Teacher (primary)

Primary school teacher job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Despite the relatively limited amount of time spent with pupils, this is rarely a 9 am-3.30 pm job. Nevertheless, teaching is a very rewarding career with excellent employment prospects.

Typical responsibilities include:

• lesson planning and preparation
• checking pupils' work
• attending parents' evenings
• preparing for OFSTED inspections
• running extra-curricular activities
• undertaking professional development.

Typical employers of primary school teachers

Primary teachers are employed within state-maintained, voluntary controlled (such as religious-aided) and private schools. Teaching vacancies are advertised in local authority jobs lists, the Times Educational Supplement, The Guardian and local newspapers. You can also pick up a copy of TARGETcourses Teaching from your careers service.

Qualifications and training required

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. All candidates must have GCSEs (grades A-C) in English and maths, and science for those born after 1st September 1979.

Anyone wishing to teach in state-maintained schools must have 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. Early applications for PGCE places are advisable during the first term of your final undergraduate year.

Key skills for primary school teachers

• enthusiasm
• imagination
• commitment
• energy
• discipline.

There are also health and criminal record restrictions.