Train to Teach Primary with United Teaching - fee paying route

United Teaching offers a practical, school-based route into teaching, giving you the experience, training, and support you need to become an excellent primary teacher.

A school-centred approach to primary teacher training

From day one, you’ll be based in a school, learning from experienced teachers while working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE.

Learn in the classroom – You’ll train in a primary school from the start, developing your teaching skills with the support of a mentor.
A broad and balanced curriculum – Our training is designed specifically for primary teachers, covering literacy and numeracy, curriculum knowledge, and effective classroom practice.
Achieve QTS and an optional PGCE – Your training leads to QTS and you can opt to enroll into a PGCE, awarded in partnership with Bath Spa university.
Ongoing support and career progression – As part of United Teaching alumni, you’ll have access to high-quality professional development throughout your career.

Find out how to apply Apply Now

What you will learn

Our curriculum is designed to help you become a confident, knowledgeable, and highly effective primary teacher. We teach in small steps, ensuring you build on what you have previously learnt, with your mentor supporting you every step of the way.

Before you start

As soon as you receive an offer with United Teaching, you become part of our community.

Induction days – Before September, you’ll spend two days in your placement school, meeting your mentor and getting to know the school that will support your journey.
Summer Institute – A dedicated induction programme designed to give you a foundational understanding of key teaching principles before the school year begins.

Alongside United Teaching training, you’ll also have access to professional development provided by your placement school, ensuring you continue to grow throughout your training year.

Your training year modules

How to plan and teach the breadth of the Primary Curriculum

How to teach Early Reading

How to manage classroom behaviour

How to teach great lessons

How to support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Additional key training areas

How to plan and teach the breadth of the Primary Curriculum

Throughout your training, you’ll be immersed in all primary subjects, developing the curriculum knowledge, pedagogy, and subject expertise needed to teach across the full range of primary education.

How to teach Early Reading

Early reading is at the heart of our training. You’ll work with our English specialists to develop a deep understanding of phonics, children’s literature, and how to inspire a love for reading.

How to manage classroom behaviour

You’ll receive expert training in behaviour management, rooted in research on building positive relationships in the classroom. You’ll learn effective strategies, observe expert teachers in action, and develop the skills to create a calm and productive learning environment.

How to teach great lessons

You’ll learn evidence-based teaching strategies, including:

How to ask effective questions
Modelling learning for pupils
Providing high-quality feedback
Identifying and addressing misconceptions
Using research to inform great teaching

You’ll observe expert teachers, analyse their techniques, and receive weekly one-to-one mentoring to help you refine your own teaching practice.

How to support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Our SEND specialists will guide you in creating an inclusive classroom, helping you support pupils with a range of learning needs.

Additional key training areas

Working with parents and carers
Safeguarding in schools
Mental health and wellbeing
Preparing for your Early Career Teacher (ECT) year
Supporting pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL)

How you will learn

Train in the classroom from day one – Teach on a reduced timetable with the support of expert mentors, research-led training, and subject knowledge development.
Learn through weekly training sessions – Build your understanding of teaching theory and apply it in the classroom with hands-on experience.
Ongoing support and feedback – Receive regular lesson observations and one-to-one mentoring to help you refine your teaching skills and grow in confidence.
Flexible e-learning - Access a library of interactive resources, video tutorials, and research-led teaching strategies anytime, anywhere.
United Learning curriculum resources – Plan and teach using high-quality, research-led materials, ensuring reduced workload and better lessons.

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What we look for in a Primary Teacher

We’re looking for people who are eager to learn, passionate about their subject, and committed to making a difference. Great teachers communicate clearly, set high expectations, and support every pupil to succeed. Teaching isn’t always easy, so resilience matters—but so does kindness. If you’re ready to grow and up for the challenge, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Qualifications

GCSEs: Grade C+ in English language, maths, and science.
A Levels: A grade combination of at least BCC, with a minimum Grade B in the subject you want to teach.
Degree: A degree in the subject, or relevant to the subject, that you wish to teach, with a Grade 2:2 or above

How to fund your training Join an information webinar

Funding and benefits

If you’re on a fee paying route, there’s financial support available to help you.

Student loans – You can apply for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan to cover your course fees and living costs. These work just like undergraduate student loans, so you won’t need to pay anything upfront.
Council tax discounts – Many trainees qualify for council tax reductions or exemptions, so you could pay less while you train.
Student discounts – You’ll have access to a wide range of student discounts, from travel to shopping and entertainment, just like university students.

If you have any questions about funding, we’re here to help. Get in touch, and we’ll guide you through your options.

Apply Now How to fund your training