Education

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a sport or physical education degree with qualified teacher status (QTS).

You can also complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), if you have a first degree without QTS. This can be done at university or on a school-based training programme.

There are more training options if you're a career changer or want to specialise in teaching certain subjects.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
• funding for teacher training |https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training
• postgraduate teacher training courses|https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses-in-england

Apprenticeship

You could get into this career through a Teacher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you have a degree.

This takes 12 months to complete and involves training while you work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
• a degree for a teaching apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• postgraduate teaching apprenticeships|https://www.ucas.com/teaching-option/postgraduate-teaching-apprenticeship

Work

If you're a PE or sports graduate, you may be able to get into teaching by working as a sports coach in a school or college, then moving onto a teacher training programme.

You'll need coaching qualifications in your specialist sport to do this.

Volunteering and work experience

You'll find it helpful to get some experience of working with young people though this is not essential. You can do this through paid work or by volunteering at a school, doing youth work or coaching at a sports club.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Career tips

You can attend teacher training events before you apply to get advice about the profession, the different training routes and funding. You can attend events in person and online.

A driving licence would be useful, as you may be expected to drive a minibus to take teams to sporting fixtures and events.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a teacher from Get Into Teaching.

You can also search for jobs through the Teaching Vacancies service.

View all vacancies in this region

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.