Primary Education

Primary education prepares graduates to work as teachers in primary schools, supporting children's learning across the full range of subjects and stages from early years through to Key Stage 2. It is a profession that demands subject knowledge, pedagogical skill, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage complex classroom environments. Primary teachers play a formative role in children's development, and the preparation for that role at degree level combines academic study with substantial practical experience.

This three-year full-time programme at Buckingham is specifically designed for those who are already working as teaching assistants in schools and wish to qualify as primary or prep school teachers. The degree is delivered with distance learning, giving you flexibility to continue your work in school settings while you study. You will cover the curriculum areas taught in primary schools alongside the principles of child development, learning theory, and teaching practice that underpin effective primary education.

To teach in England you must hold a degree, and this route combines degree-level study with the professional context you already have.

On completing the degree, graduates must also hold or work toward qualified teacher status to teach in state-maintained schools in England. Career destinations include primary school teaching across mainstream settings, special educational needs and disability settings, early years provision, and prep schools in the independent sector. Many primary teachers go on to roles in subject leadership, special educational needs coordination, school management, or education consultancy.

The combination of a teaching assistant background and a primary education degree is a distinctive asset, providing both practical experience and academic credential from the outset of a teaching career.