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 are educated in a school setting.

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 in a school setting. This may be a full-time or part-time post.

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 professional membership page:

You will need a completed Tutor form signed by your course leader and upload it as part of the membership application process
You will need to read and agree to adhere to the BDA Code of Ethics
If your employer is paying, please request an invoice.

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	The Principles and Methodology in the Teaching of Learners with SpLD (Dyslexia)
Bath Spa University	Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia
Bellavista School, South Africa	Award in Literacy and Dyslexia
University of Birmingham	PG Cert Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (ATS/APS)
British Dyslexia Association	Level 5 Certificate in Dyslexia, Literacy, Support and Intervention
Canterbury Christ Church University	Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching & Assessment for Dyslexia
Cardiff Metropolitan University	MA Additional Learning Needs
University of Chester	Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
Dyslexia Action	L7 Post Graduate Certificate: Specialist Teaching for Literacy Related Difficulties
	Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Teaching Support for Dyslexia and Literacy
Dyslexia Matters	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)
Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity	Level 5 Diploma: Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/SpLDs - KS2/1 - KS2/3
The Learning Support Centre Leicester/The Learning Support Academy	Level 5 Diploma for Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences & Barriers to Literacy
Liverpool Hope University	Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) (Interdisciplinary Studies)
University College London, IOE	Post Graduate Certificate Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) with ATS
Specialist Teacher Training Ltd	Level 5 Investigating Dyslexia/Literacy Difficulties
University of South Wales	Postgraduate Diploma SEN/ALN (Specific Learning Difficulties)
Stranmillis University College, Belfast	(MEd) Addressing Difficulties in Literacy Development

Progressing to AMBDA

On successful completion of an ATS course specialist teachers can apply for courses leading to Accredited with the BDA (AMBDA) status 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.