Primary School Teacher
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Primary school teachers look after the educational, social, physical and emotional development of children from ages 5 to 11.
You will need:
- GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, Maths and Science, or equivalent qualifications;
- passes in Numeracy and Literacy skills tests;
- some school experience to support your application;
- enhanced background checks by the Disclosing and Barring Service (DBS).
- If you have a degree, you can train through a postgraduate teacher training course. There are 2 main routes: school-led and university-led. Both provide you with the practical skills and knowledge needed for teaching, but are delivered differently.
- If you don’t have a degree, you can qualify by taking a course that awards qualified teacher status (QTS).
- Financial support is available to train as a primary school teacher. Depending on the route you take, you could get a salary, a bursary, or a student loan.
You will need the following skills:
- the ability to inspire and motivate;
- creativity to design activities and materials;
- IT, organisational and planning skills;
- the ability to manage classes and deal with challenging behaviour.
- Most teaching jobs are in state schools and academies, but you could also work in independent schools, pupil referral units and hospitals. You could also register with an agency to provide supply cover for other teachers.
- You’ll teach subjects in the primary national curriculum at Key Stage 1 (ages 5 to 7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 11). Subjects include English, maths, science, music and art.
- With experience you could develop a specialism in a particular subject like computing or art and design.
- Your day-to-day tasks may include:
* planning lessons and preparing teaching materials;
* marking and assessing children’s work;
* providing a safe and healthy environment;
* keeping records;
* discussing children’s progress with parents and carers;
* working with other professionals like education psychologists and social workers;
* attending meetings and training;
* organising outings, social activities and sports events.
- You may also work with under 5s in a children’s centre or a reception class in a primary school.
The following is a guide only:
- starter: £22,500 to £33,000, increasing to £38,000 in inner London;
- experienced: £35,500 to £38,250, increasing to £47,000 in inner London;
- highly Experienced: £39,000 to £59,250, increasing to £66,750 in inner London;
- Your salary will depend on many factors including location, responsibilities, seniority and class size.
Working Conditions
- You’ll usually work 37 hours a week for 39 weeks a year, split over 3 school terms.
- You’ll spend additional time planning lessons, marking work and taking part in activities like parents’ evenings and outings.
Further Information
For further information click on the links below: