What do I need to become a Primary School Teacher in the UK?

Question

I'm still in secondary school (one year left) and I have got my heart set on becoming a Primary School Teacher.

So, I was wondering what subjects I will need to take at college, and what qualifications I will need to take these subjects.

Then, what degrees do I need? And what qualifications do I need to get the degrees?

Also, is there anything else I would need (and again, what will I need to get it)?

Does that make any sense? I hope it does!

Answer 1

A degree in at least one subject. Then there is a PGCE or a teaching certificate after that.

There are various ways of entry nowadays, you should research them on the net.

Answer 2

You need 5 A-C GCSE's including English Language, maths and science. You can take A levels in almost any subject, but I would suggest a national curriculum subject such as maths or history, French would be a good choice because languages are now being taught at primary level and few primary teachers have MFL skills.

You must also not have any criminal convictions.

You then have two options (there are others later, but at this stage you really only have 2).

Apply for a BEd - thi is normally four years and qualifies you as a teacher. It normally takes 4 years

A degree in another subject followed by a PGCE. A degree normally takes 4 years and the PGCE a further year. It is the PGCE that gives you your teaching qualification.

This is better if you are not sure you want to be a teacher because you have a degree in another subject. Also some secondary schools prefer this as it means their teachers have a degree in the subject they teach.

Answer 3

You need 5 GCSEs grade A*-C including English and Maths. Then choose whatever A level subjects you like and get a degree. The grades you need at A level will vary depending which university to wish to study at. You could do a BEd which is normally 4 years and gets you a degree in education. On this degree you will combine teaching practise with your own studying and will work in placement schools for several weeks at a time each year. You could do a degree in a specific subject if you like, and then follow it with a PGCE (Post graduate Certificate in Education) which is a one year course. I did this option (but I teach secondary) and found it to be the best for subject specific teaching but it depends on you. You could also do a GTP which is studying for a teaching qualification whilst working full time in a school. This is a long winded route though and very difficult. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

The best thing to do is to phone around local universities or check their web-sites. You are looking to go an 'undergraduate bachelors degree in primary education/teaching. I am not sure where you stay so I cannot say what universities near you offer this course. It is fairly common though.

Every university has their own entry requirements stating the qualifications you will need to get into this course.

Generally you require a good pass at Standard Grade english, maths and a science (Bio/Chem). Grade 3 or above is usually acceptable.

As well as this-4 Highers. I am not sure what level/subjects they require exactly but english and maths are most definite.

Try getting some experience working with primary school kids starting now. Universities/Employers really value experience. Work in an after-school club maybe.

Contact your local universities and ask for a prospectus. This will tell you everything you need to get into the course.

Answer 5

all the official info is here

www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit.aspx

Answer 6

Most universities do a degree in primary school teaching or something very simalar. It would be best to look at your local unis website and see what their entry criteria is and go from there.

GOOD LUCK

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