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PE teacher

Alternative titles for this job include Physical education teacher

Physical education (PE) teachers work in primary or secondary schools and colleges, teaching sport and fitness to young people.

Average salary (a year)

£16,250 Starter

to

£46,500 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

33 to 35 term time

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become a PE teacher

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a sport or physical education degree with qualified teacher status (QTS).

If you have a degree in a relevant subject, you can apply for one of the following:

  • a postgraduate teacher training course at a university
  • a QTS qualification whilst doing paid work in a school

You can search for teacher training courses on GOV UK.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • GCSEs in English and maths at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C)
  • GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
  • 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through a higher apprenticeship in teaching, if you have a relevant degree.

You'll need GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths. You'll also need GCSE science if you want to teach in a primary school.

More information

Work

You may be able to get into teaching, if you're a PE or sports graduate, by working as a sports coach in a school, then moving onto a teacher training programme.

You'll need coaching qualifications in your specialist sport to do this.

Volunteering and experience

You'll need experience of working with young people through paid work or by volunteering at a school, doing youth work or coaching at a sports club.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about teaching careers from Get Into Teaching.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • leadership skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • Being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could be:

  • preparing lessons and teaching materials
  • teaching classes of different ages and abilities, and adapting lessons so everyone can take part
  • managing class behaviour
  • arranging matches with other schools and colleges
  • setting and marking homework and assignments and preparing for exams
  • attending meetings and training
  • talking to parents and carers about students’ progress
  • attending general school events like open days and social activities

Working environment

You could work at a school, at a college or at a university.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a leading practitioner, supporting other teachers while working with your own classes.

You could also progress to curriculum leader or head of department, then deputy or assistant headteacher or assistant principal.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Teaching Apprenticeship

  • Wage : To be agreed upon appointment
  • Location: Tunbridge Wells TN2 4PY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Access to Education and Childhood Studies

  • Provider: DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Start date: 03 September 2019
  • Location: Dudley
Find courses near you

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