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

Possibly, with careful consideration. It is essential that teachers are qualified for who and what they are teaching.

Registered teachers in Secondary education are qualified to teach their subject and literacy*, numeracy**, and health and wellbeing*** in S1 to S6 age groups. Registered Secondary teachers may also be in a position to teach their subject with younger learners if an employer assesses the individual as being suitable for those teaching duties.

A teacher with only Secondary (Subject) Education registration cannot teach the primary curriculum. They can teach their specialist subject in the primary school context with appropriate support.  Where a Secondary (Subject) Education teacher wishes to teach Primary Education they should follow 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.