Article
Skills of Primary School Teachers
This article from Key Stage Supply offers a great overview of the skills that Primary School Teachers need to succeed in their role.
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Primary School Teacher
Every great scientist, artist, and leader started with a teacher who believed in them. Primary School Teachers lay the foundation for a child's entire learning journey, shaping their confidence, curiosity, and understanding of the world. Teaching children aged 4 to 11, they plan creative lessons, bring learning to life, and provide a safe, nurturing space for growth. It’s a career that demands patience and adaptability—but offers the rare privilege of making a lasting impact on young minds every single day.
Summary
Teaching at a primary level isn’t just about delivering lessons—it’s about inspiring, guiding, and unlocking potential. As a Primary School Teacher, you’ll introduce children to key subjects, tailoring learning to different abilities while fostering creativity, resilience, and social skills. Beyond the classroom, you’ll work closely with parents, carers, and colleagues to ensure children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
It’s a demanding job that requires organisation, communication, and a passion for shaping young lives. To qualify, you’ll need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), obtained through a PGCE or Assessment Only route. While challenging, this career offers immense job security, progression opportunities, and the satisfaction of knowing your work changes lives. You could advance into roles like Subject Lead, Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher, Deputy Head, or Headteacher—but no matter the path, you’ll always be making a difference where it matters most.
Responsibilities
A Primary School Teacher has a lot of responsibilities when working with and teaching children. Some of these include the following:
Teach children the English National Curriculum. Teach children the English National Curriculum, which is a set of subjects and standards - Split into Key Stages 1 to 6 - that all primary schools must follow to provide children across the country with a similar learning experience.
Mark work and plan, prepare, and deliver lessons. Plan, prepare, and deliver lessons to students under the English National Curriculum and the school’s unique Primary Curriculum, which is a set of goals that must be met through lesson materials, evaluation methods, and other resources. Teachers must also mark their class’ work and assess each pupil’s development on a regular basis.
Ensure the well-being of all children and maintain discipline. An important part of being a Primary School Teacher is the need to ensure that all children are kept safe and disciplined to prevent teaching disruption and safety risks. Teachers must also follow all safeguarding measures in accordance with the school and national policy.
Manage teaching assistants and support other teachers. Manage teaching assistants to support the development of pupils’ education and wellbeing. Primary School Teachers should also work with colleagues and other teachers to coordinate activities and resources according to the National and Primary Curriculums, and to stay updated on any changes to said Curriculums.
Take part in school events like trips, parents’ evenings, and open days. Primary school teachers will often have to participate in school events, including managing and supporting school trips, attending meetings with parents to discuss the development of their children, and participating in open days to encourage prospective students and parents to join the school.
Key Skills & Traits
Being a Primary School Teacher requires a diverse skill set. While organisation, communication, and classroom management are essential, creativity and patience also play a key role.
Creativity
Engaging young minds requires innovative teaching approaches. This may involve using storytelling to explain concepts, incorporating arts and crafts into lessons, or using educational games to make learning more interactive and enjoyable.
Organisation
Teachers balance multiple responsibilities, from lesson planning to marking and assessment. Strong organisational skills ensure lessons are well-prepared, materials are easily accessible, and administrative tasks are completed efficiently.
Patience
Children learn at different speeds, and some may require extra support. Demonstrating patience and encouragement helps to create a positive learning environment where all pupils feel valued and supported.
Communication
Primary School Teachers must communicate clearly and effectively with pupils, parents, and colleagues. This includes adapting language and tone to suit young learners, ensuring instructions are easy to understand, and creating an open environment where pupils feel comfortable asking questions. Active listening is also crucial for addressing pupils' needs and concerns.
Technological Proficiency
Technology is becoming an integral part of education. Confidence in using interactive whiteboards, educational software, and online learning resources enables teachers to create engaging, modern lessons that resonate with today’s pupils.
Classroom Management
Effectively maintaining a structured and positive learning environment is essential. This involves setting clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, and addressing disruptive behaviour constructively. Establishing consistent classroom routines helps pupils feel secure and focused.
Adaptability
Classrooms are dynamic spaces where unexpected situations can arise. Being adaptable allows teachers to adjust lesson plans on the spot, respond to pupils' needs, and embrace new teaching methods to enhance learning.
Education & Qualifications
Not everyone can become a Primary School Teacher—but if you’re passionate about helping children grow, learn, and thrive, there’s a clear path to get there. In the UK, teaching is a regulated profession, which means you’ll need a recognised qualification and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in most primary schools. What matters most is your ability to connect with pupils, manage a classroom, and deliver engaging lessons that support every child’s development.
Success as a teacher is built on dedication, communication, and continuous learning. Whether you start straight from school, switch careers later in life, or train while working, there are a variety of routes that can lead to the classroom.
Lifestyle
A career as a Primary School Teacher is highly social, involving daily interaction with pupils, parents, and colleagues. While much of the role is spent in the classroom, teachers also dedicate time to independent lesson planning, marking, and professional development. Work-life balance can be challenging, particularly during term time, but teachers benefit from school holidays, with some time used for lesson preparation and training. Financial stability is strong, with a clear salary progression structure, pension benefits, and high demand for qualified teachers across the UK, making it a secure long-term career choice.
0%
Remote SuitedA Primary School Teacher requires direct communication and face-to-face interaction with pupils, so it is not suitable for remote working.
80%
StressfulPrimary school teaching is considered highly stressful, having to manage pupils, plan lessons, mark work, and meet the school's and pupils' needs.
30%
Work Life BlancePrimary School Teachers are expected to be at school before children to prepare resources and the classroom, and to stay after school to clean classrooms, complete marking, plan lessons, and do more, although many teachers leave early and complete work at home or over the weekend.
Our collection of reviews from professional Primary School Teachers have scored enjoyment as 4.0 out of 5.0 on average.
50/hrs
WeeklyTypical working hours for a Primary School Teacher are around 45 hours a week.
Salary Data
The average salary for a Primary School Teacher in the UK is £40,000 before tax, with newly qualified teachers earning around £36,000 and senior teachers making £48,000 or more. Salaries in private schools vary widely, as they are not bound by national pay scales—some offer higher pay and additional benefits like housing or private healthcare, while others may pay less than state schools. While most teachers work in state-funded schools on fixed salary scales, alternative career paths can lead to different earning potentials. Supply teachers are typically paid daily or hourly rates, which can vary based on location and experience. Self-employed tutors or private educators may earn significantly more, with some former teachers doubling their income by running private tuition services or education businesses. However, self-employment means managing expenses, client acquisition, and a lack of traditional benefits like pensions and sick pay.
£36,000
Entry
£40,000
Average
£48,000
Senior
Career Path
A career as a Primary School Teacher offers various opportunities for progression, both within and beyond the classroom. Teachers can specialise in specific subjects, move into leadership roles, or transition into alternative careers in education and beyond. While progression varies between schools, the typical route includes advancing into middle management before reaching senior leadership positions.
Key Stage or Subject Leader
Before progressing into senior roles, many Primary School Teachers take on responsibilities as Key Stage Leaders (e.g., Early Years, Key Stage 1, or Key Stage 2) or Subject Leaders for areas such as English, Maths, or Science. These positions involve curriculum planning, mentoring other teachers, and improving educational standards within a specific subject or age group.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher or Coordinator (SENCO)
For teachers interested in supporting pupils with additional needs, specialising in Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a common path. This can involve working as an SEN Teacher or progressing to a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), where you will oversee support strategies, collaborate with external agencies, and ensure that pupils receive tailored learning support.
Assistant or Deputy Headteacher
After gaining experience as a teacher and middle leader, you may progress into school leadership as an Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher. These roles involve strategic planning, staff management, and overseeing school operations. Deputy Headteachers often step in for the Headteacher when needed, making it a vital stepping stone to headship.
Headteacher
With substantial leadership experience, you may move into the Headteacher role, leading the school’s vision, policies, and operations. This role involves managing staff, overseeing budgets, liaising with educational authorities, and ensuring high-quality education for all pupils. Headteachers play a pivotal role in shaping a school's culture and long-term success.
Education Leadership & Consultancy
Beyond headship, some experienced educators transition into executive leadership roles, such as Executive Headteacher or CEO of a Multi-Academy Trust, overseeing multiple schools and influencing education on a larger scale. Others move into educational consultancy, training, or curriculum development, advising schools, local authorities, or government bodies.
Alternative Career Paths
If you’re looking for a career change outside of traditional school settings, experienced teachers often move into:
- Educational Regulation & Inspection – Working as an Ofsted Inspector or advising government education departments.
- Private Tutoring or Freelancing – Becoming a self-employed tutor, education writer, or training specialist.
- Charity & Non-Profit Work – Joining organisations like Teach First or Save the Children UK in leadership or policy-making roles.
- International Teaching – Moving abroad to teach in international schools, often requiring a PGCE for recognition overseas.
Becoming a Primary School Teacher opens doors to a broad and rewarding career. Whether you choose to stay in the classroom, move into leadership, or transition into consultancy, policy, or freelance education work, teaching provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth.
History of the Profession
The role of a Primary School Teacher has transformed from a disciplinarian overseeing rows of silent pupils to a creative facilitator guiding interactive and diverse learning. Education in England has long reflected broader social and political changes, from early religious instruction to today’s technology-driven classrooms.
Reviews
With teaching being a very demanding and stressful but rewarding job, we think that hearing from fellow teachers is one of the best ways to discover whether a career in education is the right choice for you.
Primary School Teacher
Kate
It’s not the easiest job and it definitely isn’t for everyone, but I love it. The days are long but I feel I’m doing something worthwhile by shaping the next generation and making a meaningful impact on those around me.
💰£37,000Annual
salary
salary
💼50Weekly hours
🏝️0%Remote suited
🤷♀️70%Stressful
⚖️40%Work life balance
Primary School Teacher, Greenwich
Simon
I don’t bring work home in the evenings or the weekends, but I think I do less work outside of school than most teachers. Working in a very supportive school really helps, and knowing when to switch off or stop.
💰£44,745Annual
salary
salary
💼45Weekly hours
🏝️0%Remote suited
🤷♀️60%Stressful
⚖️55%Work life balance
KS1 Primary Teacher
Lucy
I absolutely love it. Working with kids is the best job you can ever have, but I don’t like the extras around teaching. The paperwork, the observations, the targets; they all drive me mad. But I’m happy to work with children for the rest of my life.
💰£48,000Annual
salary
salary
💼52Weekly hours
🏝️10%Remote suited
🤷♀️80%Stressful
⚖️30%Work life balance
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Similar Careers
The following careers function alongside a Primary School Teacher. It’s likely that you may work with them, move between them, or be promoted into any of these roles.
Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about being a Primary School Teacher, we’ve collected the following resources to help you.
Specialisms
Primary School Teachers can specialise in various areas, allowing them to develop expertise beyond general classroom teaching. Here are some common specialisms within primary education:
Regulatory Bodies
There are several regulatory bodies and organisations in the UK that oversee and support primary school teaching. They include but are not limited to Ofsted, the Department for Education (DfE), the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS), and more.