Do you love sports and enjoy helping children stay active? Then, becoming a PE teacher could be the right career for you! A PE teacher helps children learn new sports, build fitness and work as a team. However, you need the right education, training and skills to teach in UK schools. The requirements to be a PE teacher can differ in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For example, in England, most teachers need Qualified Teacher Status to teach in state schools.
Teaching is also a large career field. According to UK government data, England had around 468,300 full-time equivalent teachers in state schools.
So what qualifications do you need, how long does training take, and how can you start? Let’s explore everything step by step.
What Are the Requirements to Be a PE Teacher in the UK?
To become a PE teacher in the UK, you usually need a degree, teacher training, the right teaching status and good sports knowledge. You also need strong communication skills and a love of working with children.
In England, you need GCSE grade 4 or above in English and maths, plus a bachelor’s degree to start postgraduate teacher training. Next, you must complete approved teacher training to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). A PGCE is one way to train, but it is not always needed.
However, the rules can differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You may also need a background check before working in a school.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a PE Teacher?
To become a PE teacher, you need GCSEs in English and maths at grade 4. Equal qualifications are also accepted. Next, you need a university degree. A degree in PE, Sports Science or Sports Coaching is useful. It helps you learn about sport, fitness and health. However, other degrees may also be accepted.
After your degree, you need teacher training to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You can take a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS. This course usually takes one year. During this time, you learn how to plan lessons and teach sports. You also learn how to keep pupils safe.
Finally, you need good communication and teamwork skills. Patience is important too. You should enjoy teaching young people and helping them stay active. Sports coaching experience can also help. However, it cannot replace the teaching qualifications needed for most state schools in England.
How Much Does a PE Teacher Earn in the UK?
A PE teacher in the UK can earn around £34,000 to £53,000 per year, depending on experience and location. New teachers usually earn less, while experienced teachers can earn more. In addition, teachers in London often receive higher pay. Teachers can also earn extra money by taking on more duties, such as leading a PE department.
In England, a qualified PE teacher can start on about £34,069 per year outside London from September 2026. This is around £2,839 per month before tax. As teachers gain experience, their salary can rise each year. For example, a teacher on £46,940 per year earns about £3,912 per month before tax. At the top of the standard pay range, the salary can reach £52,835 per year, or around £4,403 per month before tax.
However, salaries are higher in London. Starting pay is £39,196 in Outer London and £41,729 in Inner London. Experienced teachers can earn up to £58,120 in Outer London and £64,684 in Inner London.
PE teachers may also earn more by becoming a head of department, a deputy headteacher or a headteacher. Private schools and academies may set their own pay rates. Overall, PE teaching can offer a steady income, regular pay rises and good career growth.
What Skills Does a Successful PE Teacher Need?
A successful PE teacher needs good sports knowledge, clear communication, strong leadership and patience. You must also enjoy working with children and help them feel happy, safe and ready to learn.
You should know how to teach different sports, such as football, rugby, swimming and athletics. Also, you need to plan fun lessons that suit students of different ages and skill levels.
Good teamwork is important too. You will work with other teachers, parents and school staff. In addition, you must stay calm, solve problems and manage a class well.
Most importantly, you should know how to keep children safe during sports lessons. You also need to encourage every child to join in, build confidence and enjoy being active.
How Can You Meet the Requirements to Be a PE Teacher Through Teacher Training?
You can meet the requirements by joining an approved teacher training course, learning how to teach sports and gaining real school experience. In England, most people need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in state schools. Here are the main ways to complete your training.
1. Choose a Suitable Teacher Training Course
First, choose a course that helps you become a PE teacher. You can study Physical Education, Sports Science or Sports Coaching. Also, check that your course offers a route to QTS.
2. Take a PGCE Course
If you have a degree, you should take a postgraduate certificate in education. This course helps you learn how to plan lessons, teach sports and support pupils. However, a PGCE is not always needed to gain QTS.
3. Get Real School Experience
Next, you will spend time teaching in schools. You can learn how to lead sports lessons, help children and manage a class. In England, full-time teacher training usually takes around nine months and includes placements in at least two schools.
4. Learn Important Teaching Skills
During training, you will learn how to make lesson plans, keep children safe and teach different sports. You will also learn how to help pupils of different ages and skill levels.
5. Gain Your Teaching Status
Finally, complete your training and meet the required standards to gain QTS. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own teacher training and registration rules.
What Career Opportunities Are Available After Becoming a PE Teacher?
After becoming a PE teacher in the UK, you can choose from many career paths. First, you can work in primary or secondary schools. With more experience, you can become a head of the PE department. In this role, you lead other teachers and plan sports lessons.
You can also move into school leadership. For example, you could become a deputy headteacher or headteacher. These jobs come with more duties and may offer higher pay.
Another option is to work as a sports coach. You can train school teams or help young people improve their skills. You could also work as a fitness instructor, sports development officer or school sports coordinator.
In addition, you may choose to teach PE in colleges or help train future teachers. Some PE teachers also move into sports management or youth sports programmes.
Overall, a PE teaching career offers many choices. With more skills, training and experience, you can take on new roles and grow in your career.
Do You Need a DBS Check to Work as a PE Teacher?
Yes, you usually need an enhanced DBS check to work as a PE teacher in a UK school. This check helps keep children safe. It helps schools check your criminal record and whether you can legally work with children.
A DBS check stands for Disclosure and Barring Service check. It looks at your criminal record and helps schools make safe choices when hiring staff.
As a PE teacher, you work closely with children during sports lessons, games and other activities. Therefore, schools will normally ask for an enhanced DBS check, including a Children’s Barred List check where your role involves regulated activity.
Also, you may need to complete other safety checks before you start work. If you are training to become a teacher, your training provider may arrange the check.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Become a PE Teacher?
You can become a PE teacher by completing your school studies, getting a degree, finishing teacher training and gaining the right teaching status. Then, you can apply for PE teaching jobs in schools across the UK. Here are the main steps to follow:
Complete Your GCSEs and Relevant Qualifications
First, complete your GCSEs in English and maths with at least grade 4 (C) or an equivalent level. These grades are needed for teacher training in England. Also, study subjects that help you learn about sport and fitness.
Get a Suitable University Degree
Next, get a degree in PE, sports science, sports coaching or a related subject. You can also choose a degree that includes teacher training and QTS.
Apply for a Teacher Training Course
If you already have a degree, apply for an approved teacher training course. For example, you can choose a PGCE course or school-based training.
Complete School Placements
During your training, you will teach in real schools. This helps you learn how to plan lessons, teach sports and manage a class.
Gain the Right Teaching Status
After passing your training, you can gain QTS in England. However, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own teacher registration rules.
Complete Safeguarding Checks
You must pass the required background checks, such as an enhanced DBS check in England, before working with children.
Apply for PE Teaching Jobs
Finally, look for PE teacher jobs in schools. Prepare your CV and apply for roles that match your skills and training.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a PE Teacher in the UK?Â
The cost to become a PE teacher in the UK depends on your course and student status. For UK students, a teacher training course can cost around £9,790 in tuition fees. However, international students may pay much more.
- Tuition fees: A postgraduate course, such as a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), may cost around £9,790 for UK students. For international students, fees can range from £18,600 to £30,810, depending on the university.
- Living costs: You also need money for food, rent, bills and daily travel. These costs depend on where you live and your lifestyle.
- Other costs: Books, sports clothing and travel to school placements may add to your budget.
Therefore, plan for both course fees and living costs before you apply. Also, check whether you can get financial support to help pay for your training.
Conclusion on Requirements To Be A PE Teacher
Becoming a PE teacher in the UK takes the right education, teacher training and sports skills. You usually need a degree, teaching status and a DBS check to work in a school. However, good communication, patience and teamwork are just as important.
If you want to build your skills, the Sports Psychology for Coaches course at Unified Course can help you learn how to motivate and support sports learners. So, take the next step and work towards a rewarding career in PE teaching!
FAQs
1. Are PE teachers well paid?
- Yes, PE teachers in the UK can make a competitive salary based on their experience and the sort of school where they work.
2. Can I be a PE teacher without a university degree?
- In most cases, you need a degree to become a qualified PE teacher in UK state schools. Some alternative roles may not require one.
3. What degree is best for a PE teacher?
- A university degree in a sports-related subject is worth considering.
4. How quickly can I become a PE teacher?
- It usually takes around 3–5 years, including a degree and teacher training, depending on your route.
5. What GCSEs does a PE teacher need?
- You usually need GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 or above. Some courses may also require science.
6. What is the hardest age to teach?
- It depends on the teacher. Some find early teenagers challenging because of changing behaviour and learning needs.
7. Is 40 too old to be a teacher?
- No, 40 is not too old to become a teacher. Many people start teaching as a second career.
8. How old is the youngest teacher?
- There is no single minimum age for all teachers. In the UK, people usually qualify in their early twenties after completing the required training.
