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PE teacher

Alternative titles for this job include Physical education teacher

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

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£49,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 45 term time

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become 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).

You can also complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), if you have a first degree without QTS. This can be done at university or on a school-based training programme.

There are more training options if you're a career changer or want to specialise in teaching certain subjects.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this career through a Teacher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you have a degree.

This takes 12 months to complete and involves training while you work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
  • a degree for a teaching apprenticeship

More Information

Work

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

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

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some experience of working with young people though this is not essential. You can do this through paid work or by volunteering at a school, doing youth work or coaching at a sports club.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You can attend teacher training events before you apply to get advice about the profession, the different training routes and funding. You can attend events in person and online.

A driving licence would be useful, as you may be expected to drive a minibus to take teams to sporting fixtures and events.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a teacher from Get Into Teaching.

You can also search for jobs through the Teaching Vacancies service.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • the ability to teach pupils how to do something
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • leadership skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You will:

  • plan lessons and coaching sessions
  • teach a range of sports and physical activities to students of different ages and abilities
  • motivate students to fulfil their potential
  • set and mark assignments, and update school records
  • talk to parents and carers about their children's progress
  • work with other professionals like mentors, educational psychologists and social workers
  • organise sports days, field trips and matches with other schools and colleges

Working environment

You could work at a school or at a college.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a leading practitioner, supporting teaching staff, particularly those relatively new to the profession. You might also gain promotion to head of department, deputy head or headteacher.

You could use your skills and experience to move into coaching, sports development or the fitness industry.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Secondary Maths Teacher Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: £21,731 a year Annually
  • Location: Stoke-On-Trent, Satffordshire

Secondary Maths Teacher Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: £21,731 a year Annually
  • Location: Milton Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Sports Coaching & Physical Education, BTEC Extended Diploma

  • Provider: WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: WESTON SUPER MARE

Sports Coaching

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds
Find courses near you

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