--- title: "Advice on different ways into PE teaching " url: https://thepehub.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-pe-teacher/ description: "Learn how to become a PE teacher in England. Explore the qualifications, training routes, and skills needed, plus what to expect from the role. " --- # How to Become a PE Teacher 1 September 2025 · [Advice](https://thepehub.co.uk/blog/categories/advice/) ## **How to Become a PE Teacher** If you’re passionate about sports and physical activity and love working with young people, you might be wondering how you can turn that passion into a job. One way you can do this is through teaching PE in a school. Physical Education is vital to the school curriculum, helping children develop physical skills and resilience and become lifelong participants in physical activity. So, how do you become a PE teacher**,** and what does the role really involve? ### **How to Become a PE Teacher in England** There are different pathways to becoming a PE teacher in England, but all involve gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is a legal requirement for teaching in state schools. There are different routes to achieving QTS in England: - **University-led PGCE**: A one-year full-time course combining academic study with school placements. [Click here](https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/train-to-be-a-teacher/what-is-a-pgce) for more information on PGCEs. - **School Direct or SCITT** (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training): Train directly in a school, usually with a linked university. For more information on School Direct training, [click here](https://www.ucas.com/teaching-option/school-direct-salaried). - **Undergraduate routes**: Some universities offer 3- or 4-year BA/BSc degrees with QTS built in. [Click here](https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/how-to-become-a-teacher-undergraduate-routes) for more information about undergraduate teacher training. - **Apprenticeship route**: The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship is a paid, school-based route to QTS. For more information on apprenticeships, [click here](https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/teacher-degree-apprenticeships-how-they-work-and-when-to-apply/). ### **What Are the Physical Education Teacher Requirements Beyond Qualifications?** In addition to the official PE teacher qualifications, people who want to work in education will need a clear DBS certificate. This is a background check to ensure that they are suitable for an educational setting. Teachers also need a strong knowledge of a wide range of physical activities, excellent communication and organisation skills, and a genuine passion for helping young people enjoy physical activity. ###  **What to Expect in the Job** Being a PE teacher is an incredibly varied and rewarding role. No two days are ever the same, which makes it hard to explain exactly what to expect as a PE teacher. However, most teachers’ day-to-day responsibilities include: - Delivering structured PE lessons to meet the curriculum requirements - Teaching a range of activities, including dance, gymnastics, athletics, games, and swimming - Assessing pupils' progress in their PE - Running after-school clubs, sports fixtures and school teams - Managing equipment, maintaining safety standards and promoting active lifestyles - Contributing to whole-school wellbeing PE teachers can take on roles such as: - PE subject leader or head of department - Pastoral or leadership roles (e.g. head of year) - Specialist roles in SEND, outdoor education, or health and wellbeing - Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) positions for additional duties ###  **Want Support with PE Planning?** Whether you’re already teaching or just starting your journey, The PE Hub provides high-quality resources, curriculum maps and assessments to support effective PE delivery in primary schools. ## Want to take a look? Jump into our free content We have a wide selection of lesson plans and teaching resources that are free for you to use. [Explore Free Content](https://thepehub.co.uk/free-content/units/)