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How to become a physical education (PE) teacher
PE teachers work in schools with young people, teaching, training and encouraging them to develop their physical skills.
What is a PE teacher?
PE teachers work in schools with young people, teaching, training and encouraging them to develop their physical skills.
How do I become a PE teacher?
To become a PE teacher, you’ll need a degree in Physical Education, or a sports related degree followed by a postgraduate teaching qualification.
Your route into teaching PE could be:
- Studying a related degree such as BA Physical Education or BA Sports Coaching, followed by a postgraduate teaching certificate – a PGCE either at primary or secondary level, or a Schools Direct course.
Or
- Completing a BEd in Physical Education
What would I do as a PE teacher?
As a PE teacher you’ll be planning, teaching and training, encouraging students to discover their own love of sport and develop their skills.
You won’t only find yourself working with the most athletically gifted individuals, you’ll be promoting the benefits of physical exercise for the health and wellbeing of all students.
Typically, your responsibilities will include:
- Planning and delivering PE classes and training sessions
- Assessing students’ sporting abilities and physical skills
- Developing appropriate and inclusive activities
- Coaching teams and individuals
- Organising and attending sporting fixtures and after school clubs
- Keeping up with new initiatives and policies and maximising the benefits for students
- Following and recording students’ progress on the playing field
- Developing the role of sport in the school’s profile
- Attending parents’ evenings
Becoming a PE teacher could be for you if...
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You're always up for a game
From football and rugby, to hurdling and high jump, there isn’t a sport you’re not interested in.
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You’re the captain
You’re great at organising and motivating teams and individuals.
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You see the potential
You have the ability to nurture talent and the patience to help every student discover their strengths.
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You love to see success
There’s a great satisfaction in seeing your students grow and achieve sporting success.
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You have a bigger goal
You’re an advocate for physical exercise in supporting health and wellbeing for all.
What are the typical working hours for a PE teacher?
The school day usually runs from 08:30 until 15:30 or 16:00. Most teachers arrive before the school day starts and stay behind after school is finished.
Teachers are allowed a minimum of 10% of timetabled teaching time for planning, preparation and assessment (PPA). You'll often spend time at home preparing lessons and reports.
Teachers are required to work in school for 39 weeks of the year, but you may also work during the 13 weeks' holiday, planning and preparing.
New teachers in England start on £25,714 rising in stages to £36,961. Teachers working in or near London earn a little more.
Academies, free schools and independent schools decide their own levels of pay.
