"I found this book very informative. It is clearly set out and the chapters are clear. I particularly liked how you can test yourself on all areas then check the answers along with an explanation. At the end of the book is a honest account from someone who completed their QTS and I enjoyed reading this." - Stephanie Kane, Teacher Training Candidate





"I will recommend this book because it is up to date and because it covers both literacy & numeracy skills tests. It explains coherently what the tests are for. It shows how rigorous they are and why they are important - showing how they impact practice even if not in the trainee's specialist area. Everything a potential ITT trainee needs to know is covered. and shows it is more than just about passing the tests. There are good practice questions. IN a nutshell - everything a trainee needs is here!"

-Mrs Sarah Barton, School of Education, Portsmouth University

If you are applying to teacher training in England, you must pass your Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers before you can start your training.

Written by authors who have written questions for the test themselves, this is your guide to how to prepare for, approach and succeed in the Professional Skills Tests for Trainee Teachers. It takes you through how the tests work and includes hints and tips on what to expect and how to respond. It offers clear and concise guidance on revision and examples of questions so you can prepare for the tests and pass.

This second edition has been updated with added practice questions, and a new chapter with trainee and tutor profiles giving you up-to-date and focused insight into how to get into teacher training, and what it's like to complete the course.

How to use this book

The first chapter in this book will help you understand the context of the skills tests and direct you to useful sources where you can conduct your own research into schools and education. Having a familiarity with key terms and issues in education will prove useful both when approaching the skills tests and also at a later date when you apply for a training place. Subsequent chapters will outline the content and structure of the literacy and numeracy skills tests and offer you practice questions. Then there is a chapter designed to support your application to teacher training courses and provide suggestions and advice for the interview process. Finally, for this second edition a new chapter 'What is teacher training really like?' offers you real insight into intial teacher training from the point of view of the student and the tutor. 

About the authors

Bruce Bond has been involved in writing, editing, observing, reviewing and trialling the QTS Literacy Skills Tests for over 10 years. 

Jim Johnson is an Honorary Fellow of Nottingham Trent University where, until his retirement, he led the English team in the Department of Primary Education. 

Mark Patmore was until recently a senior lecturer in mathematical education in the Department of Education at Nottingham Trent University.

Nina Weiss has worked in education for over 30 years. Since 2008, she has been authoring and editing the QTS Skills Tests.