What GCSEs Do You Need To Be a Primary School Teacher?

What GCSEs do you need to become a primary teacher? To become a primary school teacher, you’ll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, Maths, and Science. However, requirements can vary between universities and courses. At Pass My GCSE, we can help you get the GCSEs or equivalent qualifications required for your primary teacher training.

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What GCSEs do you need to be a Primary School Teacher?

To become a primary school teacher, you’ll need GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or higher in English, Maths, and Science. You’ll also need a university degree in any subject to teach at the primary level. Degree requirements can vary between universities and courses, so it’s best to check with your chosen university or apprenticeship.
If you’re concerned about not having the right GCSEs for primary teaching, fill in the contact form at the bottom of the page, and our friendly team will provide advice and support on your options.
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Can I become a Primary School Teacher without GCSEs?

If you’re wondering how to get into Primary Teaching without GCSEs, there is a solution. You typically need GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science. Instead of full GCSEs, you can take alternatives like a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification in Maths and English, which is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4/C, along with GCSE Equivalency Tests.
Feature GCSE Functional Skills GCSE Equivalency Tests
Accepted UK Wide Accepted UK Wide
Ofqual Regulated Ofqual Regulated
Suitable For Primary Teaching Suitable For Primary Teaching
Can Sit in May or November Can Sit in May or November
Can Sit All Year Round Can Sit All Year Round
Can Take Exam From Home Can Take Exam From Home
Results in 10 Working Days Results in 10 Working Days

Why do you need GCSEs to become a Primary School Teacher?

GCSEs are usually required for most Primary Teacher courses, especially in Maths and English, as these qualifications show you have the necessary numeracy and literacy skills for the job.

Primary School Teacher GCSE requirements can vary, but most courses and universities will expect at least a grade 4/C (or equivalent) in Maths and English, and many also require a Science or Biology GCSE.

In addition to Maths, English, and Science GCSEs, you might choose other subjects you’re interested in. Taking an extra essay-based subject, like Economics or History, can be useful as it helps develop essay-writing skills that may be beneficial for your degree assignments.

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What Primary Teaching routes can I take with GCSEs?

To train as a teacher, you’ll need GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or higher in English, Maths, and Science. You’ll also need a university degree or an equivalent qualification to pursue postgraduate teacher training.

If you don’t have a degree, you can enrol in undergraduate teacher training to earn a degree and qualified teacher status (QTS) at the same time. Alternatively, you might be eligible for a teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA).

Some of the Primary Teaching careers that people who passed their GCSEs go into include:

How do I book my GCSE exams?

Book your Ofqual-regulated GCSE exam with Pass My GCSE today! You can book directly through our website or complete the contact form at the bottom of the page, and we’ll guide you through the process, confirming your booking by the end of the call.

Choose your exam date, exam board, and tier. GCSE Maths and English exams are available in May or November, while Science exams are scheduled for May/June. Our fees cover everything, from booking the exam to finding a local exam centre and getting your certificate.

Get fully prepared with our online courses, offering revision tutorials, practice questions, and mock exams, all with progress tracking to ensure you’re ready to pass.

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GCSEs to be a Primary Teaching Summary

What are GCSEs?

GCSEs are qualifications in the UK taken by students aged 14-16, though many adults resit them to gain entry to Primary Teaching courses such as PGCE’s and university degrees.

What GCSEs are needed for Primary Teaching?

For Primary Teaching, you will typically at least 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, Maths and Science. As you will need a university degree to become a Primary Teacher, be sure to check the specific requirements for your chosen university or course.

Can I become a Primary Teacher without GCSEs?

Alternatively, you can complete a functional skills level 2 qualification in Maths and English, which are equivalent to GCSE grade 4, or GCSE Equivalency Tests which are equivalent to higher grades.

Why should I take GCSEs for Primary Teaching?

Passing GCSEs in Maths and English proves you have the necessary numeracy and literacy skills, which is why these subjects are essential for anyone pursuing a career in Primary Teaching. This is especially true for teaching as these are the sorts of skills you will be passing on to your students.

What Primary Teaching routes can I take with GCSEs?

To advance to Teaching Training, you can take A levels, T levels, or a BTEC, and complete a university course. Possible career paths include becoming a Headteacher, teaching overseas, and becoming a private tutor, among many others.

How do I book my GCSE exam?

To book your GCSE exams, visit Pass My GCSEs’ online booking pages or fill in the contact form, and a member of our GCSE team will get in touch to discuss your options and help you complete the booking.

Why Choose Pass My GCSE?

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Friendly Support

We provide all the necessary support to help you prepare for your GCSE exams. Our team will guide you in choosing the best options and take care of everything before your exams.

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Subject Coverage

In addition to maths, English, and science, we offer GCSE exams in subjects like business, history, sociology, and many others.

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Accepted Everywhere

The GCSEs you complete with Pass My GCSE are accepted by all major employers, universities, and apprenticeship providers.

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Lowest Cost Exam

We guarantee the lowest prices online, offering exceptional service at an unbeatable rate!

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No Hidden Fees

Our pricing is simple and transparent, covering all exam centre and exam board fees.

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Unbeatable Service

If you’re looking to take GCSEs for a teacher career, we guarantee you won’t find a better service anywhere online.

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Get in touch with one of our friendly team and they will discuss your options and help you to determine what qualifications and subjects are right for you.

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