Trainee Primary Teacher (HLTA)

Are you passionate about working with children and ready to begin your journey into primary teaching?

Grad2Teach is offering an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Trainee Teacher – Primary based in Purfleet, Essex. This is a Phase One salaried training position, where you will work as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) while developing your teaching skills and working towards a recognised qualification.

In this role, you will play a key part in supporting teaching and learning across the primary age range. You will work closely with class teachers to deliver lessons, lead small group interventions, and occasionally cover lessons, building your confidence and experience in the classroom.

The school environment is supportive and nurturing, with a strong focus on:

• High-quality teaching and learning
• Positive behaviour and inclusive practice
• Staff wellbeing and professional development
• Collaborative working and shared best practice
• Structured support and mentoring for trainee teachers

This role is ideal for someone who wants to earn while they train, gain meaningful classroom experience from day one, and build a strong foundation before progressing to full teacher training.

About You – Candidate Profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual who is passionate about primary education.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an aspiring primary teacher / graduate trainee
• Have a degree (in any subject) or relevant experience working with children
• Be confident supporting pupils across the primary age range
• Have strong communication and organisational skills
• Be proactive, adaptable and eager to learn
• Be committed to supporting children’s academic and personal development
• Be ready to take on HLTA responsibilities as part of their training journey

Training & Progression with Grad2Teach

This role follows Grad2Teach’s fully salaried, two-phase teacher training model:

Phase One – HLTA Role & Level 4 Training

• Work as an HLTA, supporting and leading learning in the classroom
• Complete a Level 4 NCFE customised qualification
• Training aligned to the Core Content Framework (CCF) and Teachers’ Standards
• Develop through practical experience, mentoring, observations and professional study

Phase Two – PGCE & QTS (Coventry University)

Subject to successful progression, you will move on to:

• Increased teaching responsibility (up to 18 hours per week)
• Completion of a PGCE with QTS through Coventry University (NITE)
• Ongoing mentoring and assessment to meet all Teachers’ Standards

This structured pathway provides a clear route into teaching, equipping you with the skills, confidence and qualifications to become a fully qualified Primary Teacher.

Location & Application

This salaried trainee role is based in:

Purfleet, Essex

The area benefits from good transport links, including easy access to London and surrounding areas.

If you’re ready to begin a rewarding career in primary education — while earning and training — we would love to hear from you.