What qualifications do you need to become a teacher?

To become a primary school teacher, you’ll need:

GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and science
passes in numeracy and literacy skills tests
some school experience to support your application
enhanced background checks by the Disclosure 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).

What you’ll do

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.

Salary

Starter: £22,917 to £33,824, increasing to £39,006 in inner London

Experienced: £35,927 to £38,633, increasing to £47,298 in inner London

Highly Experienced: £39,374 to £59,857, increasing to £67,305 in inner London

Your salary will depend on many factors including location, responsibilities, seniority and class size.

These figures are a guide.

Working hours, patterns and environment

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.

Career path and progression

You could specialise in teaching pupils with special educational needs or move into pastoral care. With experience, you could become a specialist leader of education (SLE) supporting teachers in other schools.

You could also progress to curriculum leader, deputy head and head teacher, or become a private tutor.

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22nd May 2017

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