Teacher - Primary School
Inspire the next generation as you help children take the first steps on their educational journey.
About the job
A day in the life – Primary school teacher
What it's like
Primary school teachers use their broad knowledge to help children learn and develop. Every day is different – you might put pupils through their paces in the gym hall one day, then test their times tables the next.
A great primary school teacher is often one of a child’s first and most influential role models. You’ll plan and deliver lessons across different areas of learning. This includes languages, maths and sciences – but you’ll turn your hand to almost every educational topic!
Your main responsibility is to improve your pupils’ knowledge and understanding. Your lessons will follow the Scottish Government’s Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). Although, you might have a different curriculum if you work in an independent school.
Primary school teachers encourage children to express themselves. With your guidance, young people will feel confident and prepared so they can thrive at secondary school.
Are you someone who enjoys helping others, and is passionate about education? Then you’ll make a fantastic primary school teacher!
Your tasks might include:
creating lessons and teaching materials that you can deliver to your pupils
considering additional support needs in lesson plans and adjusting the learning environment as needed
discussing children's development and progress with parents and carers
helping pupils apply learning to different subjects so they can see how it fits into the wider world
organising and supervising outings, clubs, social activities and sports events
working with other professionals, such as education psychologists and social workers
Hours
You’ll work Monday to Friday.
Classes will usually start at 9AM and finish at 3PM or 4PM.
You’ll likely work outside your normal hours to plan lessons, mark work and take part in parents’ evenings.
Teachers normally work 39 weeks per year, split over three school terms.
Environment
As a primary school teacher, you’ll usually have your own classroom. Although, you may teach in other parts of the school to cover staff shortages.
You’ll organise your classroom and create displays to foster a positive learning environment.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- curriculum development
- christian education
- gaelic language
- british sign language (bsl)
- simd
- cello
- violin
- classroom management
- external auditing
- child protection
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- mentoring
- coaching
- ethical
- social conscience
- empathising
- written communication
- verbal communication
- supporting
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Maths (Mathematics)
Modern Languages
Care
Childcare and Development
English
French
Gaelic (Learners)
Gàidhlig
History
Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare
University
You’ll need a BA Degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in Primary Education. To enter this degree, you should have four or five Highers, including Maths and English. You may also need to show you've studied another subject, that’s unrelated to your Highers, at National 5 level.
If you already have a degree, you can study the one-year Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) – Primary Education (SCQF Level 11). You’ll need a relevant degree to get on to this course.
Scottish Wider Access Programme
Do you not meet the entry requirements for a degree course? Don’t worry, you may be able to join a one-year Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course.
To be eligible, you’ll usually need to have been out of full-time education for at least three years – or five years if you already hold qualifications like Highers or National Certificates.
Once you’ve completed a SWAP course, you’ll be in a strong position to enrol on a Primary Education Degree.
Getting experience of working with children is valuable. Volunteering is a fantastic way to build the skills you’ll need to become a primary teacher. Search for teaching opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
It’s also beneficial to have an up-to-date knowledge of the Scottish education system.
To work as a teacher in Scotland, you’ll need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
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