Teacher (primary)

What it involves

Despite the relatively limited amount of time spent with pupils, this is rarely a 9 am-3.30 pm job. Lesson planning and preparation, checking pupils' work, parents' evenings, OFSTED inspections, extra-curricular activities and professional development all encroach upon home life. The job requires an enthusiastic, imaginative, committed and energetic individual capable of getting the best from every child, whilst maintaining discipline. Nevertheless, teaching is a very rewarding career with excellent employment prospects.

What's required

Primary teachers are employed within state-maintained, voluntary controlled (such as religious-aided) and private schools. Anyone wishing to teach in the state-maintained sector must gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) either by taking a teaching degree, a degree followed by a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) or employment-based graduate/registered teacher training programmes. All candidates must possess GCSEs (grades A-C) in English and maths, and science for those born after 1st September 1979. There are also health and criminal record restrictions.

Early applications for PGCE places to the GTTR are advisable during the first term of your final year. Although any degree discipline is acceptable, National Curriculum relevance is expected. A science or technology background can be advantageous, as can extra skills such as music.

Previous experience of working with children is essential. This can be gained through direct approaches to schools, employment as a classroom assistant, voluntary work, job shadowing or by helping at summer camps or play schemes. National Curriculum familiarity can also be helpful.

Where to find out more

Teaching vacancies are advertised in local authority jobs lists, Appointments for Teachers, the Times Educational Supplement, The Guardian and local newspapers. You can also pick up a copy of TARGETjobs Teaching from your careers service.