What does a PE Teacher do?
A PE Teacher commonly works in a secondary school or college, where they are responsible for teaching physical education lessons, organising school sporting events and running school sports teams. PE Teachers organise both practical and theoretical PE lessons, based on the UK’s teaching curriculum. PE Teachers teach sports such as football, rugby, tennis and netball, while also teaching nutrition and health-related topics in the classroom. In secondary schools, PE Teachers teach students to GCSE and A-level, while in colleges, PE Teachers help students towards their diplomas.
PE Teacher skills and qualifications
A successful PE Teachers will have various prerequisite skills and teaching qualifications and a passion for sports. They have expert knowledge of a wide variety of sports, sporting tactics and physical training programmes. PE Teachers also need to enjoy working with students and have excellent organisation, communication and teaching skills. Their main skills and qualifications include:
- Up-to-date knowledge of the UK PE curriculum
- Knowledge of PE examination processes and requirements for GCSE and A-level
- Knowledge of physical exercises, stretching, nutrition and sports recovery
- Knowledge of different rules and regulations for sports, including athletics and team sports
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Ability to pass an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to work with children
- Basic knowledge of first aid and recognised first-aid certificate
- A full UK driving license
PE Teacher experience requirements
PE Teachers need at least one year of experience working as a Newly Qualified Teacher to be accepted in the role. They also require extensive sporting experience, alongside experience working with children. Employers can look for candidates with coaching experience at a local football or rugby club, or those who have volunteered at a local sports development charity. Senior PE Teachers or heads of department require a minimum of three years of experience teaching PE in secondary schools.
PE Teacher education and training requirements
PE Teachers need to meet stringent education requirements for teacher training courses. They need at least 5 GCSEs, including GCSEs in English, maths and PE, and hold three A-levels, including one in PE. Most employers expect them to complete a degree course in sports science or physical education. Employers also require candidates to complete a postgraduate teacher training course, which leads to gaining Qualified Teacher Status.
PE Teacher salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a PE Teacher in the UK is £137 per day. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
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