Can a teacher who is registered in Primary Education teach in the Secondary school context?

Possibly, with careful consideration.

It is essential that teachers are qualified for who and what they are teaching.

Registered teachers in Primary Education are qualified to teach all age groups in all curricular areas from early learning and childcare to primary 7. Registered Primary Education teachers may also be in a position to teach literacy*, numeracy**, and health and wellbeing*** across the spectrum of the Broad General Education if an employer assesses the individual as being suitable for those teaching duties.

Teachers require to be specialists in a specific subject to teach that subject in secondary schools. Where consideration is being given to deploying a registered teacher of Primary Education in a secondary school context we strongly advise employers to support an individual teacher to achieve Secondary Subject Education registration through our Professional (Additional) Registration pathway to ensure legal requirements are met.

Learn more about Professional (Additional) registration.

Fully registered teachers can achieve additional categories of registration while in employment.

*Literacy focuses on skills and function—being able to read, write, and communicate effectively in any context. English focuses on content and analysis—studying literature, exploring themes, developing arguments.

**Numeracy is the ability to apply basic maths skills in practical, everyday situations. Maths is the full subject, including both basic and advanced concepts.

***Health and wellbeing is the responsibility of all who work with children and young people. It focuses on developing the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes needed for mental, emotional, social, and physical wellbeing, enabling learners to thrive and prepare for life, learning and work. Personal and Social Education is a specific subject that delivers many health and wellbeing experiences and outcomes but health and wellbeing is much broader and integrated across the curriculum.