Becoming a PE teacher offers many benefits. You can help children stay active, build confidence and enjoy sports. Also, you can teach different activities and help pupils develop teamwork skills. However, meeting the PE teacher job requirements can help you build a satisfying career in sports and education.
To become a PE teacher, you may need a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You also need good sports knowledge, communication skills and leadership skills. The exact requirements can vary by school and teaching role. Other training routes may also suit people who want to teach sports in different settings.
This guide explains the key requirements for PE teacher jobs.
What are the PE Teacher Job Requirements in the UK?
The PE teacher job requirements in the UK include the right qualifications, training and skills. In England, you usually need GCSE English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above. Primary teacher training also requires GCSE science. To teach secondary PE, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and teacher training that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
You also need an enhanced DBS check to work with children. Good sports knowledge, communication and teaching skills are important. Experience in sports coaching or working with children can also help. However, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland follow different teacher training rules.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a PE Teacher?
You need the right education and teacher training to become a PE teacher. The exact qualifications depend on the age group you want to teach. Most secondary PE teachers need a degree and approved teacher training. You must also gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. Here are the main qualifications you may need:
- GCSE English and maths: Usually need grade 4 (C) or above.
- GCSE science: Need grade 4 (C) or above for primary teacher training.
- A levels: Most universities ask for 2–3 A levels for degree entry.
- Bachelor’s degree: You usually need a degree to train as a secondary PE teacher.
- PGCE or teacher training: Complete a suitable course that leads to QTS.
- QTS: This is the recognised teaching status for teachers in England.
Do You Need a Sports Degree to Teach PE?
You do not always need a sports degree to become a PE teacher. In England, a bachelor’s degree in any subject can meet the degree requirement for secondary teacher training. However, a degree in sports science, physical education or sports coaching can give you useful knowledge.Â
Relevant A levels can also show your understanding of sports and physical activity. If your degree is not related to sports, you may still qualify. A Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course can help you improve your PE knowledge. However, your teacher training provider may check your subject knowledge before accepting you.
Do You Need QTS to Become a PE Teacher?
QTS stands for Qualified Teacher Status. It shows that you meet the required standards to teach in England. Most state primary and secondary schools require PE teachers to have QTS. You can gain it through a university degree, postgraduate teacher training or a teacher apprenticeship.
A PGCE is not compulsory if your training course leads to QTS. A PGCE is an academic teaching qualification while QTS is your recognised teaching status. However, QTS rules mainly apply to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different teacher registration systems.
How Can You Train to Become a PE Teacher?
There are several ways to complete PE teacher training in England. You can study a university degree with QTS or complete a degree first. Then, you can take postgraduate teacher training. Eligible students may also get tuition fees and maintenance loans to support their studies.
An apprenticeship is another option. An undergraduate Teacher Level 6 Apprenticeship takes up to four years. A postgraduate route takes around one year. Both lead to QTS. You can also start as a school sports coach. This gives you useful experience and coaching skills before moving into formal teacher training.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a PE Teacher?
PE teachers need more than good sports knowledge. They must know how to teach, guide and support pupils. Good communication and leadership skills also help them manage sports lessons. Here are the main skills needed to be a PE teacher:
- Sports knowledge: Understand different sports, fitness, exercise and game rules.
- Teaching skills: Plan lessons, explain activities and check pupils’ progress.
- Communication skills: Give clear instructions and encourage pupils to take part.
- Leadership and teamwork: Guide pupils and help them work together.
- Patience and kindness: Support children with different needs and abilities.
- Organisation and creativity: Plan fun lessons and manage activities well.
- Safety awareness: Know basic first aid and spot possible risks during sports activities.
Do You Need Experience to Become a PE Teacher?
Previous experience is not always needed to become a PE teacher. However, it can help you build confidence and teaching skills. You can volunteer at a school, help at youth clubs or coach a local sports team. Working at a community sports centre or helping with school sports days can also give you useful experience.
Some employers ask for teaching experience before hiring. For example, one job advert asked for three months of recent experience within two years. Another asked for one year of teaching experience. Senior PE roles may need more experience. However, each employer sets its own rules.
Do You Need a DBS Check or First Aid Certificate?
A DBS check means a Disclosure and Barring Service check. It helps schools check a person’s background before they work with children. PE teachers usually need an enhanced DBS check. This helps schools keep pupils safe during lessons and sports activities. First-aid knowledge is also important for PE teachers.Â
Sports lessons can involve falls, injuries and sudden health problems. You should know how to give basic help during an emergency. Some schools may also ask for a recognised first-aid certificate. However, a separate first-aid certificate is not a legal requirement for every PE teaching job.
Do You Need a Driving Licence to Teach PE?
A driving licence is not a must-have for PE teachers in the UK. The National Careers Service lists it as useful but not compulsory. However, having one can give you more job options. It can help you take school teams to sports matches, events and competitions.
Some schools may also ask PE teachers to drive a minibus. This can help pupils travel safely to different sports activities. However, not every school has this rule. Some employers may list driving as an extra job requirement. So, always check the job advert before applying.
What Does a PE Teacher Do Every Day?
A PE teacher does more than teach sports and fitness activities. They plan lessons, guide pupils and check their progress. They also keep pupils safe during sports lessons. Some teachers help run school sports clubs and events. Here are the main PE teacher duties and responsibilities:
- Plan and teach lessons in sports, fitness, dance and gymnastics.
- Explain game rules and help pupils learn new skills.
- Prepare sports equipment and keep playing areas safe.
- Supervise pupils during indoor and outdoor activities.
- Check pupils’ progress and give feedback.
- Organise sports clubs, matches and school events.
What Do Schools Look for When Hiring PE Teachers?
Schools look for more than teaching qualifications when hiring PE teachers. Most want teachers with QTS and good knowledge of PE subjects. They may also ask for experience working with pupils. You should also understand the PE subjects taught to secondary school pupils. Good communication, teamwork and leadership skills are important too.
Some schools may ask for computer skills, first-aid training or a sports-related degree. They may also want teachers who can organise extra sports activities. You must also have the right to work in the UK. However, each school may have different rules. So, always check the job advert before applying.
What Career Opportunities Can PE Teachers Explore?
PE teaching offers many ways to grow your career. You can start as a PE teacher and gain more experience over time. Later, you may become a senior teacher or Head of PE. These jobs give you more duties and chances to guide other teachers. You can also move into other sports jobs.
For example, you can work as a sports coach, fitness instructor or sports development worker. Some teachers also work in local sports programmes. Others move into senior school roles, such as deputy headteacher or headteacher. However, these jobs may need more experience and good leadership skills.
Final Thoughts
Meeting the PE teacher job requirements can help you start a career in teaching sports. You need the right qualifications, good teaching skills and a love of physical activity. You can also help children stay fit, learn new skills and enjoy sports. With the right training and experience, you can build a rewarding career as a PE teacher.
Want to start your teaching journey? Join our Teacher Training course and prepare for your next career step.
FAQs about PE Teacher Job Requirements
1. Can I become a PE teacher without a degree?
- Some sports teaching roles do not require a degree. However, most qualified PE teacher jobs in UK schools require a degree and QTS.
2. Do PE teachers need a PGCE?
- A PGCE is not always required. However, you need QTS to teach PE in most state schools in England.
3. What degree is best for a PE teacher?
- Studying sports or physical education at university can give you useful knowledge for this career. These subjects teach you about sports, fitness and physical activity.
4. What GCSEs does a PE teacher need?
- You usually need GCSEs in English, Maths and Science. Most teacher training courses ask for at least grade 4 or above.
5. Are PE teachers well paid?
- PE teachers can earn a good salary in the UK. Their pay depends on experience, location and school type.
6. What is the hardest age to teach?
- Many teachers find early teenage years challenging. Pupils may need more support with behaviour, confidence and learning. However, every age group has different challenges.
