Jobs for the boys

While one in four primary schools has no male teachers at all, Reigate Priory junior school has 15 men on the staff. Head Noel Lellman believes it is viral: the more male teachers a school has, the more it attracts. 'Male primary teachers will tell you that when they receive an application pack from a school, the first thing the do is turn to the staff list,' he says. Four of his male teachers went to the school themselves. Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Adrian Pearce, year 6 teacher: 'I left my job as a manager at Ikea to train as a teacher. I wanted to do something worthwhile. Every child is unique. It’s fun getting to know their different characters and finding out what makes every child tick.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Oli Moses, deputy head: 'People think male primary teachers swan about in tracksuits teaching PE, but we also look deal with tears and grazed knees. Teaching is varied and challenging – and children always put a smile on your face.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Mark Epps, year 3 teacher: 'I started thinking about teaching when I became a father. I realised I liked being around children. I took voluntary redundancy from my sales job two years ago and haven’t looked back. Children are so open-minded. But they are often in awe of a male teacher because they haven’t been taught by one before.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Carl Grice, year 6 teacher: 'I’ve got a short attention span and get bored really easily. Every day, every child and every year is different, so teaching really suits me.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Noel Lellman, headteacher: 'I chose teaching because I had such a horrible time at primary school. I wanted to show children that school can be fun and help them develop a lifelong love of learning.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Richard Goodall, year 5 teacher: 'I did voluntary work at a school, which got me hooked. Even children in inner-city schools with challenging behaviour are lovely when you work with them one-to-one.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Ollie Williams, year 5 class teacher: 'I was inspired by some of the brilliant primary teachers I had. As a male teacher, expectations are high. You are expected to be a role model.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

James Coring, year 5 teacher: 'I started out in youth work. Teaching seemed liked the natural progression. Children are so entertaining to work with. It’s great seeing them develop their skills and talents.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Charlie Smith, year 3 teacher: 'I tried numerous careers – engineering, the tax office, the civil service – before going into teaching. I like it because it’s meaningful and not driven by profit-making. As a teacher, you need to be compassionate and authoritative.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Michael Winterton, graduate teacher trainee, working in year 5: 'I like teaching this age group because they are all so enthusiastic about learning. One of the biggest challenges is overcoming the stereotype that primary teaching is a predominately female environment.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

David Wallington, year 6 teacher: 'Teaching is such a varied job. No day is ever the same. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to make an impact on children’s lives.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Matt Nott, year 4 teacher: 'I fell into teaching. I went travelling after university and ended up teaching in an orphanage in Nepal. I enjoyed it so much that when I returned to the UK, I decided to train as a teacher. Other jobs I’ve had have been soulless.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Lawrence Picking, year 5 student (left): 'Female teachers can be kind and sweet, but male teachers are more energetic and fun. My teacher supports Arsenal and I support Chelsea. It’s good to chat about football.'

Lucy Morris, year 5 student (right): 'It’s good to have both men and women teachers so you can see which you prefer. Mr Williams is the first male teacher I’ve had and he’s really funny. We get to go outside and do lots of PE.' Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian