Primary school teacher

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• become a special educational needs teacher or move into pastoral care
• become a lead practitioner, supporting and mentoring other teachers and developing best practice
• be a curriculum leader, deputy head or headteacher
• move into private tuition
• teach overseas in an international school

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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
• maths knowledge
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Language - Primary school teachers teach children to read, write, and communicate effectively – literacy is one of the core areas of the primary curriculum. They also need strong language skills themselves to explain ideas clearly, write reports, and communicate with parents and colleagues.
• Mathematics - Primary school teachers teach maths every day, covering topics like number, measurement, fractions, and basic geometry. They need to understand these concepts deeply so they can explain them in different ways and spot where children are going wrong.
• Biology - Primary school teachers cover topics like plants, animals, the human body, and habitats as part of the science curriculum. A solid understanding of biology helps them teach these topics confidently and answer the many curious questions children ask about the natural world.
• Psychology - Primary school teachers need to understand how children learn, develop, and behave at different ages. Knowledge of child development, motivation, and how to support children with different emotional and learning needs is central to the job.

Also relevant

• Physical Education - Primary school teachers often lead PE lessons, sports days, and after-school sports clubs. Understanding how to teach physical skills, organise games, and encourage healthy habits in young children is a regular part of the role.
• Music - Primary school teachers often lead singing, introduce instruments, and teach basic musical concepts like rhythm and pitch. Confidence with music helps them deliver engaging lessons and run activities like school assemblies and performances.
• Art and Design - Primary school teachers regularly plan and deliver art lessons, create classroom displays, and use creative activities to support learning across subjects. Being comfortable with drawing, painting, and craft techniques helps make lessons more engaging for young children.
• Geography - Primary school teachers teach children about maps, weather, different countries, and the local environment as part of the geography curriculum. Understanding these topics well helps them plan interesting lessons and bring the wider world into the classroom.
• History - Primary school teachers cover historical topics such as the Romans, Victorians, and ancient civilisations as part of the national curriculum. A good grasp of history helps them tell compelling stories and help children understand how the past connects to the present.