How to become a primary school teacher

What will be my roles and responsibilities once I start working as a primary school teacher?

As a primary school teacher, you will play a pivotal role in the early education of young children. You will be responsible for laying the foundation for their academic and personal development. This role involves a wide array of responsibilities. Let’s delve into the day-to-day tasks and roles that make up the life of a primary school teacher:

• Plan engaging and appropriate lessons for children.
• Instructing students in subjects like mathematics, English, science and more using various teaching methods.
• Maintain order and discipline in the classroom.
• Ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
• Provide one-on-one assistance to students who may be struggling with specific topics or concepts.
• Evaluate students’ progress and grade their work through tests and assignments.
• Update parents on their children’s progress and address any concerns or questions they may have.
• Identify and provide support for students with special educational needs.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, student performance and behaviour.
• Organise extracurricular activities such as sports or field trips to enhance students’ learning experiences.
• Work closely with other teachers and staff to create a well-rounded educational experience for students.

Do I need any special qualifications or an undergraduate degree to get into primary school teaching?

To provide primary education in the UK, you must have specific qualifications. There are certain requirements that you must meet. These are needed to ensure that you are well-prepared to educate and nurture young minds effectively.

Let’s take a look at the qualifications required for teacher training:

A university degree

An undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as primary education or education, can help you achieve qualified teacher status and get into primary school teaching. Some courses that you can consider include:

• Bachelor of Science with QTS
• Bachelor of Arts with QTS
• Bachelor of Education

However, if you have obtained an undergraduate degree but do not have qualified teacher status, you can opt for a postgraduate teacher training course, also known as a postgraduate certificate in education or PGCE.

The entry requirements you must meet include:

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4
• Proficiency in English, Math and Science
• 2-3 A levels for a degree
• An undergraduate degree for a postgraduate course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship provides a hands-on approach to teacher training. It allows individuals to gain practical experience in the classroom while they work towards becoming fully qualified primary teachers.

The entry requirements include:

• GCSEs at grades 9-4, including Maths, English and Science
• An undergraduate degree for an apprenticeship program

Work as a teaching assistant

Many individuals who want to get into teaching choose to become a teaching assistant while pursuing a part-time degree in education or a related field. This allows them to gain practical experience in the classroom while furthering their education. After completing the degree, teaching assistants can progress to a postgraduate teaching course, like a PGCE. This helps them gain the necessary qualifications and become a primary teacher.

What skills do I need to become a primary school teacher?

When you become a teacher in the UK, you will need to have a unique set of skills that extend far beyond knowledge of the curriculum. It is a role that demands a diverse skill set to educate, inspire and nurture young learners effectively.

Skills needed to take up a primary school teacher job in the UK include:

• Being patient with children.
• Clear and effective communication with children and adults.
• Being flexible in adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students.
• The ability to efficiently manage lesson plans, classroom resources and administrative tasks.
• Being empathetic and understanding the unique needs and emotions of students.
• A firm grasp of primary school curriculum, including maths, English and science.
• The ability to maintain discipline and a conducive learning environment.
• The ability to craft engaging lessons and activities for children.
• The ability to solve problems quickly and effectively to address student difficulties.
• The ability to work well with fellow educators and school staff.
• The ability to analyse and assess the educational needs of individual students.

How much can I earn if I become a primary school teacher?

The salary of a primary school teacher in the UK varies based on several factors. This includes school experience, location and the type of school they work in. The UK has a nationally determined pay scale for teachers, with annual increases based on experience and performance.

When starting, the expected salary of a newly qualified teacher is about £28,000 per year. After some years of experience, they can earn up to £43,685 per year. Additional allowances are also available for teachers in certain areas to account for the higher cost of living.

Primary school teachers who take on leadership roles, such as deputy or headteacher, can expect higher salaries.

Possible career progression of primary school teachers in the UK

For primary school teachers, career progression may involve obtaining additional qualifications or pursuing leadership programs. But, it offers a clear route for professional growth and the opportunity to make a significant impact on student’s lives and the education system as a whole.

After completing their initial teacher training, newly qualified teachers gain practical classroom experience in primary schools under the guidance of mentors. After obtaining their QTS, they continue to teach primary school classes and develop their expertise in specific subject areas. With several years of teaching, they become more experienced and may take on additional responsibilities within the school.

Becoming a deputy or assistant headteacher is a common step for those who aspire to take on leadership roles within the school. These roles involve overseeing various aspects of the school management, including curriculum development, student welfare and staff supervision. Deputy or assistant headteachers also often have the chance to become the headteacher of the school.

Many primary teachers may also be presented with the opportunity to offer private tuition or even travel abroad and teach in an international school. You could also choose to transition to a secondary school teacher, specialising in a specific subject you excel in.

How many hours do primary school teachers work?

The working hours of primary school teachers can vary based on factors like school policies, grade level and individual responsibilities. However, a standard teaching week usually encompasses 37-45 hours. This time is spread across regular school days, typically from Monday to Friday. Primary school teachers must also participate in staff meetings, professional development and extracurricular activities that can extend their workweek.

In addition to their time in the classroom, teachers spend extra hours grading assignments, preparing lessons and communicating with parents. This additional work is often done outside regular school hours.

What is the working environment of primary school teachers like in the UK?

Primary school teachers spend most of their time in colourful and friendly classrooms. They teach kids from different backgrounds. They work with a team of other teachers and staff to make lessons and plans for students. Sometimes, they use computers and other electronic devices to help with teaching.

The classrooms are designed to engage and inspire young children. Primary school teachers create a positive and inclusive atmosphere filled with educational resources and materials. This helps cater to various subjects and teaching styles. In addition, teachers are expected to adhere to strict regulations and academic standards by the Department of Education. They must follow the national curriculum, conduct assessments and ensure that students meet the specific learning objectives.

Some helpful tips for applying for a teacher training course

Applying for a teacher training course in the UK is an exciting yet competitive journey. Whether you are pursuing a PGCE or other teacher training routes, careful preparation is essential. Here are some tips to help you navigate the application process and successfully apply for teacher training.

• Explore the different teacher training programs in the UK and consider which route best aligns with your career goals and learning style.
• Familiarise yourself with the specific entry requirements for your chosen program.
• Volunteer or work as a teaching assistant or tutor to gain valuable experience and insight into the teaching profession.
• Write a compelling personal statement highlighting your passion for teaching, relevant skills and experiences, and why you want to become an educator.
• Prepare for interviews and practice your responses to common questions.
• Apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a place.
• Explore the financial aspects of your training, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries, to make informed decisions about how to fund your education.