Trainee Primary Teacher

Are you a graduate looking to start a rewarding career in primary education? Do you have a passion for inspiring young learners and helping children develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed?

Grad2Teach is recruiting an enthusiastic and motivated Trainee Primary Teacher in Essex to join a welcoming and supportive primary school through our salaried teacher training programme.

This exciting opportunity is ideal for graduates, career changers and aspiring teachers who want to gain valuable classroom experience while working towards becoming a fully qualified primary teacher.

Through Grad2Teach's structured two-phase programme, you will earn a salary, develop your teaching skills and work towards a recognised Level 4 qualification before progressing to a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Your Responsibilities

As a Trainee Primary Teacher, you will:

• Support teaching and learning across the primary curriculum, including English, Mathematics and Science.

• Work alongside experienced teachers to plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate learning activities.

• Provide individual and small-group support to pupils with different learning needs.

• Help create a positive, inclusive and stimulating classroom environment.

• Develop confidence in classroom management, assessment and lesson planning.

• Support pupils' academic progress, wellbeing and personal development.

• Gradually take on greater teaching responsibilities as your skills and experience develop.

• Participate in professional training, mentoring and reflective practice through Grad2Teach.

This school-based graduate teaching role provides the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with pupils and staff while developing the practical skills required for a successful teaching career.

About You

We are looking for an aspiring primary teacher who is enthusiastic about education and committed to making a positive difference in children's lives.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A degree in any subject, or be working towards meeting the relevant entry requirements.

• A genuine passion for primary education and supporting children's development.

• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.

• A patient, adaptable and proactive approach to working with young learners.

• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.

• A willingness to learn, reflect and respond positively to feedback.

• A professional attitude and a commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Previous experience in a primary school, nursery, tutoring or another child-focused setting would be beneficial but is not essential.

We welcome applications from recent graduates, teaching assistants, higher-level teaching assistants and career changers seeking a structured, salaried route into teaching.

Training & Progression – Your Route to Qualified Teacher Status

Grad2Teach offers a flexible, supportive teacher training programme designed to help you develop from an aspiring educator into a confident, qualified primary teacher.

Phase One – Build Your Teaching Foundations

During Phase One, you will work in a primary school while completing an NCFE-accredited Level 4 qualification through Grad2Teach.

Your training will include:

• Practical classroom experience alongside experienced primary teachers.

• Training aligned with the Core Content Framework (CCF) and Teachers' Standards.

• Developing skills in lesson planning, behaviour management, assessment and inclusive teaching.

• Regular mentoring, observations and professional feedback.

• Reflective learning and portfolio development.

• Opportunities to increase classroom responsibility as your confidence grows.

Phase One allows you to develop essential teaching skills without immediately taking responsibility for a full teaching timetable.

Phase Two – PGCE with QTS

Once you are ready to progress, you can move into Phase Two, undertaking formal Initial Teacher Training through Grad2Teach's partnership with Coventry University and its National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).

During Phase Two, you will:

• Take greater responsibility for planning and delivering lessons independently.

• Complete a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status.

• Continue receiving school-based mentoring and professional support.

• Develop your teaching practice through university-led training and assignments.

• Work towards becoming a fully qualified primary teacher.

Successful completion of the PGCE with QTS provides a recognised teaching qualification and 60 credits towards a Master's degree.

Why Choose Grad2Teach?

Grad2Teach provides a practical alternative to traditional university-based teacher training, allowing you to gain valuable school experience while earning a salary.

With Grad2Teach, you can benefit from:

• Earn while you train: Gain paid experience in a primary school.

• Recognised qualifications: Complete a Level 4 qualification during Phase One.

• Clear career progression: Work towards a PGCE with QTS through Coventry University.

• Practical experience: Develop teaching skills in a real primary classroom.

• Dedicated support: Receive guidance, mentoring and professional development throughout your training.

• Flexible progression: Move into Phase Two when you and your placement school are ready.