Primary Teaching Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the acronyms and terms used in UK primary schools. Updated regularly.
ADHD — Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In primary schools, ADHD is more visible in boys but equally common in girls (where it presents more as inattention). Not a behaviour problem — a neurological difference.
AFL — Assessment for Learning
Formative assessment practices used during a lesson to inform teaching and support learning — as opposed to summative assessment at the end. Includes exit tickets, questioning, peer assessment, and mini whiteboards.
ASD / autism — Autism Spectrum Disorder
A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behaviour. The "spectrum" reflects a huge range of presentation. In primary schools, adjustments around predictability, sensory environment, and communication can be highly effective.
CP — Child Protection
The processes and procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns about a child's welfare. All schools have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Every adult working with children has a safeguarding duty.
CPD — Continuing Professional Development
Structured professional learning for teachers and school staff. Can include school-based training, external courses, coaching, research reading, or lesson study.
DSL — Designated Safeguarding Lead
The senior member of staff responsible for child protection in a school. Every school must have a DSL. All concerns about a child's welfare are reported to the DSL.
EAL — English as an Additional Language
A learner who speaks a language other than English at home. EAL is not a special educational need — most EAL pupils acquire English rapidly. However, newly arrived EAL learners need specific support, including the recognition of a "silent period" during which they are absorbing the new language without yet producing it.
ECT — Early Career Teacher
The UK term (from 2021) for a newly qualified teacher in their first two years of teaching. Replaced NQT. ECTs are entitled to a structured induction programme with reduced timetable and mentoring.
EYFS — Early Years Foundation Stage
The statutory framework for children aged 0–5 in England, covering the areas of learning and development, assessment, and safeguarding. Applies to all maintained schools and Ofsted-registered settings.
IEP — Individual Education Plan
A document that describes the specific targets, strategies, and support in place for a pupil with SEND. Sometimes replaced in UK schools by an "EHCP" (Education, Health and Care Plan) for pupils with more significant needs.
KS1 — Key Stage 1
In England, Key Stage 1 covers Years 1 and 2 (ages 5–7). Pupils take the Phonics Screening Check at the end of Year 1. KS1 SATs were made optional from 2023.
KS2 — Key Stage 2
In England, Key Stage 2 covers Years 3–6 (ages 7–11). Pupils take SATs at the end of Year 6 in reading, GPS (grammar, punctuation and spelling), and maths.
MTC — Multiplication Tables Check
A statutory online assessment taken by Year 4 pupils in England each June. Tests recall of multiplication facts up to 12 × 12. 25 questions, 6 seconds per question.
NQT — Newly Qualified Teacher
The former UK term for a teacher in their first year. Replaced by ECT from September 2021, though NQT is still widely used informally.
PSHE — Personal, Social, Health and Economic education
A curriculum subject covering relationships, health, economic wellbeing, and citizenship. Equivalent to SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) in the US and Australia, and SPHE in Ireland.
SEMH — Social, Emotional and Mental Health
One of the four SEND categories in England. Covers difficulties with emotional regulation, mental health, and social skills — including anxiety, depression, ADHD (when it manifests primarily as a learning need), and attachment difficulties.
SEND — Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
An umbrella term for pupils who require additional support to access learning. In England, SEND is categorised into four areas: Cognition and Learning; Communication and Interaction; Sensory and Physical; and Social, Emotional and Mental Health.
WAGOLL — What A Good One Looks Like
A model text or example piece used to show children the standard they are aiming for before they write. Annotated WAGOLLs highlight specific features — vocabulary choices, structural decisions, punctuation effects — to make the implicit explicit.
Missing a term? Let us know →
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, LessonKind earns from qualifying purchases and referrals at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure →
Working from home or on school Wi-Fi? NordVPN keeps your devices and lesson resources secure.