PE teacher

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a leading practitioner, supporting teaching staff, particularly those relatively new to the profession. You might also gain promotion to head of department, deputy head or headteacher.

You could use your skills and experience to move into coaching, sports development or the fitness industry.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• be able to motivate and inspire pupils of all abilities to take part and learn new skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• leadership skills
• knowledge of English language
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physical Education - PE teachers teach sport and fitness to young people, so a deep understanding of physical education is essential. They plan lessons covering a wide range of sports and physical activities, coach students of different abilities, and organise events like sports days and inter-school matches.
• Biology - PE teachers need to understand how the human body works – including muscles, bones, the cardiovascular system, and how the body responds to exercise. This knowledge helps them teach students about fitness, injury prevention, and the science behind physical performance.
• Psychology - PE teachers motivate students of all abilities and help them build confidence in physical activity. Understanding how people learn, what drives motivation, and how to support young people's mental wellbeing is a big part of getting the best out of every student.

Also relevant

• English Language - PE teachers need strong communication skills to explain techniques clearly, give feedback to students, and talk to parents about their children's progress. They also write lesson plans, reports, and assessments that need to be clear and well-structured.
• Food Preparation and Nutrition - PE teachers often advise students on the link between nutrition and physical performance. Understanding how diet affects energy levels, recovery, and overall health helps them teach students about looking after their bodies both on and off the pitch.
• Sociology - PE teachers deal with issues like inclusion, equality, and the role of sport in society. Understanding how factors like gender, social background, and culture affect participation in sport helps them create lessons where every student feels welcome and engaged.
• Mathematics - PE teachers use data to track student performance, analyse fitness test results, and measure progress over time. They also teach students how to record and interpret their own performance data as part of the PE curriculum.