Primary School Teacher Job Description
A clear, curriculum-focused advert to attract qualified primary teachers who can deliver excellent classroom practice, safeguard pupils and contribute to whole-school development.
What does a Primary School Teacher professional do?
Hire a qualified Primary School Teacher to plan and deliver the national curriculum for children aged 5–11, manage behaviour and assessment, and work closely with colleagues and parents. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification is normally required for state school appointments.
Primary School Teacher job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Primary School Teacher
About the role
We are seeking a dedicated Primary School Teacher to teach [specify year group/key stage and age range] at [school name / setting] in [location]. You will plan and deliver engaging lessons that meet the needs of all pupils, assess progress regularly, manage classroom behaviour positively and work with colleagues and parents to support children’s learning and wellbeing. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognised equivalent and a satisfactory DBS check are required. To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to [contact details].
Key responsibilities
- Plan, prepare and deliver lessons that meet the requirements of the national curriculum and the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and EAL.
- Set clear learning objectives and use assessment to track progress, provide feedback and inform future planning.
- Differentiate teaching and resources to support learners of varying abilities and learning styles.
- Create and maintain a safe, inclusive and well-managed classroom environment that promotes positive behaviour and wellbeing.
- Identify pupils who need additional support and work with SENCO and support staff to put appropriate interventions in place.
- Maintain accurate records of pupil attainment, behaviour and attendance and complete required statutory reporting.
- Engage with parents and carers through regular communication, meetings and progress updates.
- Contribute to whole-school planning, curriculum development and professional development activities.
Essential skills and experience
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognised equivalent appropriate to UK primary education.
- Current DBS clearance (or willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check prior to start).
- Demonstrable classroom experience teaching primary-aged children (EYFS/KS1/KS2 as specified).
- Good knowledge of the national curriculum and age-related expectations for the advertised key stage.
- Effective behaviour management skills and an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with pupils, parents and colleagues.
- Ability to plan and deliver differentiated lessons and use assessment to support progress.
Desirable
- Experience implementing synthetic phonics programmes and early reading strategies.
- Previous experience with pupils with special educational needs and working with external professionals.
- A subject specialism (for example literacy, maths, science, or computing) or curriculum leadership experience.
- Experience mentoring trainees or Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
- Postgraduate study, NPQ or additional teaching-related qualifications.
What we offer
- Competitive salary – enter pay scale / band here
- Pension scheme (auto-enrolment)
- Support for professional development and funded CPD
- Induction and mentoring for new staff / ECTs
- Paid planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time where applicable
- Employee wellbeing support and access to staff assistance programmes
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Primary School Teacher role?
A Primary School Teacher plans and delivers curriculum-based lessons to children in primary phases (typically ages 4–11). The role combines classroom teaching, assessment, pastoral care and collaboration with colleagues, parents and external professionals to promote pupils’ educational progress and personal development. Teachers are also responsible for safeguarding and contributing to the school’s wider improvement and community activities.
Teaching & Curriculum
Design and deliver lessons that meet national curriculum objectives, differentiate for learners and promote progress across the key stage.
Assessment & Progress
Use formative and summative assessment to monitor pupil attainment, provide feedback and plan targeted interventions.
Pastoral & Safeguarding
Maintain a safe, inclusive classroom, manage behaviour positively and work with families and support staff to meet pupils’ needs.
Typical Primary School Teacher responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Plan, prepare
Plan, prepare and deliver lessons that meet the requirements of the national curriculum and the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and EAL.
Set clear learning objectives
Set clear learning objectives and use assessment to track progress, provide feedback and inform future planning.
Differentiate teaching
Differentiate teaching and resources to support learners of varying abilities and learning styles.
Create
Create and maintain a safe, inclusive and well-managed classroom environment that promotes positive behaviour and wellbeing.
Identify pupils who need additional support
Identify pupils who need additional support and work with SENCO and support staff to put appropriate interventions in place.
Maintain accurate records of pupil attainment
Maintain accurate records of pupil attainment, behaviour and attendance and complete required statutory reporting.
Engage with parents
Engage with parents and carers through regular communication, meetings and progress updates.
Contribute
Contribute to whole-school planning, curriculum development and professional development activities.
Primary School Teacher skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or recognised equivalent appropriate to UK primary education.
- Current DBS clearance (or willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check prior to start).
- Demonstrable classroom experience teaching primary-aged children (EYFS/KS1/KS2 as specified).
- Good knowledge of the national curriculum and age-related expectations for the advertised key stage.
- Effective behaviour management skills and an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with pupils, parents and colleagues.
- Ability to plan and deliver differentiated lessons and use assessment to support progress.
Useful where relevant
- Experience implementing synthetic phonics programmes and early reading strategies.
- Previous experience with pupils with special educational needs and working with external professionals.
- A subject specialism (for example literacy, maths, science, or computing) or curriculum leadership experience.
- Experience mentoring trainees or Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
- Postgraduate study, NPQ or additional teaching-related qualifications.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Primary School Teacher job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
State phase and age range clearly
Specify whether the post is EYFS, Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 and the exact year group(s). Candidates choose roles that match their experience.
Be explicit about qualifications and checks
Make it clear if QTS (or recognised equivalent) and an enhanced DBS are required, and note any eligibility to work requirements for overseas candidates.
Describe workload and PPA allocation
Include information about timetabled teaching hours, PPA time, and any expected out‑of‑hours commitments like parent evenings or clubs.
Highlight development and support
Mention induction, mentoring, CPD budgets or leadership opportunities to attract candidates seeking career progression.
Outline behaviour and safeguarding expectations
Briefly summarise your approach to behaviour management and safeguarding to reassure experienced applicants about school culture.
Primary School Teacher salary considerations
Primary teacher pay varies across the UK. Employers should explain the pay framework they use and the factors that influence starting salary rather than quoting a single figure.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Primary School Teacher candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What age groups and class sizes will I teach?
Provide the year group(s), typical class size and whether the role includes mixed‑age classes.
Do you require QTS and an enhanced DBS check?
Confirm mandatory qualifications, pre‑employment checks and whether the school accepts equivalent overseas qualifications.
What are the hours, timetabled teaching load and PPA allocation?
State the expected weekly hours, teaching timetable and guaranteed PPA time to help candidates assess workload.
What support exists for SEND pupils and new teachers?
Describe SEN provision, access to support staff and whether induction/mentoring is available for Early Career Teachers.
What progression and CPD opportunities are offered?
Explain in‑school training, funding for external qualifications and routes to leadership or curriculum roles.
What is the school’s behaviour and safeguarding approach?
Summarise the behaviour policy, exclusions approach and safeguarding leadership to set expectations for classroom management.
Where to post a Primary School Teacher job
Advertise this role where primary teachers are actively looking: national and local education job boards, teacher-specific sites, university careers services and supply agencies. For broad reach combine sector outlets with local community channels and professional networks to attract both experienced staff and newly qualified teachers.
Related education job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
Primary School Teacher job description FAQs
How long should a primary teacher advert be?
Keep adverts concise — a short summary paragraph plus clear lists for responsibilities, essential requirements and benefits. Aim for content that answers the key questions candidates will have while remaining scannable.
Is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) always necessary?
QTS is normally required for permanent posts in state schools. Some independent schools or temporary roles may accept equivalent qualifications or overseas credentials; state-funded posts will usually specify QTS as essential.
What pre-employment checks are required?
Teachers should undergo an enhanced DBS check and employers must verify right to work, qualifications and referees. Safeguarding checks and identity verification are standard before appointment.
How should I shortlist applicants?
Shortlist against the essential criteria first (qualifications, DBS eligibility, relevant experience) and use examples of planning, behaviour management and outcomes to rank candidates for interview.
How do I assess teaching ability remotely?
Use a combination of video interviews, lesson presentations or recorded sample lessons and request recent lesson plans and assessment evidence. Follow up with a short in‑school observed lesson as part of the final stage.
Should I include salary in the advert?
Including the pay band or reference to your pay scale improves transparency and helps manage applicant expectations. Avoid listing a single figure if your school uses a range dependent on experience or responsibilities.
Ready to recruit a Primary School Teacher?
Use this template to create a clear, compliant advert and attract qualified candidates. Publish on sector job boards, local channels and teacher networks, and include essential requirements and working pattern details to improve the quality of applications.
