How to become a primary school teacher in the UK

Becoming a primary school teacher is one of the most rewarding career paths you can take. Primary teachers play a vital role in helping children develop core skills, build confidence, and nurture a love of learning from their earliest years. If you’re considering this career, there are clear steps you’ll need to follow to qualify and begin teaching in the UK.

What qualifications do you need?

To teach in most state primary schools in England, you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This accreditation shows that you’ve met national teaching standards and are fully prepared to lead a classroom.

To begin training, you will usually need:

A degree (any subject is accepted, though some prefer education or relevant fields).
GCSEs in English, maths, and science (grade 4/C or above).
An interest in working with children and developing your subject knowledge.

If you don’t yet hold a degree, there are undergraduate routes that combine a bachelor’s degree with QTS.

Training routes to become a primary teacher

There are several recognised pathways into primary teaching:

Undergraduate degree with QTS: A three to four-year course at university.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): A one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme, combining academic study with placements.
School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT): A school-led, practical route where you train in classrooms from day one.
Assessment Only (AO) route: Designed for those already teaching with significant experience but without QTS.

At Catalyst Academies, our teacher training programme focuses on school-led learning, giving aspiring primary teachers the real-world classroom experience they need to thrive.

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Skills needed for primary teaching

Primary school teaching requires a mix of academic knowledge and personal skills. Successful teachers are:

Patient, adaptable, and resilient.
Able to explain concepts clearly and in age-appropriate ways.
Skilled at managing classrooms and creating inclusive environments.
Motivated to inspire and engage children in their learning.
Committed to ongoing professional development.

These skills can be developed during training and supported through mentoring and professional growth opportunities.

Life after training

Once you’ve completed your training and achieved QTS, you’ll begin your career as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). This lasts two years and provides extra support, mentoring, and reduced teaching hours to help you build confidence and effectiveness in the classroom.

From there, you can progress into subject leadership, pastoral roles, or even headship over time. Teaching offers a wide range of career opportunities once you’ve gained experience.

Taking the next step

Becoming a primary school teacher in the UK requires commitment, training, and a passion for helping children learn. With the right support, you can gain the skills and confidence to lead your own classroom.

If you are ready to begin your journey, explore our Essex teacher training programme and find out how Catalyst Academies in Essex can help you become a qualified primary school teacher.