What Are The Top Sports Careers in UK Schools?

For many, sport is a big part of life, whether it’s playing your favorite sport, watching it on TV or in a stadium, or sharing your knowledge and love for it with those who love it too. 

With all this passion can you actually build a career out of your love for sport and do jobs exist for such a passion?

The answer is a resounding yes. Teaching and coaching sport is a fantastic career for those who are passionate about sport. Yes you are learning how to play a sport but it’s also very rewarding in that it builds people’s self-confidence, helps people achieve their goals, and learn how to work as a team. 

This is why many go to coaching and teaching sport in schools as it’s an incredible way to share the love of sport and see everyone achieve. 

To teach and coach in schools let’s look a little more in what sports coaching and teaching jobs are available in UK schools, and what to do to get there?

Teaching Assistant with a Sports Specialism

If you want to get your foot in the door to coach and teach sport, a great entry-level point is to become a Teaching Assistant with a Sports Specialism. You don’t need a lot of experience or qualifications to start. You just need enthusiasm, motivation and the willingness to learn.

You will find this role is often based in UK Schools. It will involve setting up sport lessons, preparing equipment, making sure health and safety guidelines are being upheld, and supporting and encouraging students taking part in the activity. 

A Teaching Assistant with a Sports Specialism will mean you could work with children at any age, coming from diverse backgrounds and different abilities, so it’s very important  you are able to adapt and enjoy working with people. If you love working with people and helping them, this could be perfect for you to start your career. 

Another essential skill needed for this role is strong communication and you will need this to be successful in your career. This is because you’ll be interacting with children, your work colleagues and mentors on a daily basis. To clearly communicate instructions and be able to engage will make a massive difference in your effectiveness when teaching or coaching.

Being a Teaching Assistant with a Sports Specialismcan mean doors open for you in your career in sports and that includes teaching and coaching. To move forward in the field, gaining a professional qualification through an accredited course can be a great step. This not only provides valuable experience but also equips you with the skill needed to run your own sports sessions confidently. 

Options for gaining a qualifications in this field is the 1st4sport Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sports or the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Sport. These courses take around 12-28 months to complete, learning as you work within a school, allowing you to gain hands-on experience while you learn.

Through the course, you’ll develop key skills such as:

• Communicating effectively in a sports setting
• Mentoring and guiding others
• Planning, delivering and evaluating sport programs
• Organising community-based sports activities
• Supporting community-based sports activities
• Supporting learners of all abilities
• Understanding safeguarding and ensuring a safe environment for participants

The NVQ Level 3 Diploma is a qualification that can help you build a strong foundation for a career in sports education and coaching in a career in UK Schools.

Sports Coach

Another highly rewarding job in UK School is a sport coach. In this role, you’’ inspire students of all ages and abilities to engage in sports, helping them discover the potential and help them develop a love for physical activity. 

As a coach, you’ll be supporting young people to improve their skills, recognise their strength and help them improve and enjoy the benefits of regular exercise.

Furthermore, a sports coach can build confidence, promote overall wellbeing and encourage positive attitudes toward health and fitness. 

A sports coach in a UK School is a very meaningful and rewarding career. It give you the opportunity to share your love for sports with children, help them develop in their skills, and spot any promising talent.  Regardless of ability, you’ll be a key role in supporting and encouraging young people so they can improve and grow. 

This role is more than coaching- it leaves a lasting impact on young people’s lives. The inspiration a sports coach has can spark confidence, promote teamwork and contribute to the physical and personal development of the children you work with, making it a truly fulfilling and influential job. 

How to become a sports coach? To become a sports coach there are several paths you could take. You could start as a sports assistant, gaining experience on the job or you can complete a formal qualification like NVQ Level 3 Diploma. Another option is to progress through coaching certifications, which provide structured training and recognition for your skills. 

• Level 1 Assistant Coaching- This is your starting point in coaching. You can start out at the age of 14, providing an introduction to the basis. 
• Level 2 Certificate in Assistant Coaching- This focuses on planning, delivering and reviewing sports sessions, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their coaching abilities and gain formal recognition. 
• Level 3 Certificate in Assistant Coaching- Designed for those aspiring to become head coaches, this certification prepares individuals to lead thor own programs and take on more responsibility. 

No matter which route you choose, working as a sports coach in a school is a rewarding and impactful career that allows you to inspire young people and share your passion for sports.

P.E Teacher

P.E Teacher

One of the most well-known sports related careers in UK Schools is a P.E teacher. However, this is also one of the more challenging roles to achieve, as it requires obtaining a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

To achieve a QTS in the UK, you must complete either

1. A teaching focused undergraduate degree

or 

2. A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) if you already hold a degree in another subject.

Once you obtain a QTS, you’ll be qualified to teach in any school across the UK. As a P.E teacher, your responsibilities will include.

• Planning and delivering lessons tailored to different abilities.
• Assessing students’ performance and providing constructive feedback.
• Keeping record of student progress.
• Managing behaviour both in individual and group settings.
• Liaising with students, parents and colleagues to support learning and development.
• Organising extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs and sporting competitions.

This is just a snapshot of the role, as being a P.E teacher involves a wide range of responsibilities beyond teaching in the classroom. 

If you are interested in becoming a P.E teacher, there are other routes you can take other than having to go to University. There is the option of training whilst working at school with Teach First and Now Teach, though they do require you to have an undergraduate degree before you can enroll.

Another option is obtaining Qualified Teacher Learning and Skill Status (QTLS), a recognised professional status for teaching in further education and some schools. However, QTLS is not a formal qualification like QTS.

To achieve QTLS, you’ll need to complete a Level 5 Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Qualification. The most common courses are:

• Diplomas in Education and Training (DET)
• Level 5 Certificate in Further Education Training.

If your goal is to become a P.E Teacher in a UK School, QTS is the most straightforward and widely accepted route. However, if you’re more interested in teaching in further education settings, then QTLS may be a suitable alternative.

A Rewarding Career

Whichever path you choose, teaching P.E can be a rewarding career, giving you the opportunity to inspire, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage a lifelong love for sport. 

Pursuing a career in sports within a UK School offers a variety of rewarding opportunities, whether as a sport assistant, coach, or P.E teacher, each role plays a crucial part in inspiring young people, promoting physical activity, and fostering important life skills.

If you’re passionate about sports and enjoy working with children, there are multiple pathways to turn that passion into a fulfilling career. Whether you gain experience on the job, complete relevant qualifications, or take the university route, there’s a way forward that suits your goals.

No matter which path you choose, working in school sports is not just about teaching physical skills- it’s about building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and making a lasting impact on students’ health and well-being.