How To Become a PE Teacher in the UK: Qualifications and Steps

Passionate about inspiring the next generation through Physical Education (PE)? Being a PE teacher in the UK is one of the most rewarding careers, allowing you to combine both your love for sport and teaching it. But what qualifications do PE teachers need to be able to teach sport in the UK? The journey involves obtaining the right qualifications, completing teacher training, and gaining practical experience to ensure you are well prepared to teach in primary or secondary schools.

Education Requirements

Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Physical Education, Sports of Science or another subject with a strong focus on Sports. There is also the alternative to gain a degree in Education with the specialisation on sport is acceptable.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): In England most primary, secondary, and special schools would require a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You can achieve QTS through undergraduate or postgraduate teacher training, with the option to study part time for 24 months or full time which takes 9 months. It requires you to have at least 120 days of experience at a school. The course gives theoretical and practical learning. Once QTS has been achieved, you can teach in most schools in England.

The benefits of QTS are lower course fees, fewer assignments and shorter training period.

Postgraduate Initial Teacher Training (ITT): ITT is the process of training to  become a teacher, and is necessary as it gives you skills and knowledge to teach in a school. For example how to do lesson plans, manage classrooms and help children learn. Anyone who wants to teach is required to have this.

 If you already have an undergraduate degree, you’ll need to complete an ITT so you can achieve a QTS.

Routes for ITT:

• University-Led ITT: A traditional route involving study, and placements at schools.
• School-Led Training: This is a more practical approach, that gives hands-on experience and training in a school environment.
• Apprenticeships: You can earn while you learn, by working in a school, while you complete your teacher training.

Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) : A PGCE is an option offered to postgraduates. In order to obtain a PGCE you must have QTS. A PGCE does not qualify you to become a teacher and you don’t need it to become one. Developing a PGCE can help better your understanding of teaching practices, research, and theory. Usually completed through various pathways such as school-led programs, university-led courses, or apprenticeships. Both full-time and part-time options are available, allowing flexibility based on individual needs. It can also benefit you if you want to teach abroad as it is widely recognised, but you should check the local requirements. 

Benefits of a PGCE:

• Provides up to 60 credits to a full masters degree. Usually requires 180 credits.
• Offers options to specialise in primary, secondary, or further education.
• Includes a mix of school placements and academic study, available in full-time, part-time, or apprenticeship formats.

When choosing a PGCE course, you’ll need to determine whether you wish to train to teach at primary or secondary level.

To enroll in a post graduate teacher training program, you generally need an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, the following  GCSE’s (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above are required:

• English
• Maths
• Science (needed for primary level)

Courses for training in teaching are QTS only, PGCE only, or QTS with PGCE. Most who are training to become teachers usually go for QTS with PGCE. But a PGCE is not necessary to teach, you can teach with QTS only. Most who choose to teach go for QTS with PGCE. 

School-Led Teacher Training Programs

Some training programs take a school-based approach, offering immersive, hands-on experience. As a trainee, you’ll work within school settings, often splitting your time between two different schools to develop a well-rounded understanding of teaching.

These programs are highly beneficial, as they allow you to build up significant teaching experience before becoming a qualified PE teacher. Many of these courses offer the equivalent of a postgraduate qualification and typically last around one year.

Funding and Costs

Some training programs cover tuition fees, and there are even salaried options where you can earn while you train. Most School Direct training programs include a PGCE qualification, although not all do. If your program does not include a PGCE, your learning will focus more on practical, school-based training. In some cases, trainees may need to pay PGCE fees separately if it is part of their specific training route.

These courses are available for both primary and secondary education and are often run by individual schools or school partnerships.

Entry Requirements

While School Direct and similar programs can be an excellent way to gain QTS, they generally require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree from a UK higher education provider (or an equivalent qualification). Additionally, applicants must have:

• A minimum Grade C/4 or above in GCSE Maths and English
• If teaching students aged 3-11, a Grade C/4 or above in GCSE Science

If you’re looking for a route that avoids university entirely, this may not be the most suitable option.

Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) Route

QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status) is a professional qualification designed for individuals teaching, usually in the ages 14+ education sector. Although it is not the same as QTS, it is legally recognised as equivalent, meaning QTLS holders can teach in schools under the same terms as teachers with QTS.

QTLS Eligibility Criteria

The Society for Education and Training (SET) has established rigorous criteria to ensure QTLS holders meet high professional standards. To apply, you must:

• Be an active member of the Society for Education and Training (SET)
• Hold an eligible Level 5 or higher teaching qualification in Further Education (FE) and Training
• Have at least a Level 2 qualification in Maths and English
• Hold a Level 3 or higher subject-specific qualification in the subject you plan to teach
• Be teaching a minimum of 10 hours per week to post-14 learners in an FE or training setting
• Have a suitable supporter to guide your professional development

Although the criteria are thorough, obtaining QTLS can be an excellent alternative to university for those looking to gain professional status in teaching. Since April 2012, the government has recognised QTLS holders as having the same professional standing as QTS holders.

This means that if you hold QTLS and are a SET member, you can teach across all subjects and receive equal pay and conditions

1st4Sport NVQ Level 3 Diploma- A Hands-On Route to Teaching PE

Another excellent alternative to university is the 1st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport.

Who Is This Course For?

If you’re aged 16-24 and have a passion for sport and working with young people, this qualification provides a direct pathway into PE teaching, coaching, and school sports leadership roles.

One of the key advantages of this course is that no prior qualifications are required to enroll, making it an accessible option for many. It is also a fast-track route, taking just 12 months to complete.

Career Opportunities

Upon completing the 1st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma, you can step directly into roles such as:

• PE Lead
• PE Coordinator
• Sports Coach
• School Sports Professional

This qualification is recognised as the industry standard for Senior Children’s Activity Professionals and is endorsed by The Compass Association and CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).

Industry Recognition and Future Prospects

The Association for Physical Education (afPE) has stated that by 2015, all coaches working in or for schools should be qualified to a Level 2 NGB Award and be working towards a Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Supporting the Delivery of PE and School Sport or an equivalent qualification. This highlights the importance of having recognised qualifications when pursuing a career in PE teaching.

With the 1st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma, you can start working in primary or secondary schools, coaching clubs, or private PE programs, gaining valuable real-world experience immediately.

Flexible Learning and Support

When you enroll in the 1st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma, you’ll have access to a tutor who will check in with you regularly to ensure you’re progressing and staying on track. The program includes an online learning portal, where all course content is readily available.

Additionally, you’ll have access to:

• Tutor email support
• A booking system for one-on-one calls to discuss any concerns
• The ability to complete the course at your own pace

Affordable and Accessible

This qualification is designed to be financially accessible, with affordable payment plans available. In some cases, funding may be available to cover part or all of the course fees. It’s quick and easy to find out if you qualify simply apply online and receive an eligibility assessment.

The Best Route for You

If attending university isn’t the right choice for you, there are still plenty of alternative routes to becoming a PE teacher. Whether through school-led training, QTLS, or the 1st4sport NVQ Level 3 Diploma, these pathways allow you to gain hands-on experience, earn qualifications, and build a successful career in sports education.

Each route has its own benefits and entry requirements, so consider which option best suits your goals, learning style, and circumstances. With determination and the right training, you can achieve your dream of becoming a PE teacher without a university degree.