We define accreditation as the process of ascertaining the professional acceptability of a learning and development programme leading to the award of Professional Recognition for course participants.

There are specific features required to achieve Professional Recognition accreditation that must be embedded within a programme for it to be successfully accredited.

• Accreditation of Programmes leading to Professional Recognition - Guidance (PDF)

The specific features include:

• A clearly articulated rationale for the programme
• Alignment with the national Professional Learning Model   
• Enquiry and research and the dispositions required for this as outlined in the Standard for Career-Long Professional Learning or other appropriate Standard
• Alignment to features of enquiry at SCQF level 11
• Focus on the individual's personal and professional learning and development, linked to the particular area of expertise. This includes a personal self-evaluation process
• Enhanced academic and professional knowledge of the subject/ topic/ issue
• Enhanced professional actions within the specific educational context and/ or the wider educational community
• Critical reflection on the learning and development within the area of expertise
• Clear understanding and analysis of the impact of this learning and development on self/ learners/colleagues' professional practice
• Evidence of collaborative practice
• Professional discussion with line manager as an integral part of Professional Review and Development (PRD) discussions
• An opportunity for participants to evidence their professional learning as part of the programme

• Standard for Career-Long Professional Learning
• A Model of Professional Learning (PDF)

• Scottish Framework for Masters in Education

To apply for accreditation, complete the following form and return to professional.recognition@gtcs.org.uk.

• Professional Recognition Provider Application Framework (doc)

Professional Recognition Accreditation Panels are convened each month. Prior to bringing a programme forward to panel, GTCS will offer a support meeting with a GTCS Officer who will guide you through the process.

Programmes are accredited with Professional Recognition for five years with an interim evaluation highlighting any developments and/or enhancements to the content, nature, duration, staffing or structure of the programme.

During this period the accredited programme provider submits to GTCS the lists of candidates who have completed the programme and who wish to be awarded with Professional Recognition. The Certificates can then be either sent directly from GTCS to the teachers or the programme providers, should they wish to organise an event to celebrate with the teachers.

Programme providers can make use of the GTCSProfessional Recognition quality mark. They will also be invited to become part of our list of accredited providers for Professional Recognition and to send us a paragraph for inclusion on our website, please see:

• Accredited Professional Recognition programmes

The programme providers must notify GTCS if there are any significant changes in staffing and/or to the structure of the programme during the five-year period covered by accreditation. 

Professional Recognition - Renewal

At the end of each five-year period, programme providers must make a submission giving an update on the programme, including any changes and developments made. It should also include reference to the National Professional Learning Model. This submission for renewal will be taken to a new accreditation panel to decide the next course of action:

• The programme provider will be invited to attend a full panel as set out above.
• The programme is recommended for recognition at the next Professional Recognition panel. The programme provider would not attend this panel.