What is the Flexible Route

The Flexible Route is a way to complete induction for teachers who:

• choose to opt out of TIS
• are not eligible to join TIS
• want the flexibility of working part-time
• want to complete their induction period somewhere other than a Scottish local authority school
• want to choose the local authority/school in which they will complete induction
• are already fully registered in one or more subject(s)/categories and looking to gain professional registration in an additional subject or category

Provisionally registered teachers following the Flexible Route may have different:

• amounts of teaching experience
• lengths of induction to complete
• employment opportunities in their area
• support networks available to them

Teachers who follow the Flexible Route to reach the Standard for Full Registration and have no previous teaching experience, need the equivalent of 1 full academic year (approximately 190 days) of assessed teaching practice.

The flexible route is changing

From 1 August 2023, the Flexible Route is changing.

This will mean changes to the requirements for both new and existing provisionally registered teachers and for teachers who are adding a subject or sector to their existing GTC Scotland registration. Advice for them, and the headteachers who support them, is available below.

Advice for provisionally registered teachers on new Flexible Route requirements

Advice for Headteachers and Senior Leaders on new Flexible Route requirements