Advanced skills teachers

What is an advanced skills teacher?

An advanced skills teacher (AST) is a teacher who achieves an excellent standard of classroom practice. ASTs have their own pay scale and spend one day a week sharing their skills and experience with other teachers.

Who can become an AST?

All qualified teachers in maintained schools who meet AST standards are eligible, including those in leadership posts, peripatetic teachers and those working part-time.

What does it involve?

ASTs spend 80 per cent of their time with their own classes. An AST also helps colleagues by sharing best practice and providing support. This can include advising on professional development, mentoring newly-qualified teachers, providing model lessons, producing high-quality teaching materials and advising on lesson planning, classroom organisation and teaching methods. ASTs can also work on whole-school or cross-LEA projects, such as the introduction of Assessment for Learning.

How to become an AST

Candidates can check national or LEA advertisements or talk to their headteacher about creating an AST post. Funding is available through the Standards Fund. Once a post is identified, candidates must pass a national assessment process. An assessor will visit the school, observe lessons, consider the portfolio and interview the candidate, their headteacher and possibly other teachers, parents and pupils too.

Why do we need ASTs?

The best teachers need to be recognised, retained and rewarded for their excellence. Becoming an AST is an alternative to a management role. It guarantees the best teachers stay in the classroom while continuing their professional development. ASTs also ensure the spread of best practice to other schools through outreach programmes.

Futher information

All aspects of ASTs www.teachernet.gov.uk/ast

Pay scales www.teachernet.gov.uk/astpay

Application details www.teachernet.gov.uk/astassessment

This content was published in November 2003 and may not reflect current policy