Teacher - Secondary School - Physical Education
Inspire and motivate young people to learn about sport, fitness and health. Physical education teachers help learners build the knowledge and skills needed for sporting success.
Also known as: PE teacher

About the job
A day in the life – PE teacher
What it's like
Have you got what it takes to help young people achieve sporting success? As a physical education (PE) teacher, you'll inspire learners to study sport, fitness and health.
You'll help young people build the skills and knowledge they need to have a positive life when they leave school. Working in a state or independent school, you could teach students who are between 11 and 18 years old. Some PE teachers are based in a college or learning centre.
PE teachers work with students of all abilities! You'll prepare young people to take National Qualifications and Highers in your subject.
You'll encourage pupils to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing. It's your job to help them understand why and how to keep themselves fit and healthy.
As a PE teacher, you'll teach a range of different sports and activities – you may even coach a school team in competitions! You’ll make sure your pupils exercise safely and understand how the human body works.
You'll inspire students to take pride in their achievements, both in and beyond the classroom. It's your job to help them build good relationships with other students and teachers, playing a positive part in school life and the local community.
Sometimes, you'll deal with challenging behaviour! It can be difficult to get some teenagers to take part in activities. So, you'll need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.
You'll occasionally attend meetings and training courses. PE teachers work closely with colleagues to plan school timetables. Occasionally, you'll collaborate with other professionals, such as educational psychologists and social workers.
Your tasks might include:
preparing lessons and teaching materials
assessing students’ progress and marking their work
setting homework and marking it once the students submit it
managing behaviour in the classroom, sports field and gym hall
discussing students' progress with parents, carers and other education professionals
organising sporting events and matches with other schools and colleges
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Teach in Scotland – find out everything you need to know about working as a PE teacher
The General Teaching Council for Scotland – explore the independent regulator for teachers
Education Scotland – check out curriculum information, advice and resources for teachers across the country
Disclosure Scotland – learn about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Teacher - Secondary School - Physical Education'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
-
Teacher - Secondary School -
Teacher - Secondary School - Gaelic -
Teacher - Secondary school - Computing -
Teacher - Secondary school - Design and technology -
Teacher - Secondary School - English -
Teacher - Secondary School - Biology -
Teacher - Secondary School - Geography -
Teacher - Secondary School - History -
Teacher - Secondary School - Religious Education -
Teacher - Secondary School - Home Economics -
Teacher - Secondary School - Art and Design -
Teacher - Secondary School - Mathematics -
Teacher - Secondary School - Chemistry -
Teacher - Secondary School - Physics -
Teacher - Secondary School - Business Studies -
Teacher - Secondary School - Music -
Teacher - Secondary School - Modern Studies -
Teacher - Secondary School - Modern Languages -
Teacher - Secondary School - Drama
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
-
Education
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- mentoring
- coaching
- ethical
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- written communication
- verbal communication
- supporting

Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
-
Care
-
Childcare and Development
-
English and Communication
-
PE (Physical education)
-
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
You'll need a degree to become a PE teacher in Scotland.
University
There are two routes you can take at university to become a PE teacher.
Route 1: an MA with Honours in Physical Education. This course was specifically created for people who want to become PE teachers.
Route 2: a sports-related degree, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Secondary Physical Education.
This is a very popular way to get into this career. Your PGDE lasts for one year and includes work placements.
Use the My World of Work course search to find opportunities.
College
Not got the grades you need to go to university? Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Sport and Exercise Science
Sports Coaching and Development
Fitness, Health and Exercise
Physical Activity and Health
Extracurricular sports-based qualifications, such as a Sports Leaders UK Award, can be useful.
All teachers must be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
You should have basic competence in some traditional sports plus games, dance, gymnastics and swimming.
Most universities look for applicants who have experience of coaching or mentoring children in a sports or outdoor activity role. Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain this experience – search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Teacher - Secondary School - Physical Education'
