what is a KS1 teacher?

As a Key Stage 1 teacher, you teach children between five and seven years and guide them through the national curriculum. Key Stage 1 is a group set to administer and monitor the progressive education of children through standardised exams in early primary school education in England and Wales. Essentially, you are a primary teacher who educates pupils during their early years in school.

Key Stage 1 teachers teach pupils in Year 1 and Year 2 basic mathematics and English skills. You help your pupils develop reading, writing and numerical skills through learning activities and practical lessons. You prepare the class work and arrange the classroom for the lessons. You also provide assignments to analyse performance and offer additional training when necessary.

Aside from classwork, a KS1 teacher moulds pupils’ intellectual and social skills. You promote their emotional development through engagement in social and educational activities. You also coordinate corrective measures in case of behavioural gaps and discuss each pupil’s performance with their parents.

Due to the complexity of the role, you require exceptional soft skills. For instance, you need a passion for teaching children and the patience to handle kids. Creativity is also essential for developing unique and enjoyable projects.

Would working as a KS1 teacher suit your enthusiasm for teaching children? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a KS1 teacher role.

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average KS1 teacher salary

According to ONS, the median compensation package for a Key Stage 1 teacher in the UK is £34,266 per year, which translates to £17.57 per hour. When you are new to the role, you have minimal experience and expertise, attracting a salary of £31,200 annually. With experience or additional qualifications, you are likely to earn more than £43,680 yearly.

what factors affect the salary of a KS1 teacher?

As a key stage 1 teacher, your remuneration depends on your qualifications. For instance, you require a bachelor’s degree to achieve a qualified teacher status and become a KS1 teacher. However, if you have additional certification or a master's degree, your earnings increase significantly. Aside from educational qualifications, you require experience. You attract a higher compensation package when you have a few years of experience.

The location also determines your compensation prospects. When you work in a big city like London, you are likely to earn more compared to a KS1 teacher working in a smaller town. Large cities have a high demand for KS1 teachers and a higher cost of living. You have a better salary potential when you work for free schools or academies since the schools set their salary scale.

female sitting with child and man in the background
female sitting with child and man in the background
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types of KS1 teachers

As a Key Stage 1 teacher, you provide education in the following subjects:

  • KS1 English: since English is a core subject in KS1, you guide pupils and help them understand the English language. You guide pupils through reading, writing and spoken language according to the curriculum requirements.
  • KS1 maths: at KS1, pupils are taught basic numeracy skills. Your job is to help them learn the fundamentals of mathematics and recognise, draw and sort numbers. You also teach basic mathematical skills, such as addition, subtraction, measurements and fractions.
  • KS1 science: the focus of the KS1 science curriculum is to engage pupils' curiosity by allowing them to observe scientific phenomena. You develop their basic understanding of scientific methods and various areas of science.
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working as a KS1 teacher

Working as a KS1 teacher requires a passion for helping children. Some specific duties and the career outlook that you can expect in the role include:

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education and skills

KS1 teachers require the following educational qualifications:

  • university course: pursue an undergraduate degree that leads to a qualified teacher status to begin your career as a KS1 teacher. A course like bachelor of education, bachelor of arts and bachelor of science gives you a qualified teaching status. You should also complete a postgraduate certificate if you have another degree course without a qualified teacher status.
  • experience: when you have the right qualifications, improve your experience by taking up teaching assistant roles. Teacher training programmes also improve your skills and prepare you for the role.

KS1 teacher skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a KS1 teacher include:

  • communication skills: as a KS1 teacher, you require great communication skills to explain concepts effectively. It is important to be clear and concise to ensure pupils receive accurate information.
  • organisation skills: as a KS1 teacher, you require effective teaching strategies for every lesson. Hence, organisation skills come in handy and keep tasks on time. You can prioritise tasks and align your schedule with the tasks.
  • knowledge in various subjects: as a KS1 teacher, you require knowledge in various subject areas. For instance, you teach students sciences, history and English, which requires knowledge in the relevant areas.
smiling female
smiling female
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FAQs about working as a KS1 teacher

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a KS1 teacher.

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