The teaching profession offers a rewarding path filled with opportunities for continued learning and development. But as with any career, teachers also face questions about career progression. Whether you're an Early Careers Teacher (ECT) or a seasoned educator, understanding the different pathways within the profession can empower you to make informed decisions about your future.
This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to teacher career progression for teachers in the UK, exploring the various options available for primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) teachers, and teaching assistants.
Let’s explore the options for career progression for teachers
Primary School Teachers
Primary school teachers play a critical role in shaping young minds during their formative years. Their responsibilities encompass delivering the curriculum, fostering a positive learning environment, and nurturing the emotional and social development of their students.
Career progression options for primary school teachers include:
- Subject leadership: Taking on leadership responsibilities for a specific subject area within the school, such as English or Maths. This often involves supporting colleagues, developing teaching resources, and monitoring student progress.
- Phase leader: Leading a specific year group, such as Year 1 or Year 6. This role involves coordinating curriculum delivery, overseeing student well-being, and liaising with parents.
- Deputy Headteacher: Supporting the headteacher in all aspects of school leadership, managing various responsibilities, and deputising in their absence. Headteacher: Leading the entire school, setting the strategic direction, managing staff and resources, and ensuring the school's overall success.
Statistics: A 2022 report by the National Education Union (NEU) found that the average salary for primary school teachers in England and Wales is £39,640. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and location.
Further resources for primary school teacher career progression:
- National Centre for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL): https://www.ncflm.org/
- The National College of Leadership of Schools and Children's Services (NCL): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-college-for-school-leadership
Secondary School Teachers: Specialising in a Subject
Secondary school teachers focus on a specific subject area, such as science, history, or languages. Their role is to create engaging lessons, assess student learning, and provide individual support to ensure all students reach their full potential.
Career progression options for secondary school teachers:
- Head of Department: Leading the teaching and learning of a specific subject across the entire school. This involves managing the curriculum, staff development, and resources for that subject.
- Assistant Headteacher: Similar to primary schools, assistant headteachers support the headteacher in various leadership tasks, often specialising in a particular area like pastoral care or curriculum development.
- Deputy Headteacher: Holding this position requires significant leadership experience and involves deputising for the headteacher and managing various school-wide responsibilities.
- Headteacher: Leading the entire school, setting the vision and direction, managing staff and resources, and ensuring the school's success.
Statistics: According to the 2022 NEU report, the average salary for secondary school teachers in England and Wales is £41,576. Similar to primary school teachers, salaries can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and location.
Further resources for secondary school teacher career progression:
- The Chartered College of Teaching (CCT): https://chartered.college/
- The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT): https://www.naht.org.uk/
SEN Teachers: Supporting diverse needs
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN) teachers play a crucial role in supporting children with a variety of needs. They use specialised knowledge and strategies to develop individualised learning plans, identify and assess specific needs, and ensure all students have equal access to education and opportunities.
Career progression options for SEN teachers:
- SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator): Leading the school's SEN provision, coordinating support for students with SEN, managing resources, and liaising with parents and external agencies.
- Deputy Headteacher (SEN): Supporting the headteacher specifically in relation to SEN provision, overseeing the work of the SENCO and SEN team, and ensuring inclusive practices across the school.
- Advanced Skills Teacher (AST): Working across a cluster of schools, sharing expertise and supporting other teachers in developing their skills in areas like SEN or inclusion.
- Educational Psychologist (EP): This role requires further postgraduate study and allows you to work directly with children and families, providing assessments, interventions, and advice to schools and other professionals.
Statistics: The NEU reports an average salary of £45,73
Teaching Assistants: Building a Foundation for Growth
Teaching assistants play a vital role in supporting teachers and enhancing the learning experience for students. They may work with small groups of students, provide individual support, assist with marking and assessment, and undertake various administrative tasks.
Career progression for teaching assistants often involves acquiring additional qualifications, such as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or a higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA) qualification. This can open doors to roles with greater responsibility, such as leading interventions, supporting specific needs, and working alongside qualified teachers in the classroom.
Charting Your Teaching Journey with Horizon Teachers
Regardless of where you are on your teaching journey, whether you're a newly qualified teacher looking to explore leadership opportunities, an experienced primary school teacher seeking a career change, or a dedicated SEN teacher considering specialisation, Horizon Teachers can be your trusted guide. We offer a wealth of resources, personalised support, and access to a wide range of career opportunities across the UK. Contact us today and let us help you navigate your career progression and find the perfect role to match your aspirations and expertise. With Horizon Teachers by your side, you can confidently explore the diverse possibilities within the rewarding world of education.
