Whether you are an Early Career Teacher looking for your first classroom or an experienced KS2 lead preparing for your next step, your CV needs to instantly demonstrate your impact.

With UK schools facing tight budgets in 2026, headteachers are looking for educators who can raise attainment, navigate Ofsted frameworks, and manage complex SEND needs.

Use our primary school teacher CV examples to build an ATS-friendly document that highlights your pedagogical strengths and gets you on the interview shortlist.

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    Primary school teacher CV sample

    primary school teacher cv example

    Anna McDonald
    195 Crown Street
    London W12 4WB
    07912 345 678
    anna.mcdonald@example.co.uk

    Professional summary
    Creative and adaptable teaching professional with experience in planning and presenting lessons catering to varying needs and abilities. Organised, confident and friendly individual. Uses creative learning strategies to increase classroom engagement and enhance student understanding.

    Work history

    January 2021 – Current
    Woodhouse Green Primary School – London
    PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

    • Boosted student success by maximising ąćindividual learning, balancing group and individual instruction models to accommodate different academic levels.
    • Promoted physical, mental and social development by implementing classroom games and outdoor recreational activities.
    • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
    • Stayed abreast of changes to school policies and educational trends by attending professional development courses and in-service training.

    February 2016 – January 2021
    St. John’s School – London
    PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

    • Collaborated with administrators to develop classroom policies, management strategies and discipline methods.
    • Strengthened class management techniques to elevate student behaviour, improving focus and engagement.
    • Differentiated lesson delivery and class assessments to needs of various abilities, learning styles and educational needs.
    • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results, compiling termly and end-of-year student reports.

    Skills

    • Teaching material development
    • Parent rapport building
    • Confidence building strategies
    • Pedagogical theory
    • Academic performance reporting
    • Organisational skills
    • Activity planning
    • Behaviour management

    Education
    2016
    University of London London
    Bachelor of Arts Education

    Primary school teacher CV templates

    We know how difficult it can be to create the perfect CV. However, if you want to set yourself apart from competing applicants, we’ve created a library of helpful online resources. Explore premade CV templates which are available on our drag-and-drop builder to create a CV that will land you a new job.

    Primary school teacher CV format

    Before adding any details to your CV, it’s important to choose the right CV format to present your information clearly and make it scannable for both recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software. 

    For primary school teachers, the choice of format depends on your experience level:

    • Experienced teachers: If you have experience teaching in various schools, the reverse-chronological format is the way to go. It enables you to showcase your career history and professional achievements in a clear and organised manner.
    • Newly qualified teachers: If you’re just starting your teaching career, a skills-based format would be a better fit. This format allows you to emphasise your qualifications, teaching placements, and relevant volunteer or extracurricular experience with children.

    Reverse-chronological CV format

    The chronological CV format is one of the most widely used and is ideal for professionals with a solid career history. It highlights your work experience, starting with your most recent position and working backwards. If you have extensive teaching experience, this format is a great choice. It allows you to showcase your career progression and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

    Skills-based CV format

    If you’re applying for an entry-level position, have limited experience, or are transitioning into a new role, a skills-based CV is a better option. This format focuses on your transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and organisation, rather than your work history. For newly qualified teachers, it’s especially useful as it allows you to highlight your educational background, teaching qualifications (such as PGCE), and any volunteer experience working with children.

    Additional formatting tips for a teacher CV

    • Length: Keep your CV to one or two pages.
    • Font: Use professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
    • Tailoring: Customise your CV for each teaching role to highlight the skills and experience that best match the job description.
    • File Format: Save your CV as a PDF or Word file.
    • Layout: Use clear headings, bullet points, and section breaks for easy reading.

    How to write a primary teacher CV

    So now that you’ve selected the perfect format for you, it’s time to get into the details of how to write a CV for a primary school teacher

    Step 1: Add contact details to your CV

    Make sure to include:

    • Your full name – you can leave out any middle names.
    • Location – so that your employer knows where you’re based.
    • Phone number – if you can, list a mobile number so you’re easy to reach.
    • Email – make sure to use a professional address.

    Step 2: Write your personal statement

    Are you trying to make the perfect first impression? You can do this with an effective and persuasive personal statement. This is your chance to outline your most highly sought-after skills, achievements, and qualifications.

    Here are some other important things for you to keep in mind:

    • Write using first-person omitted pronouns (e.g., “An enthusiastic KS2 teacher…” rather than “I am an enthusiastic KS2 teacher…”).
    • Introduce yourself, including your career focus and years of experience.
    • Define something you have achieved, backed up with concrete evidence
    • Highlight any unique skills or experience you have.
    • Use keywords and phrases from the job description.
    • Don’t exceed 100-150 words.

    Example of personal statement for primary teacher CV

    Experienced primary school teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching students from the ages of 4-11. Helped to guide a Year 6 class to impressive SATs results with a 50% increase in grading compared to the previous year. Particular skills in creating extensive personal progress plans for students, and leading engaging lessons.

    Step 3: Present your relevant work history

    Your employment background is likely to be one of the first things a school or local authority will check. Begin from either your current or most recent role, noting up to six responsibilities and details about your experience.

    Structure your teaching experience in reverse chronological order using school-specific terminology:

    • Job title (e.g., Year 4 Class Teacher, KS1 Phase Lead).
    • Employment start and end dates.
    • School name & Local Authority (or Multi-Academy Trust).
    • A brief overview of the school demographic (e.g., 3-form entry, high pupil premium, OFSTED rating).
    • Bullet points covering your daily responsibilities (planning, assessment, behaviour management).
    • Measurable achievements (e.g., “Increased SATs maths expected standard from 65% to 82%”).

    Example of work experience for a primary school teacher CV

    Teacher
    The New School, Guildford
    March 2024 – Present

    • Planned lessons according to local education authority standards to prepare students for assessment.
    • Stayed ahead of changes to school policies by attending professional development courses and in-service training sessions.
    • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results, achieving a 15% rise in positive results over a three-year period.

    Step 4: Add primary school teacher CV skills

    To get past ATS filters and impress a headteacher, avoid generic filler like “Computer skills” or “Knowledge of English” on your CV skills section. Instead, use specific, curriculum-aligned competencies:

    • National Curriculum Knowledge: EYFS, KS1, or KS2 frameworks, Phonics schemes (e.g., Read Write Inc, Little Wandle), White Rose Maths.
    • Assessment & Data: Formative/summative assessment, tracking pupil progress, SATs preparation, Target Tracker/SIMS.
    • Inclusive Teaching: SEND support, EAL (English as an Additional Language) strategies, creating Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
    • Safeguarding & Wellbeing: KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education) 2026 compliance, Prevent duty, behaviour management strategies (e.g., restorative justice).

    Step 5: Mention your education & qualifications

    For teaching roles, your qualifications are non-negotiable. Place them prominently above your work history if you are a newly qualified ECT. Use this exact format on the education section of your CV:

    • QTS (Qualified Teacher Status): Clearly state when you achieved this (e.g., QTS awarded July 2024).
    • Teacher Training: PGCE Primary (Ages 5-11), University of Manchester, 2023-2024.
    • Undergraduate Degree: BA (Hons) English Literature (2:1), University of Leeds, 2020-2023.
    • Safeguarding/First Aid: Mention up-to-date Paediatric First Aid or specific safeguarding certificates.

    Our CV maker contains hundreds of pre-written bullet points tailored specifically for UK primary educators. Select your phase, click to add, and create an interview-winning CV in minutes.

    Dos and don’ts for your primary school teacher CV

    DO
    DO highlight your unique skills

    Make sure to mention any unique skills or specialisms that you may have. Use them to stand out from the crowd.

    DO customise your CV for the position

    Investigate the goals and demographics of each school and tailor your CV so that it aligns with the advertisement you are applying for.

    This will put you ahead of the competition and could be one of the main reasons you will get invited to an interview.

    DON’T
    DON’T forget your cover letter

    A cover letter introduces you to the reader and explains your experience and qualities in greater detail.

    You can also briefly mention your career aspirations and let the reader know that you mean business!

    DON’T skip proofreading

    Making sure there are no errors in your application is a good way to let the reader know you are serious about the application process.

    Your primary school teacher CV questions answered

    What should be included in a primary teacher CV?

    In your primary school teacher CV, you should include the following sections:

    • A personal statement that outlines your current situation, professional background, and key areas of expertise.
    • A work experience section that highlights your previous primary school teacher roles (or other experience if you’re applying for an entry-level position).
    • A skills section that contains a bullet point list of your most competitive skills.
    • An education section to share your qualifications, training, and academic background.

    How do I write a CV for teaching with no experience?

    If you’re applying for an entry-level teaching position, your work experience section will look a little different. Instead of previous teaching roles, you’ll need to include examples that showcase your ability to take responsibility – whether that’s a committee position at university, a babysitting role, or a Saturday job.

    Make sure to explain how you’ve gained transferable skills that will serve you well as a teacher. However, to gain QTS, you’ll need to have completed a teaching work experience placement. This means it’s unlikely you’ll apply for a role without any experience at all.

    How long should my primary teacher CV be?

    Aim for one or two pages. Keep the content focused on your teaching experience, qualifications, skills, and impact on student development.

    What skills does a primary school teacher need?

    A primary school teacher needs to have a strong combination of practical, academic, and interpersonal skills. They must have excellent communication skills as well as the ability to listen. They should also have a good knowledge of core subjects, including maths, science, and English.

    What CV format is best for a newly qualified teacher (NQT)?

    A skills-based or combination CV works well for NQTs. It lets you highlight your training, placements, and transferable skills, even if you lack long-term experience.

    What is the average primary school teacher salary in the UK?

    The average primary school teacher pay bracket ranges from £25,714 to £41,604. Your salary is likely to depend on factors such as your experience level and location, as well as whether you work in a state or private (public) school.

    Create your primary school teacher CV today

    Our primary school teacher CV examples are just one of the resources and tools to help you. By using our various CV templates, you will be able to inspire yourself and check all the boxes to become a primary school teacher. There’s no reason for CVs to feel overwhelming – so start creating your CV in just a few clicks!

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