How to Write a Primary School Teacher CV: Examples and Step-by-Step Writing Guide

Shaping young minds as a primary school teacher is a rewarding career, but securing a role in this competitive field requires knowing how to write a good CV.  Whether you’re a recently qualified teacher (QTS) or looking to enter the profession, your primary school teacher's CV should highlight relevant skills, teaching related experience, and a passion for helping students learn.

Create a modern CV that demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to plan engaging lesson plans to support diverse students with their learning needs. Start by using a CV template optimised for application tracking systems (ATS) so your application meets industry standards and passes automated screenings.

In this article, we share:

• A primary school teacher CV example UK for a newly qualified teacher.

• How to write a primary school teaching CV, including essential sections and formatting tips.

• Key primary teacher skills and work experience examples.

• Primary school teacher CV template to help structure your application.

• Common mistakes to avoid and best practices for making a great impression.

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Primary school teacher CV example 

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This UK primary school teacher CV example showcases Jonas Warren’s qualifications, including a Bachelor of Education and certifications in safeguarding and first aid. He lists teaching experience and additional roles in youth work and sports coaching, emphasising transferable skills like communication and leadership. This Primary teacher CV template uses the Toronto template for a professional design.

Explore our related teaching assistant CV example and a teaching assistant cover letter example for more inspiration!

What to include in a primary school teacher CV? 

Similar to a teacher CV, creating an effective application for a primary school job requires essential information on your CV. Here's what to include to make a strong impression:

• Personal details: include information like full name, professional email address, phone number, and address if necessary.

• Personal profile: write a concise, professional summary highlighting your teaching experience, enthusiasm for creating a positive learning environment, and career aspirations.

• Work experience: list relevant roles chronologically, focusing on work with young children or in a supportive role helping others.

• Education: include your highest academic qualifications and any relevant teacher training, such as your QTS or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

• Skills: highlight relevant competencies, such as communication skills, classroom management, and knowledge of the National Curriculum, EAL (English as an Additional Language), or other specialised teaching practices.

For further guidance, check out our master CV article, which will help you begin the CV writing process and tailor it effectively to a primary school teacher's job description, whilst making sure to keep your CV between 1-2 pages in length.

How to write a CV for a primary school teacher with no experience 

Learning to write a primary school teaching CV if you have no experience or are back to work after a career break can be daunting. Focus on including education, courses, and any related experience that shows your potential. Keep your information relevant to the job description and personalise a cover letter template if you lack the expertise to help potential employers understand your background.

Consider the following tips if you are writing a CV for your first job as a primary school teacher:

• Skills-based CV: highlight transferable skills over work experience using the skills-based format. List communication, leadership, and problem-solving, that can be applied in a teaching role.

• Additional experience: include extracurricular activities, roles where you worked with children or in educational settings, such as tutoring or volunteering. Mention any part-time jobs that showcase transferable skills, like a sports coach or youth work.

• Education and certifications: emphasise applicable coursework or certifications, such as child development, education psychology, language or teaching assistants' courses.

• Focus on relevant skills: showcase technical skills related to the classroom, such as lesson planning, classroom management, reporting, computer skills, and managing databases.

Learn more about how to write a cover letter with no experience to elevate your application.

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How to write a primary school teacher CV: 5 steps with examples

1. How to add primary school teacher skills on a CV 

Your primary teacher CV must effectively showcase key skills, including hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal). For example, your responsibilities could include adapting teaching methods to support SEND and EAL students while challenging high achievers. You’ll also need a clear understanding of child protection policies and provide emotional and academic support. 

5 essential skills for a primary school teacher

1. Classroom management: the ability to maintain an engaging and disciplined classroom environment

2. Lesson planning: designing structured lessons aligned with the National Curriculum

3. Communication skills: effectively conveying concepts to students and engaging with parents and colleagues

4. Assessment and evaluation: monitoring student progress and adjusting teaching strategies accordingly

5. Collaboration and teamwork: working with teaching assistants, SENCOs, and other staff to support students best.

For more insights, read how to list strengths on your CV and the most in-demand skills to enhance your future job search.

2. How to write a personal profile for a Primary School Teacher CV

Your CV personal profile should highlight transferable and top soft skills like problem-solving, conflict resolution and organisation. Showcase to employers your ability to create a positive learning environment and engage students.

Consider including examples of implementing lesson plans, supporting EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) students, and strategies to motivate classroom participation.

Examples:

• “Experienced in developing interactive lesson plans that cater to different learning abilities, ensuring student engagement and progress.”

• “Proficient in providing tailored support for EAL students, enhancing language development and classroom integration.”

• “Skilled in adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of SEND students, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning space.”

Personal profile examples for your CV

Want more tips for preparing to apply for jobs after graduation? Explore our graduate CV example for further guidance.

3. How to include practical work experience 

Your CV work experience section should be structured to highlight your teaching responsibilities, achievements, and the impact you had. When formatting this section for a UK CV format, follow these tips:

• Use action verbs to demonstrate your contributions clearly.

• List years of experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent role.

• Include job title, school name, location, and dates.

• Detail key responsibilities, ensuring they align with the job description.

• Highlight two quantifiable achievements at the end of each role to showcase impact.

Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT), St. Mary’s Primary School, London | 2023 - Present

Designs and delivers engaging lesson plans aligned with the National Curriculum, adapting teaching methods to support SEND and EAL students. Conducts student assessments and works closely with colleagues to implement innovative teaching strategies.

• Introduced interactive phonics activities, increasing early literacy rates by 20%

• Successfully engaged parents in learning initiatives, boosting participation in home reading programmes.

Primary School Teacher | Greenfield Primary School, Manchester | 2020 - Present

Develops and executes structured lesson plans tailored to meet diverse learning needs. Creates a positive learning environment that fosters student engagement and classroom inclusivity.

• Implemented a reward-based behaviour management system, reducing classroom disruptions by 25%

• Designed and led an after-school STEM club, improving student engagement in science subjects.

KS2 Teacher | Willow Academy, Birmingham | 2019 - Present

Plans and delivers lessons that prepare students for SATs, using data-driven teaching strategies. Supports EAL learners and integrates digital learning tools into the classroom.

• Developed a cross-curricular reading initiative, improving comprehension skills across year groups

• Led school-wide PE sessions, increasing participation in sports activities by 30%.

KS1 Teacher | Oakwood Primary School, Bristol | 2021 - Present

Designs and delivers engaging lessons focused on phonics and numeracy development. Works closely with teaching assistants to provide targeted support for students requiring additional guidance.

• Created a sensory-friendly classroom setup that improved focus and engagement among SEND students.

• Introduced interactive storytelling sessions, enhancing literacy skills by 15%.

Looking for more tips? Take a look at the following CV examples that also involve working with young children:

• Nursery assistant

• Lifeguard

• Social worker

• Nanny

• Librarian.

4. How to include education on a primary teacher CV 

Your education section on your junior school teacher CV should be listed in reverse chronological order, clearly stating your qualifications, institution names, and completion years. If you are still studying, for example, completing an apprenticeship, note this as 'in progress.' Highlight coursework or training relevant to teaching, mainly if you are a recent graduate or apprentice.

Tips for including the education section on your CV

• List in reverse order: start with your most recent qualification and list them as follows: PGCE Primary (QTS), University of Manchester, 2017 or BA (Hons) in Primary Education, University of Manchester, 2019.

• Highlight relevant training: include coursework or certifications related to mental health and well-being, safeguarding and child protection, or CPD courses in core subjects like phonics, literacy, numeracy, and STEM education.

• Use keywords: tailor your CV to the job description with relevant subject skills like mathematics, computer skills, art, and lesson planning..

• Emphasise transferable skills: show relevant experience or skills gained from internships, volunteering, other work and school placements.

• Simple formatting: use a clear, professional, simple CV format to structure your education.

For more information on training pathways, visit the Get into Teaching or Early Years Careers website for qualifications and training opportunities. 

Example education entries

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) | University of London | 2024

• Distinction in Teaching Practice

• Relevant coursework: Early Literacy Development, Classroom Management, Child Psychology

Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) | University of Glasgow | 2021

• Specialised in Primary Education

• Focus on inclusive teaching strategies and curriculum planning

Salaried PGCE | Open University, Milton Keynes | 2020

• Hands-on teaching experience while working in a primary school setting

• Completed research on behaviour management techniques

School Direct Primary Teacher Training | Manchester Metropolitan University | 2017

• Practical classroom training combined with university-led learning

• Developed expertise in differentiation and student engagement

Bachelor of Education (BEd) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) | University of Nottingham | 2015

• Early Years and Primary Education specialism

• Conducted dissertation on creative learning methods in KS1 classrooms.

5. How to add additional relevant information 

Including additional sections on your primary teacher CV can enhance your profile and showcase your unique skills to potential employers.

Courses and certificates on a primary school teacher CV

Add any relevant courses and certificates to highlight your professional development. This can include specialised training like (SEND) with the Education and Training Foundation English as an additional language (EAL) or other qualifications related to the National curriculum. 

Hobbies and interests on a primary school teacher CV

Including hobbies and interests on your junior school teacher CV can have an impact if you are less experienced. It also makes your profile more personal and well-rounded. Choose activities that reflect your communication skills, creativity, or ability to work in a team. This could include interests like:

• Volunteering in educational settings

• Organising community events

• Sports or team activities

• Language skills (especially if you speak more than one).

If asked or you have a good reference handy from your studies or previous work experience, you can always share this simply with a sentence 'References available upon request.

Key takeaways 

A well-crafted primary school CV can open doors to various career progression opportunities, even for those without experience. There are many routes to advance in education and teaching, no matter your career goals. Use the teacher CV sample in this guide to list your qualifications, work experience and skills that align with the job requirements to secure a job interview. Read our expert 10 steps to improve your CV for more guidance.

Dos and don’ts for primary school teacher CV

Next steps? 

With our intuitive CV builder, you can easily create a CV from scratch. Ready to send your application? Don't forget to read out tips on how to structure a cover letter and use a professional email template when sending your CV via email. Read our tips on upgrading your LinkedIn profile and networking to improve your job prospects.

FAQs

Are primary teachers in demand in the UK? 

As of 2025, primary teachers are the most in-demand job in the UK. Teacher vacancies have nearly doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased reliance on supply teachers. 

How long does it take to become a primary school teacher in England? 

Becoming a primary school teacher in England typically requires a three-year undergraduate degree in education or a related field, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 

What is the salary of a primary school teacher in the UK? 

In 2025, junior school teacher salaries in certain regions range from £32,000 to £49,000 for more experienced teachers.

What qualifications do I need to be a primary school teacher in the UK? 

To become a junior school teacher in the UK, you need a degree in education or a related subject, a PGCE to obtain QTS, and a pass in the professional skills tests in literacy and numeracy.

What is the 4-year rule for teachers in the UK?

The "4-year rule" refers to the requirement for teachers in England to complete a four-year induction period, including a one-year probationary period, to achieve full QTS status.