Choosing Your Path: Primary or Secondary School Teaching?
Teaching is a rewarding career, but deciding between primary and secondary education can be challenging. Each path offers unique opportunities and requires different skills and interests. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
Why Choose Primary School Teaching?
Primary school teachers typically work with children aged 4–11, covering a broad range of subjects. This role is ideal if:
- You enjoy variety: You’ll teach multiple subjects, offering a diverse and dynamic workload.
- You love working with younger children: Primary teaching focuses on foundational skills like literacy, numeracy, and social development.
- You’re nurturing and patient: You’ll play a crucial role in shaping children’s early learning experiences and confidence.
- You prefer a close-knit classroom: Primary teachers often have the same class all year, allowing you to build strong relationships.
Why Choose Secondary School Teaching?
Secondary school teachers specialise in one or two subjects, working with students aged 11–18. This role is perfect if:
- You’re passionate about a specific subject: Share your expertise and inspire students who are diving deeper into specialised areas.
- You enjoy working with teenagers: Support young people as they explore their interests and plan their futures.
- You thrive on intellectual challenge: Secondary teaching often involves more complex material and advanced discussions.
- You’re comfortable with variety in interaction: Teach different groups throughout the day, balancing variety with a structured timetable.
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What our trainee teachers say about us
Gaining Experience
To make an informed choice, try volunteering or observing in both primary and secondary schools. First-hand experience will help you see which environment feels right for you. Explore our Taster Days.
Our Schools
Founded in 2016, The Brigshaw Learning Partnership is a family of seven schools, all committed to providing exceptional education for the East Leeds community.
You will be placed at one of our amazing schools for your main placement. From the get-go, you'll spend 4 days a week in this school and one day a week in training with your tutor and other trainees.
At some point in the year, you will complete a second school placement at another school (likely to be in the spring term). There will be additional opportunities to visit other educational settings throughout the year.
Your Next Steps
Once you’ve made your decision, explore training routes such as a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or School Direct. Both primary and secondary pathways lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a fulfilling teaching career.
