Skip to main content
EduSCOT
Education

How to Become a Primary School Teacher in Scotland

Educate and inspire children aged 4–12 in P1–P7 across Scotland's local authority primary schools.

Higher English (C) is the only Higher floor

N5 Maths (C) also required

GTCS provisional registration during probationer year

Probationer salary £34,938 (from Aug 2025)

Highers You Need

Typical entry: ABBB at Higher. You also need Maths or Applications of Maths (C) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • English— minimum grade C (GTCS statutory requirement)

Route to Qualification

Degree: BEd Primary Education or any degree + PGDE Primary (4 years at university).

1

BEd Primary (4 years)

4 years

2

Any degree + PGDE Primary (1 year postgraduate)

1 year postgraduate

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • University of Edinburgh (Moray House)
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of Stirling
  • University of Dundee
  • University of the West of Scotland
  • Edinburgh Napier University

Professional Registration

To practise as a Primary Teacher in Scotland, you must register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£34,938

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£41,916–£52,614

5–10 years experience

SNCT probationer teacher salary from 1 August 2025: £34,938. Main grade scale £41,916–£52,614 (from August 2025). From 1 April 2026 probationer rises to £35,022.

EduSCOT note

Scotland's teacher shortage in some regions means probationers often move into permanent posts quickly. The probationer year is paid at the full probationer rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Primary Teacher in Scotland?▾
To become a Primary Teacher in Scotland, you typically need Higher English. The typical grade offer is ABBB. You also need Maths or Applications of Maths (C) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer BEd Primary Education or any degree + PGDE Primary?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Primary Teacher careers: University of Edinburgh (Moray House), University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen, University of Stirling, University of Dundee, University of the West of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Primary Teacher in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include: Any degree + PGDE Primary (1 year postgraduate) (1 year postgraduate). After completing the degree, registration with General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Primary Teacher in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Primary Teacher in Scotland is typically £34,938. Mid-career salary is typically £41,916–£52,614. SNCT probationer teacher salary from 1 August 2025: £34,938. Main grade scale £41,916–£52,614 (from August 2025). From 1 April 2026 probationer rises to £35,022.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Primary Teacher in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Primary School Teacher in Scotland. The standard route is the BEd Primary (4 years).
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Primary School Teacher degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BEd Primary Education or any degree + PGDE Primary at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.