What do I need to teach in a state primary school in England?

Most state primary schools in England expect qualified teacher status (QTS), usually gained through a PGCE, a BEd or a school-based route. You will also need an enhanced DBS check.

How do I write a primary teacher CV as an ECT?

Lead with QTS and your induction, then describe your class, what you taught and what your pupils achieved. Add your placements, subject interests and any clubs or trips.

Should I include my teaching philosophy?

A short sentence in the summary is enough. Schools want to see what you do in the classroom more than what you believe in general.

What if I find writing my CV difficult?

Ceev can write your CV from your own answers, typed or spoken, and shows a free preview before you pay.

Primary teacher CV example

A strong primary teacher CV shows QTS, the year groups you have taught and clear evidence of pupil progress, not just a list of subjects. It should cover planning, assessment, behaviour, working with parents and any subject leadership, and mention your DBS check and safeguarding training.

Max Sullivan

Primary teacher

max@example.com07700 900131Bristol

Profile

Organised and caring primary teacher with QTS and four years' experience teaching Key Stage 1 and lower Key Stage 2. Plans clear, engaging lessons, uses assessment to target support and builds strong relationships with pupils and parents. Leads maths as a subject lead and holds a current enhanced DBS check.

Experience

Class Teacher (Year 4)

a two-form-entry primary school

Taught a class of 30 pupils across the national curriculum, planning and assessing every lesson

Used termly assessments to adjust groups and plan interventions, helping a group of eight pupils catch up in maths

Led maths as subject lead for Key Stage 2, running staff meetings and updating the calculation policy

Worked with teaching assistants and the SENCO to support pupils with additional needs

Ran termly parents' evenings and wrote end-of-year reports

Early Career Teacher (Years 1 and 2)

a village primary school

Completed the two-year ECT induction with support from a mentor and termly reviews

Taught a mixed Year 1 and Year 2 class, including daily systematic phonics

Prepared Year 1 pupils for the phonics screening check

Planned class trips and assemblies and ran a weekly reading club

Completed safeguarding training and reported concerns to the designated safeguarding lead promptly

Key skills

Qualified teacher status (QTS)Planning to the national curriculumAssessment and tracking progressBehaviour managementDifferentiation and SEN supportSystematic phonicsKey Stage 2 mathsWorking with parentsSafeguardingSubject leadership

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Tips for a primary teacher CV

Put your QTS and training route, such as PGCE, BEd or School Direct, near the top of the CV
Name the year groups and class sizes you have taught
Show impact: pupils you helped catch up, progress in reading or maths, and how you used assessment
Include subject leadership, clubs, trips and whole-school roles
If you are an ECT, mention your induction and mentor feedback; if you are still training, include your placements with the age groups and schools
Keep the CV to two pages, and check whether the school wants an application form too, then match the wording of the person specification

Applying with a cover letter? See our primary teacher cover letter example.