Primary Education 3-7 years (Lpr) with Foundation Year
Primary Education for the early years, specialising in teaching children aged 3 to 7, is a professionally demanding and personally rewarding qualification route that prepares you to teach and support young children at one of the most significant stages of their development. The early years curriculum encompasses play-based learning, early literacy and numeracy, communication and language development, and the pastoral and safeguarding responsibilities that come with working with very young children. Early years specialists develop deep knowledge of child development, an understanding of how to design learning environments that support curiosity and confidence, and the skills to work effectively with families and communities.
At York St John University this four-year full-time degree with Foundation Year qualifies you to teach across all primary years while building specialist expertise in the 3 to 7 age range. The foundation year gives you time to develop the academic skills and subject knowledge you need before entering the main programme. York St John has a long history of outstanding teacher training provision, and the programme includes practical school-based placements that develop your teaching skills in real settings alongside your academic study.
The degree includes a year abroad option, giving you the opportunity to develop your international and educational perspective.
Graduates from Primary Education degrees are qualified to apply for positions as primary school teachers in England. Many go on to teach in mainstream state schools, academies and independent schools, with early years specialists in particular demand at nurseries, reception classes and key stage 1 settings. Career progression leads to senior teacher, subject lead, assistant headteacher and headteacher roles.
The degree also provides preparation for further study in education, educational leadership, special educational needs or early childhood, for those wishing to deepen their expertise.