.2 If you have requested an access place on an eligible course, you must fit one of the following criteria:
20.2.1 Work in an organisation with an annual turnover of less than £500,000.
20.2.2 Consider yourself to have a disability.
20.2.3 Come from a global majority community.
20.3 We, or third-party evaluators acting on our behalf, will contact a sample of individuals who have taken up our free place offer to assess its effectiveness and impact. By accepting an access place, you are confirming that you are willing to be contacted.
20.4 In order to ensure that these places generate the maximum benefit to potential participants and the wider sector, we will charge a cancellation fee equivalent to the standard cost of a place in the event of a no-show or a cancellation within 14 calendar days of the start date of the event.
21 CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE AND IMPACT SURVEYS
21.1 Where possible, we will issue certificates of attendance to delegates who have completed all elements of a course as required. Certificates to confirm completion/award will be issued to participants in the Specialist Status validation programmes. Certificates cannot be issued for partial attendance to a course or partial completion/achievement of a Specialist Status.
21.2 We may send requests to delegates for information and feedback once a course is completed. This will normally be collected through our post-course and impact surveys, although other methods may be used. Please note that we may use your survey responses, in the form of anonymous quotes, in our publications and promotional material (printed and digital). We, or third-party evaluators acting on our behalf, may also contact you directly after the end of your course to ask you more about the impact this has had on your practice or to find out more about your experience of attending the course. By entering into this Contract you are confirming that you are willing to be contacted.
22 GENERAL
22.1 Assignment and transfer
22.1.1 We may assign or transfer our rights and obligations under the Contract to another entity but will notify you by posting on this webpage if this happens.
22.1.2 You may only assign or transfer your rights or your obligations under the Contract to another person if we agree in writing.
22.2 Variation. Any variation of the Contract only has effect if it is in writing and signed by you and us (or our respective authorised representatives).
22.3 Waiver. If we do not insist that you perform any of your obligations under the Contract, or if we do not enforce our rights against you, or if we delay in doing so, that will not mean that we have waived our rights against you or that you do not have to comply with those obligations. If we do waive any rights, we will only do so in writing, and that will not mean that we will automatically waive any right related to any later default by you.
22.4 Severance. Each paragraph of these Terms operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them is unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.
22.5 Third party rights. The Contract is between you and us. No other person has any rights to enforce any of its terms.
22.6 Governing law and jurisdiction. The Contract is governed by English law and we each irrevocably agree to submit all disputes arising out of or in connection with the Contract to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
23 EXTENSIONS TO DEADLINES
23.1 For certain programmes, we may, at our sole discretion, grant extensions to the deadlines published on our website, in accordance with this clause 23.
23.2 Any extension request must be sent to membership@etfoundation.co.uk and include full details and evidence to support the request. Examples of exceptional/extenuating circumstances that may lead to an extension include:
23.2.1 Serious ongoing technical issues beyond your control and identified more than five working days before the submission deadline.
23.2.2 Illness, accident or severe trauma or unexpected deterioration in an ongoing illness or chronic medical condition of the applicant or a person for whom the applicant has caring responsibility.
23.2.3 Recent bereavement of someone close to the applicant.
23.2.4 Serious personal disruption such as burglary, fire or requirement to appear in court in the lead up to the application or portfolio submission deadline.
23.2.5 Significant change of employment circumstances.
24 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE WITH OUR CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
Any information submitted to us as part of applying for or attaining a professional status, including details about employment, must be submitted in good faith and as an accurate reflection of your current situation. By providing us with your employer’s details, you consent to us contacting them if required to verify your role(s) and responsibilities.
As a member of ETF, you are bound by our Code of Ethics and Conduct and should be aware that any inappropriate activity whilst participating in QTLS or ATS programmes could potentially be investigated as a breach of the code in line with our Investigation and Disciplinary Policy. This would include, but is not limited to, falsifying information or results certificates, collusion or copying, recycling of work, inclusion of inappropriate or offensive material, plagiarism or failure to declare work that has been generated using AI such as ChatGPT or Claude. We reserve the right to notify external bodies, including your employer, if an allegation of the breach of the Code of Ethics and Conduct is upheld.
25 QTLS
25.1 The following additional terms and conditions apply to those applying for and undertaking professional formation leading to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). Professional formation is not defined as a course or qualification, and therefore aspects typically associated with standard courses or qualifications, such as guided learning hours, tutorial support, or formative assessment, are not part of this programme.
25.2 Application process.
We only accept applications for QTLS applications during the official ‘application window’; please check the QTLS webpage for information on the dates for the current application window.
(a) You must upload and submit the required qualification certificates by the application portfolio submission deadline. If you do not complete the required sections of the application portfolio, including uploading copies of certificates and submitting the application by the deadline, we will be unable to accept the application. In such cases the application portfolio will be withdrawn, once the deadline for submission to the January cohort of that year’s programme has passed.
(b) All sections of the initial application must be completed and the application fee must be paid in full before the application portfolio is released. If accepted onto the programme, additional programme fees will then apply. Please check the QTLS webpage for full details of all current fees.
(c) It is your responsibility to manage the relationship and communications with your supporter, and the participation of your supporter as required, at all stages of the application and professional formation process. You should be aware that supporters may contact us to discuss applications they are supporting or to withdraw their support. If we receive notification that the supporter wishes to withdraw their support (for whatever reason), they will be asked to notify you. In such cases it is your responsibility to identify a new supporter.
25.2.2 Outcome of your application.
(a) The outcome of your application will be released via email. The outcome will either be: Application successful, Application unsuccessful or Resubmission required. Applications will be reviewed and outcomes released throughout the application window. We cannot guarantee that they will be reviewed in chronological order, but all applications will be reviewed and applicants notified of the outcomes no later than the dates published on our website.
(b) If you receive an ‘Application successful’ outcome you will be issued a professional formation portfolio when the QTLS programme officially starts. Exact dates will be sent to you after being awarded a place. An additional charge is due once we have confirmed that your application has been successful. These additional charges are available on our QTLS webpages and must be paid in full, or a payment plan must be in place, before your portfolio can be issued.
(c) If you receive an ‘Application unsuccessful’ outcome you will be unable to resubmit your portfolio as the application has presented evidence that you are not in a position to undertake professional formation for this cohort.
(d) If you receive a ‘Resubmission required’ outcome you will need to resubmit your portfolio with the additional evidence required no later than the date specified in the email.
25.2.3 Professional formation portfolio access.
Professional formation is a self-guided and forward-looking period of development, where participants build up a portfolio of evidence, which is submitted for review. A key element of the programme is input from your ‘supporter’ nominated at the application stage. Participants accepted onto the programme must be aware that it is their sole responsibility to ensure that input from their supporter is sought and evidenced on time and as required.
Whilst we will make every attempt to issue a portfolio to all participants on the portfolio issue date, it is the obligation of the participant to ensure they and their supporter can access the portfolio. If you cannot access your portfolio you should contact membership@etfoundation.co.uk within one week of the portfolio issue date to ensure this is resolved in a timely manner.
Please note that once the portfolio is issued, and outside of the cooling-off period outlined in Clause 15, there can be no refunds or transfers to other cohorts.
25.2.4 Submission of the Portfolio. To submit your finalised portfolio, you will need to have paid all due charges and fees, fully completed all sections of your portfolio, obtained a supporter statement, and formally submitted your portfolio for review. You must also be an active member to access your professional formation portfolio and to submit and receive your results/feedback. It is your responsibility to ensure that your supporter has sufficient time to review the portfolio and provide a supporter statement. If a participant does not submit their portfolio to us by the submission deadline, we reserve the right to withdraw the participant from the cohort, without reviewing the portfolio. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure they have provided all the evidence required to achieve QTLS status. Portfolios are not monitored by us during the six-month professional formation period; and participants should utilise their supporters for support during the process.
25.2.5 Extension to deadlines.
You may be granted an extension under some exceptional circumstances that are out of your control, see Clause 23. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and we may request evidence to substantiate a request. We may grant a maximum of 5 working days extension to any application submission deadlines and a maximum of 10 working days extension to any portfolio submission deadlines. In the case of application submission deadlines, all requests must be submitted no later than 15 working days before the application submission deadline. In the case of portfolio submission deadlines, all requests must be submitted no later than 6 weeks before the portfolio submission deadline. Where you have been prevented from submitting a request before the deadline by the same unforeseen event, you can apply for an extension up to five working days after the deadline.
25.2.6 Confirmation of Results.
(a) Results will be released via email, throughout the day on the nominated results release day.
(b) If you successfully completed the professional formation, QTLS status will be conferred:
(i) Your details will be added to the publicly searchable Professional Status Register. The details include your full name, membership number, membership status, grade and the title of the status awarded e.g. QTLS; and
(ii) You will need to remain a member to maintain your QTLS status and to use the post nominals QTLS. If membership lapses your professional status will become inactive and the individual’s name will no longer appear in the Professional Status Register. In such instances the individual no longer has the right to continue using the post nominals QTLS or any associated credentials. The professional status will become active again upon renewal of membership.
(c) If resubmission is required.
(i) Participants will then be provided with feedback via email on the areas for development and will be given an opportunity to resubmit their portfolio; and
(ii) Participants will be given the opportunity to resubmit their portfolio within six months of receipt of the outcome email. Upon resubmission, the additional evidence will be reviewed within four weeks and feedback provided within six weeks.
(d) Not awarded. Where the review of the portfolio identifies significant areas for development, the outcome will be Not Awarded. The participant will be contacted and advised and feedback will be provided. If the participant does not resubmit within six months, we will withdraw their portfolio. If they wish to pursue QTLS in the future, then they would be required to apply to join a future cohort. Additional relevant fees and charges may apply.
(e) If you disagree with the decision not to award QTLS status, you should follow the process set out in our Appeals Policy.
25.2.7 Withdrawal of the Portfolio. If you are unable to submit your portfolio before the deadline or resubmit within 6 months of receiving the outcome of email, you must either request your portfolio is “Withdrawn” by emailing membership@etfoundation.co.uk or the team will withdraw the portfolio on your behalf after the submission deadline has passed. No refund will be due. We reserve the right to withdraw any participants who are subsequently found not to meet the eligibility criteria for the programme when the portfolio is submitted for review and you will be notified if this is found to be the case.
25.2.8 Downloading your portfolio. You will be able to export and download a copy of your portfolio once you have been awarded QTLS status. Participants must not, under any circumstances, provide this portfolio or its contents to current or future participants. To do so would be viewed as a breach of the Code of Ethics and Conduct.
25.2.9 Suspension and removal of QTLS status. Professional formation participants and QTLS status holders are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Membership and other membership policies. If we consider that information received may give rise to a concern about a member's suitability to hold or continue holding QTLS status, we may consider that issue at the same time as any other action that is being taken against a member.
25.2.10 Teacher Reference Number (TRN). All QTLS status holders will be issued with a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) if they do not already hold one and will appear on both the professional status register and the DfE’s central record of qualified teachers managed by the Teacher Reference Agency (TRA). However, only those who maintain their QTLS status through their membership will show as active QTLS holders on both registers, and in the case of the DfE’s central record as a qualified teacher (unless QTS has also been achieved). It is possible to opt out from inclusion on either or both registers – to do so, please email us, stating which register(s) information is to be removed from at: dataprotection@etfoundation.co.uk.
26 ATS
26.1 The following additional terms and conditions apply to those applying for and undertaking professional development leading to Advanced Teacher Status (ATS). ATS is not course and by applying to take part, participants confirm that they understand this.
26.2 Application process.
We only accept applications for ATS applications during the official ‘application window’; please check the ATS webpage for information on the dates for the current application window.
(a) You must upload and submit the required qualification certificates by the application portfolio submission deadline. If you do not complete the required sections of the application portfolio, including uploading copies of their certificates and submitting the application by the deadline, we will be unable to accept the application. In such cases the application portfolio will be withdrawn, once the deadline for submission has passed.
(b) All sections of the application must be completed. If accepted onto the programme, the additional programme fees will then apply. Please check the ATS webpage for full details of all current fees.
26.2.2 Outcome of your application.
(a) The outcome of your application will be released via email. The outcome will either be: Application successful, Application unsuccessful or Resubmission required. Applications will be reviewed and outcomes released throughout the application window. We cannot guarantee that they will be reviewed in chronological order, but all applications will be reviewed and applicants notified of the outcomes no later than Friday 2 October 2026.
(b) If you receive an ‘Application successful’ outcome you will be issued a professional formation portfolio when the ATS programme officially starts. Exact dates will be sent to the participant after being awarded a place. An additional charge is due once we have confirmed that your application has been successful. These additional charges are available on our ATS webpages and you must pay this in full or have a payment plan in place before your portfolio can be issued.
(c) If you receive an ‘Application unsuccessful’ outcome you will be unable to resubmit your portfolio as the application has presented evidence that you are not in a position to undertake professional formation for this cohort.
(d) If you receive a ‘Resubmission required’ outcome you will need to resubmit your portfolio with the additional evidence required no later than the date specified in the email.
26.2.3 Professional development portfolio access.
Whilst we will make every attempt to issue a portfolio to all participants on the portfolio issue date, it is the obligation of the participant to ensure they can access the portfolio. If you cannot access your portfolio you should contact membership@etfoundation.co.uk within one week of the portfolio issue date to ensure this is resolved in a timely manner.
Please note that once the portfolio is issued, and outside of the cooling-off period outlined in Clause 15, there can be no refunds or transfers to other cohorts.
26.2.4 Extension to deadlines.
You may be granted an extension under some exceptional circumstances that are out of your control, see Clause 23. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and we may request evidence to substantiate a request. We may grant a maximum of 5 working days extension to any application submission deadlines and a maximum of 10 working days extension to any portfolio submission deadlines. In the case of application submission deadlines, all requests must be submitted no later than 15 working days before the application submission deadline. In the case of portfolio submission deadlines, all requests must be submitted no later than 6 weeks before the portfolio submission deadline. Where you have been prevented from submitting a request before the deadline by the same unforeseen event, you can apply for an extension up to five working days after the deadline.
26.2.5 Withdrawal of the Portfolio. If you are unable to submit your portfolio before the deadline or resubmit within 6 months of receiving the outcome of email, you must either request your portfolio is “Withdrawn” by emailing membership@etfoundation.co.uk or the team will withdraw the portfolio on your behalf after the submission deadline has passed. No refund will be due. We reserve the right to withdraw any participants who are subsequently found not to meet the eligibility criteria for the programme when the portfolio is submitted for review and you will be notified if this is found to be the case.
26.2.6 Portfolio Submission.
(a) The submission deadline is different for each cohort and is determined by the date the portfolio is issued. Exact dates will be sent to the participant upon registration and can be found both in the portfolio and here.
(b) To submit your portfolio, you will need to have fully completed all sections of their portfolio, obtained a supporting statement from your mentor, and shared your portfolio via the ePortfolio platform.
(c) It is your responsibility to ensure you have provided all the evidence required to achieve ATS status. Portfolios are not monitored for the duration of the programme, and participants should utilise their mentors for support during the process.
(d) There are no automatic deadline extensions, please see Clause 23 for further details.
26.2.7 Results of Submission. The results release date is different for each cohort and is determined by the submission deadline. Exact dates will be sent to the participant after submission. Results will be released via email, throughout the day on the nominated results release day. Results will either be “Resubmission required” or “Awarded ATS”.
(a) If resubmission is required.
(i) you will receive an individual deadline to resubmit their portfolio, from the date the result was released. Depending on the amount of evidence required in the resubmission, you can resubmit at the earliest available opportunity. Upon resubmission, the additional evidence will be reviewed within six weeks and feedback provided to you within eight weeks.
(ii) If you do not resubmit within the resubmission timeframe provided, you will be required to re-apply by completing a new application portfolio for a future cohort. Successful applicants will be required to restart with a new blank portfolio, in a new cohort.
(iii) In some cases, if there are significant areas for development in the portfolio submitted initially, you will be asked to apply to restart the developmental process leading to ATS, with a new portfolio.
(iv) If you disagree with the decision not to provisionally award ATS, you should follow the process set out in the Appeals Policy.
(b) If you are awarded ATS.
(i) The details of awarded participants who remain current members of ETF will be added to the publicly searchable Professional Status Register. The details include your full name, membership number, membership status, grade and the title of the status awarded. To opt out, please email membership@etfoundation.co.uk.
(ii) You will be able to request a digital copy of your certificate, via your member dashboard, at the point of release. You will also be sent a formal award pack in the post no later than eight weeks from the award date. Additional or supplementary certificates will not be provided.
(iii) After being awarded ATS, you will need to remain a member to maintain ATS status.
(iv) You will be able to download a copy of your portfolio once you have been awarded ATS. You must not, under any circumstances, provide this portfolio or its contents to current or future participants.
26.2.8 Withdrawing or restarting the programme.
(a) If you are unable to submit by the initial or resubmission deadline you must either request your portfolio is “Withdrawn” or the Standards and Statuses team will withdraw the portfolio on your behalf after the deadline has passed.
(b) We reserve the right to withdraw any participants who do not meet the eligibility criteria. This includes situations where the participant’s circumstances have changed during the programme.
26.2.9 Re-Accreditation. ATS holders are required to re-accredit their status every three years. If you do not re-accredit within the required timeframe (three years), your status will become dormant, and your ATS status will no longer appear on the professional register. ATS holders must remain current members of ETF, in order to re-accredit and maintain their entitlement to use the ATS and Chartered Teacher designations.
26.2.10 Chartered Teacher Status. ATS holders are automatically conferred with Chartered Teacher Status, through the Chartered College of Teaching, at the point of ATS award. We will endeavour to share your success with the Chartered College of Teaching within six weeks, so that you are added to the Register of Chartered Teachers. As a recipient of Chartered Teacher Status, you may be invited to an annual ‘Chartered Teacher’ Graduation.
27 SPECIALIST STATUSES
27.1 The following additional terms and conditions apply to those applying for and undertaking a programme leading to the award of a Specialist Status from ETF. Specialist statuses are not courses and by applying to take part, participants confirm that they understand this.
27.1.1 Application process. Places on our Specialist Status programmes can be booked via our website, etfoundation.co.uk. Applicants should check the eligibility criteria first and note that it is their responsibility to ensure that their practice makes them eligible to take part.
27.1.2 Portfolio access. Specialist Statuses are completed via an online portfolio on our Learning Management system. Whilst we will make every attempt to issue a portfolio to all participants on the portfolio issue date, it is your obligation to ensure you can access the portfolio. If you cannot access your portfolio you should contact membership@etfoundation.co.uk within one week of the portfolio issue date to ensure this is resolved in a timely manner.
27.1.3 Submission of the Portfolio: To submit your finalised portfolio, you will need to have paid all due charges and fees, fully completed all sections of their portfolio, and completed all other requirements of the programme.
27.1.4 Extension to deadlines. Extensions of up to 5 working days, may be granted and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for extensions to the submission deadline must be made as soon as possible, and no later than 3 days before the original submission deadline.
27.1.5 Ethical behaviour. Although you are not required to be a member of ETF in order to attain a Specialist Status, we expect the same standard of ethical behaviour in participants (see Clause 24). We reserve the right to withdraw you from the programme if we find evidence of collusion or copying, recycling of work, inclusion of inappropriate or offensive material, plagiarism or failure to declare work that has been generated using AI such as ChatGPT or Claude.
27.1.6 Confirmation of Results.
(a) Results will be released via email, throughout the day on the nominated results release day.
(b) If you successfully completed the programme you will be awarded the Status:
You will then be able to demonstrate expertise in the theme of the Specialist Status programme you have taken through use of the relevant credential.
(c) Not awarded. Where the review of the portfolio identifies significant areas for development, the outcome will be Not Awarded. You will be contacted and advised and feedback will be provided.
(d) If you disagree with the decision not to award a specialist status, you should follow the process set out in our Appeals Policy.
27.1.7 Withdrawal from the programme and transfers. You can withdraw from the programme at any time, however please note that once a cohort has started and outside of the cooling off period described in Clause 15, there can be no refunds or transfers.
27.1.8 Accessing your portfolio. You will be able to download a copy of your portfolio once you have been awarded specialist status. Participants must not, under any circumstances, provide this portfolio or its contents to current or future participants.
Re-Accreditation: Specialist Status holders are required to re-accredit their status every three years. If you do not re-accredit within the required timeframe (three years), your status will become dormant.
28 TERMS SPECIFIC TO COURSE BOOKINGS
28.1 The following definitions apply to this clause:
"Course Fee" means the total price payable for the Services as communicated to you via email.
"Start Date" means the scheduled start date of the Services as communicated to you via email.
28.2 Cancellations:
28.2.1 If you wish to cancel your order, you must notify us in writing via email to enquiries@etfoundation.co.uk. Please include full details of your Order to help us to identify it.
28.2.2 In the event you cancel an Order in accordance with clause 19 and outside of the Cooling Off period as described in clause 15, you will be liable for the following cancellation fee:
- 0-5 calendar days' written notice - Cancellation Fee is 100% of course cost
- 5-14 calendar days' written notice - Cancellation Fee is 60% of course cost
- 15-29 calendar days' written notice - Cancellation Fee is 30% of course cost
- 30 or more calendar days' written notice - no Cancellation Fee charged.
Failure to attend a course without notifying us of a cancellation will be treated as a cancellation on the start date and cancellation fees will apply as above.
28.2.3 We will email you to confirm we have received your cancellation.
28.3 Course Transfers (please note these do not apply to professional status programmes)
28.3.1 In the event you are unable to attend the course you originally booked, you can request a transfer to the next available instance of a course.
28.3.2 Any transfer is at our sole discretion. If there are no available spaces within the instance, we will endeavour to find an alternative instance of the course. Where this is not possible, you may keep your original booking or cancel your booking in accordance with clause 28.2.2 above.
28.3.3 Transfers requested 14 or more calendar days before the start date of the course will be carried out (subject to available places) at no extra cost. For transfers requested within 14 calendar days of the start date, we reserve the right to charge an additional transfer fee of £25 per person.
Last updated 22 June 2026