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How to become a specialist teacher

Accredited Teacher Status (ATS)

What is ATS?

Accredited Teacher Status (ATS) is an accreditation for those who hold QTS, Qualified Teacher Status or QTLS, Qualified to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, and have successfully completed a BDA accredited course for teaching learners with specific learning difficulties/dyslexia.

Holders of ATS are recognised as specialist teachers and are able to conduct informal, curriculum-based assessments and deliver specialist teaching programmes to learners with SpLD/dyslexia up to, and including, 18 years of age.

Who can apply for ATS?

Applicants who have successfully completed a BDA accredited course for ATS within the last three years, and hold Qualified Teacher Status, or Qualified to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, can apply.

Applicants must have a minimum of two years (1,900 hours) relevant professional experience teaching/supporting learners up to, and including, 18 years of age. This may be a full-time or part-time posts.

You may also apply for ATS via an Individual Merit route if you have significant experience in the teaching of learners with SpLD, and have taken an SpLD course more than 5 years ago however this should not be seen as an alternative to taking a course in teaching learners with SpLD.

How to apply for ATS

To apply for ATS you will need to start your online application via the application box on the right of this page

  • You will need a completed Tutor form signed by your course leader and upload it as part of the application process
  • You will need to read and agree to adhere to the BDA Code of Ethics
  • You will need to pay the fee of £70 via the credit/debit card link in the application process
  • If your employer/school is paying complete the invoice option in the application process

Courses accredited for ATS

Courses are taught at postgraduate Level 7 unless otherwise stated.

Course provider

More information

Miles Dyslexia Centre, Bangor University of Wales

Advanced Certificate of Further Professional Studies in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)

Bath Spa University

Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia

Bellavista School, South AfricaAward in Literacy and Dyslexia

University of Birmingham (eLearning)

PG Cert Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (ATS/APS)

British Dyslexia Association (BDA) (eLearning)

Level 5 Certificate in Dyslexia, Literacy, Support and Intervention

Canterbury Christ Church UniversityPostgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching & Assessment for Dyslexia

Cardiff Metropolitan University

MA Additional Learning Needs

University of Chester

Dyslexia Research and Practice

Dyslexia Action

Level 7 Professional Certificate in Structured Teaching Intervention for Dyslexia and Literacy

Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Teaching Support for Dyslexia and Literacy

Dyslexia Matters (Gateway)Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences and Barriers to Literacy

Edge Hill University

Postgraduate Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)

Herefordshire & Ludlow CollegeLevel 5 Diploma Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties
The Learning Support Centre Leicester (Gateway)Level 5 Diploma for Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences & Barriers to Literacy
Liverpool Hope UniversitySpecific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) (Interdisciplinary Studies)

University College London, IOE

Post Graduate Certificate Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) with ATS

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)

Postgraduate Certificate Specific Learning Difficulties

University of South Wales

Postgraduate Diploma SEN/ALN (Specific Learning Difficulties)

Stranmillis University College, Belfast (eLearning)

Master of Education (MEd) Addressing Difficulties in Literacy Development

Wrexham Glyndŵr University

Postgraduate Certificate in Dyslexia

Progressing to AMBDA

On successful completion of an ATS course specialist teachers can apply for courses leading to Associate Membership of the BDA (AMBDA) which will enable them to conduct formal diagnostic assessments, write diagnostic reports and assess for exam access arrangements.

To find out more visit the AMBDA webpage.

Keeping ATS 'Active'

We expect holders of BDA accreditations to keep their practice up to date and submit a CPD portfolio every three years on the anniversary of their award.

Find out more on the Continuing Professional Development webpage.

Professional Membership

With Active ATS you may apply for Professional Membership of the BDA and be included on the BDA Tutor List.

Find out more, visit the BDA Professional Membership webpage.

Questions?

email: accreditation@bdadyslexia.org.uk

Application

Payment for £70.00

Please confirm you meet all application requirements