Primary school teacher

You can do an undergraduate degree that leads to qualified teacher status (QTS), for example:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) with QTS
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) with QTS

You can also complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), if you have a first degree without QTS. This can be done at university or on a school-based training programme.

There are more training options if you want to change career or specialise in teaching certain subjects.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements
• funding for teacher training
• postgraduate teacher training courses

You can get into this career through a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship, if you have a degree and want to teach 5 to 11 year olds.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
• GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
• a degree for a teaching apprenticeship

More Information

• postgraduate teaching apprenticeships
• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start as a teaching assistant and do a part-time degree. You could then move onto a postgraduate teaching course to qualify as a teacher.

You'll find it helpful to get some experience of working with children though this is not essential. You can do this through paid work or by volunteering at a school, helping at an after school club or working on a holiday scheme.

Registration

• you'll usually need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a state school in England

Career tips

You can do a subject knowledge enhancement course to improve your understanding of the subject you want to teach.

You can also attend teacher training events before you apply to get advice about the profession, the different training routes and funding. You can attend events in person and online.

Further information

You can discover more about how to become a teacher from Get Into Teaching.

You can also search for jobs through the Teaching Vacancies service.

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of English language
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass numeracy and literacy skills tests
• pass enhanced background checks

You will:

• plan lessons and prepare teaching materials
• set up the classroom, organise displays and resources
• teach whole class lessons, work with small groups and do practical activities
• direct the work of learning support and teaching assistants
• mark and assess children's work
• provide a safe and healthy environment and follow safeguarding procedures
• update records
• talk to parents and carers about their children's progress
• work with other professionals like education psychologists and social workers
• attend meetings and training
• organise outings, after school clubs, school social activities and sports events

You could work at a school or at a pupil referral unit.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.