What would you like to teach?

This page provides an outline of the differences between primary and secondary teaching and how this defines your initial teacher training (ITT).
Compulsory schooling in England and Wales is divided into 4 key stages. The teacher training you receive will be provided according to the key stages you intend to teach. Every teacher trains to teach at least two key stages.

This diagram illustrates the key stages in schools by age group. Primary school teachers are expected to demonstrate a sound, basic knowledge of all the subjects in the curriculum for key stages 1 and 2. Secondary teachers work with children between the ages of eleven and eighteen on key stages 3 and 4.

If you want to be a primary teacher, you will train to teach all the national curriculum subjects (including Welsh if you are training to teach in Wales). Find out more about teaching primary.

If you choose to teach at secondary level, you may teach one or more of the national curriculum subjects in depth, or one of an increasing number of vocational subjects on offer. Find out more about teaching secondary.

The national curriculum for all key stages and subjects can be viewed at www.nc.uk.net.

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“As a science teacher no two days are the same. There is always a new challenge to keep you on your toes.”

Paul Knight
Director of science at a secondary school in north London

See also