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Diplomas
Diploma in Teaching (Further Education & Skills)
Level 5
A regulated teaching qualification for post-16 providers
The RSL Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education and Skills) is a nationally recognised qualification for post-16 education and training. It is recognised by the Education and Training Foundation and may support progression towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS), subject to current regulatory requirements.
For centres, it provides a structured framework for developing competent teachers through workplace practice, observation and assessment. Centres must be approved to deliver this qualification.
Developing FE Teachers Without a Structured Pathway?
Many Further Education providers appoint subject specialists who begin teaching immediately. They are delivering sessions, supporting diverse learner needs and managing classroom dynamics before undertaking formal teacher training.
The demands of the sector continue to evolve. Expectations around pedagogy, inclusion, digital delivery and observation standards are increasing. Without a structured development route, centres risk inconsistency in teaching practice and limited progression pathways for staff.
While traditional routes such as full-time PGCE programmes can require fixed schedules and time away from the workplace, many providers need a model that supports in-role development.
This qualification provides a regulated framework for developing teachers who are already delivering in post. It supports centres in strengthening teaching practice, formalising professional recognition and building long-term stability within their teaching teams.
Why Deliver the RSL Level 5 Diploma in Teaching?
The RSL Level 5 Diploma provides a structured, regulated framework for developing post-16 teachers within your organisation. It supports consistent teaching standards, formal progression and alignment with sector expectations, including potential progression towards QTLS where applicable.
Key Benefits
- A structured framework across core teaching practice: Covers curriculum planning, assessment, SEND, safeguarding, behaviour management, digital delivery and professional conduct, supporting consistent teaching standards across your provision.
- Aligned with National Occupational Standards: Mapped to sector standards and recognised across post-16 education. Supports progression routes, including potential pathways towards QTLS, subject to regulatory requirements.
- Workplace-based delivery model: Delivered in-role with no university attendance or exam-based assessment. Development is embedded within existing teaching practice.
- Embedded observation and reflective practice: Includes a minimum of 10 observations and 250 placement hours, strengthening structured feedback, accountability and professional growth.
- Cost-effective professional development: Provides a recognised Level 5 teaching route without the financial model of traditional university programmes.
How it works
The RSL Level 5 Diploma in Teaching is delivered through structured workplace practice and internal assessment. Once approved, centres register trainees who complete the qualification through real teaching activity and portfolio development across eight mandatory units.
The programme requires a minimum of 250 placement hours and at least 10 observed teaching sessions. Assessment is internally conducted and externally moderated by RSL to ensure national standards are maintained.
How is the Qualification Structured?
Qualification Structure
This Level 5 qualification prepares you to teach confidently in FE across a wide range of contexts, from colleges and training providers to adult learning and community programmes.
• Guided Learning Hours: 360 hours
• Total Qualification Time: 1200 hours
• Assessment: internally assessed and externally moderated
• Placement: 250 hours
• Age Requirement: 19+
• Skills Requirement: Level 2 in English and Mathematics, and basic Digital competence required
Assessment
Everything is grounded in your real teaching practice. There are no written exams and no abstract assignments detached from the classroom. Assessment is fully portfolio-based and includes:
• Practical evidence from your teaching, such as plans, schemes and reflections
• Observation reports
• Written tasks
• Professional discussions
• Digital activity evidence for Unit 5
Fees
Fees are set by approved centres and cover the full delivery and quality assurance of the qualification, including:
• Registration with RSL
• Internal assessment by the centre
• External moderation to ensure national standards are met
This structure ensures your qualification is regulated, recognised and independently quality assured.
Additional charges may apply for re-registration or if additional moderation visits are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
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New and early career teachers already working or intending to work in FE who need a recognised Level 5 teaching qualification.
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To deliver the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, your organisation must first become an approved RSL centre for vocational qualifications. The centre approval process ensures you have the appropriate staffing, assessment and quality assurance arrangements in place to deliver and assess the qualification to national standards. You can find full guidance on the approval process, requirements and next steps on our Centre Approval page.
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Yes. While the Level 5 Diploma does not award QTLS directly, completing it and gaining further teaching experience positions you to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status through the appropriate QTLS assessment routes.
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Placement hours must be secured by the trainee. A minimum of 250 hours is required.
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No Level 3 or Level 4 teaching qualification is required. You simply need Level 2 English and Mathematics and the ability to study at Level 5.
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Yes. This qualification is specifically built for working FE teachers.
Syllabus downloads
Download the Level 5 Teaching syllabus and relevant documentation to get started.
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