Is it worth becoming a primary school teacher?
Sarah Garza
Updated on March 26, 2026
It really is a full time job in every sense. Being a teacher also inevitably means that you’ll pay more for your own summer break as trips abroad are always more expensive during the school holidays. There are also lots of opportunities for career progression, job security is good and you get the chance to travel.
Can I be a primary school teacher without a degree?
Can I become a teacher without a degree? You need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in most state schools. You must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification to obtain QTS. Studying for a degree doesn’t have to mean spending three years at university.
Is a primary school teacher a good career?
Being a primary school teacher is both a challenging and rewarding career. You’ll have to go through rigorous training and there’s a lot more to the job that you’d initially imagine. Primary teachers work with children between 5-11 years of age (Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2).
Can you be a primary school teacher with any degree?
Although you now need a degree to become a teacher, you do not necessarily have to take a formal PGCE. There are courses you can complete in schools that end with QTS, or qualified teacher status.
What do Primary school teachers get paid?
What is the average salary for Primary School Teacher jobs in London? The average salary for Primary School Teacher jobs in London is £42,500.
How long does it take to become a primary school teacher?
The most common routes into teaching start with university courses that lead to QTS. There are many undergraduate degrees like this, most of which will take four years to complete.
How do I qualify as a teacher?
There are a number of recognised routes to gain Qualified Teacher Status:
- University courses – often PGCE with QTS.
- School Direct training on the job.
- School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITTs)
- Teach First – a two-year commitment.
What are the disadvantages of being a teacher?
Disadvantages of Working as a Teacher
- You will not get rich as a teacher.
- Limited promotion options.
- You can’t work from home.
- School kids can be difficult.
- Many teachers experience mental problems.
- You will not learn many hard skills.
- Hard to switch to a different field.
- Working as a teacher can be mentally demanding.
What qualifications do you need for a primary school teacher?
Remember, to be a primary school teacher you will require at least an A* to C (9 to 4) grade in GCSEs in English, Maths and one Science subject, previous in-school teaching experience, passes in the professional skills test and to have completed the Initial Teacher Education Training programme and gained your Qualified …
When do you become a primary school teacher?
Primary school teacher. What does a primary school teacher do? Primary school teachers teach young children from the ages of four to 11 (Reception to Year 6 in England and Wales, Primary 1 to Primary 7 in Scotland and Northern Ireland). You’ll ensure children have good numeracy and literacy levels before going to secondary school.
Can you become a primary school teacher without a QTS?
Whilst it is possible to teach in schools that aren’t state-maintained without Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), being qualified is always an advantage. There are a number of different teaching qualifications you can get if you want to become a primary school teacher.
How to become a teacher in the UK?
Steps to become a teacher. 1 Become a qualified teacher in England. Follow these steps if you want to become a qualified primary or secondary school teacher in England. You’ll 2 Check your qualifications. 3 Find out about teaching and training. 4 Consider School Experience. 5 Ways to train.