PE Teacher Job Description: Duties, Skills and Qualifications Explained

A PE teacher job description explains the main duties and skills needed to teach physical education in schools. A PE teacher plans and leads sports and fitness lessons. They help students stay active, build sports skills and learn teamwork. They also organise school sports teams, check students’ progress and mark their work. In addition, PE teachers make sure students follow safety rules during activities. Some also run after-school clubs, attend sports events and support students outside the classroom. If you want to understand this role, it helps to know what a PE teacher does each day. 

This guide covers the main responsibilities, skills and qualifications needed for the job. 

What Is a PE Teacher Job Description?

A PE teacher job description explains the main role and duties of a physical education teacher. It covers what they do to help students enjoy sports, stay active and build healthy habits. PE teachers work in schools and colleges. They plan and teach practical sports lessons, as well as some classroom topics. For example, they may teach football, rugby, tennis and netball. They also help students improve their skills, learn teamwork and gain confidence. Some PE teachers teach topics such as health, nutrition and fitness. Their aim is to make exercise enjoyable and help young people understand why staying active matters.

What Does a PE Teacher Do?

A PE teacher helps students enjoy sports, stay active and keep healthy. Their main duties include:

• Planning fun sports and fitness lessons for students.
• Teaching students how to play different sports.
• Explaining sports rules and showing the right skills.
• Helping students learn teamwork and fair play.
• Motivating students to take part in new sports. 
• Helping students improve their fitness and build confidence.
• Teaching students about health, exercise and the human body.
• Teaching GCSE and A-level PE in some secondary schools.
• Checking students’ skills and progress during lessons.

Their main aim is to make exercise fun and help students build healthy habits.

What Are the Main Duties and Responsibilities of a PE Teacher?

A PE teacher has many duties inside and outside the classroom. Their main aim is to help students enjoy sports, stay fit and learn new skills. Here are some of their key duties.

Plan and deliver PE lessons

PE teachers plan fun lessons for students of different ages and skill levels. They teach sports and simple classroom topics. Each lesson should help students learn new skills and enjoy exercise.

Supervise indoor and outdoor sports activities

They lead sports lessons in school halls, playgrounds and sports fields. Students learn how to play different sports and follow the rules. Teachers also watch them to keep everyone safe.

Promote fitness and healthy habits

Regular exercise helps children stay fit and healthy. So, PE teachers encourage students to stay active and eat healthy food. They also teach them how to care for their bodies and stay healthy.

Assess students’ performance and progress

Checking progress is another important duty. Teachers watch students play, check their skills and give helpful advice. They also prepare reports and share updates with parents.

Coach school sports teams

Many PE teachers train students for school games and matches. They help students improve their skills and play as a team. They also cheer them on and help them do their best. 

Organise school sports events

Sports days and tournaments give students a chance to enjoy sports outside lessons. PE teachers plan these events and arrange activities. They may also help students prepare for local competitions.

Attend parents’ evenings and meetings

Meeting parents helps teachers talk about each child’s progress. They share what the child does well and where they need help. They also work with other teachers to give each student the right support. 

Keep students safe during PE lessons

Safety always comes first during sports activities. PE teachers check equipment and playing areas before lessons. They also explain safety rules and watch students closely. If an accident happens, they give first aid or ask for help.

What Are the Main Duties and Responsibilities of a PE Teacher?

A PE teacher has many duties inside and outside the classroom. Their main aim is to help students enjoy sports, stay fit and learn new skills. Here are some of their key duties.

• Plan and teach PE lessons: Plan fun lessons for students of different ages and skill levels. Teach sports, games and basic fitness activities.
• Lead indoor and outdoor activities: Teach students how to play different sports. Explain the rules and make sure everyone stays safe.
• Promote fitness and healthy habits: Encourage students to exercise and stay active. Teach them about fitness, health and healthy food.
• Check students’ progress: Watch students during lessons and check their skills. Give helpful advice and prepare progress reports.
• Coach school sports teams: Train students for school matches and competitions. Help them improve their skills and work as a team.
• Organise sports events: Plan sports days, tournaments and other school activities. Help students prepare for local competitions.
• Attend parents’ evenings and meetings: Talk to parents about their child’s progress. Share updates and discuss areas where students need help.
• Keep students safe: Check sports equipment and playing areas before lessons. Explain safety rules and watch students during activities. Give first aid or ask for help if someone gets hurt.

These duties help PE teachers make sports fun, safe and useful for every student.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a PE Teacher?

Do you want to become a PE teacher in England? You need some school qualifications, a university degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, your degree does not always have to be in PE. First, you need at least grade 4 (C) in GCSE English and maths. If you want to teach PE in a primary school, you also need GCSE science. A-levels in PE, sports or science can also help you learn more about the subject. However, other subjects may meet the entry rules for your chosen course.

Next, you usually need a university degree to train as a PE teacher. A degree in PE, sports science or sports coaching can help. However, you can also apply with a degree in another subject. To teach in most state schools in England, you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You can gain QTS through an approved teacher training course. Schools also require an enhanced DBS check when working with children. This helps keep children safe.

Sports experience can also help your application. For example, you could coach a sports team, help at a school club or work with young people. These activities can help you build useful skills and gain confidence. Before choosing a course, check its entry rules. For more advice, visit Get Into Teaching or the National Careers Service.

What Experience Does a PE Teacher Need?

You do not always need teaching experience to become a PE teacher. However, working with children and young people can help you get started. It teaches you how to guide students, explain activities and manage a group. You also learn how to support students with different needs and skills.

Sports coaching can give you useful experience too. For example, you could coach a football team or help at a school sports club. Volunteering at a youth club is another good way to learn. You can help plan games, lead activities and encourage young people to take part. Joining a local sports club can also help. You can learn more about sports rules, teamwork and training. Plus, you get a chance to see how coaches help players improve their skills. This experience can also build your confidence.

If you want to become a senior PE teacher or lead a school department, you may need more experience. You should know how to plan lessons, guide other teachers and organise sports events. Good leadership and communication skills can also help you take on these extra duties.

Where Does a PE Teacher Work?

PE teachers can work in different schools and colleges across the UK. However, their daily work may change depending on the age and needs of their students.

• Primary schools: PE teachers work with young children. They use simple games and fun activities to teach basic sports skills. Their lessons help children enjoy exercise, build confidence and learn teamwork.
• Secondary schools: Teachers work with teenagers and teach sports, games and fitness activities. Some also teach GCSE and A-level PE. They help students improve their skills and learn about health and fitness.
• Sixth-form colleges: These colleges teach students aged 16 to 18. PE teachers may teach A-level PE and other sports subjects. They help students learn about exercise, sports performance and the human body.
• Further education colleges: These colleges offer courses for students aged 16 and above. PE teachers may teach sports, fitness, coaching and other related subjects. They also help students prepare for jobs or further study.
• Independent and specialist sports schools: Independent schools run outside the state school system. Specialist sports schools focus more on sports and training. PE teachers may lead lessons, coach teams and help students improve their skills. Some also support students who want to take part in sports competitions.

How Much Does a PE Teacher Earn in the UK?

A PE teacher’s salary depends on their experience and where they work. It does not usually depend on the subject they teach. So, PE teachers earn similar salaries to other teachers. In England, a new qualified PE teacher can earn at least £34,069 a year. With more experience, they can earn more. Teachers in London may also earn higher salaries.

PE Teacher Salary in England

The table below shows teacher pay in England for 2026/27.

Most state schools follow these pay scales. However, some academies and private schools may set their own pay rates.

How Does Experience Affect a PE Teacher’s Salary?

PE teachers can earn more as they gain experience. A new teacher usually starts at the M1 level. This is the first step on the main pay scale. As they gain experience, they may move up the scale. For example, an experienced teacher can earn up to £46,940 at the top of the main pay scale. Some teachers can then move to the upper pay scale. This can raise their salary to £52,835 outside London.

In Scotland, a qualified secondary school teacher starts at £43,383 after their probation year. With more experience, their salary can rise to £54,453. However, teacher salaries and pay rules can vary across the UK. So, check the latest rates before applying for a job. You can find more details on the Get Into Teaching website

What Career Opportunities Are Available for PE Teachers?

PE teachers can move into different jobs as they gain skills and experience. Some may lead a school PE team, while others may coach sports or teach at a college. Here are some career options they can explore.

Head of Physical Education

A Head of Physical Education leads the PE team in a school. This role includes planning sports lessons and guiding other PE teachers. They also arrange sports events and check that lessons meet students’ needs.

PE Department Leader

A PE department leader looks after the school’s PE team. They help other teachers plan lessons and improve their work. The role may also include looking after sports equipment and planning school activities.

School Sports Coordinator

This job involves planning sports activities for students. A school sports coordinator arranges sports days, matches and after-school clubs. They also help students find new ways to enjoy sports.

Sports Development Officer

A sports development officer helps more people take part in sports. They may work with schools, sports clubs and local groups. Their main aim is to make sports easy for everyone to enjoy.

Physical Education Lecturer

A PE lecturer teaches sports and PE subjects at a college or university. Their lessons may cover fitness, coaching and sports science. They also help students prepare for jobs in sports.

Sports Coach

Sports coaches train people in a chosen sport. They teach new skills, explain the rules and help players improve. Some work with school teams, while others coach at local clubs.

What Makes a Good PE Teacher?

A good PE teacher needs more than sports skills. They should enjoy teaching and helping young people. Most importantly, they must make every student feel welcome and included. First, a good PE teacher should love sports and enjoy teaching. Their passion can make lessons more fun. When teachers show real interest, students may feel excited to join in.

Encouraging students is also important. Some may feel shy or struggle with a sport. A kind word or a little praise can help them try again. This can also build their confidence. Patience is another key quality. Every student learns at a different speed. So, teachers should give everyone time to improve. They must also stay calm and treat students with kindness.

Above all, every student should get a chance to take part. Good PE teachers plan activities for students with different skills and needs. This helps everyone feel welcome and enjoy the lesson. Teamwork is another lesson that PE teachers can share. Through sports, students learn to help each other and work together. As a result, they can build friendships and feel more confident.

Final Thoughts

A PE teacher job description includes more than teaching sports. PE teachers help students stay fit, learn new skills and work as a team. They also help young people feel confident and enjoy exercise. If you love sports and enjoy working with children, this job may suit you. With the right training and experience, you can build a good career in this field. You can also move into other sports jobs as you grow.

FAQs

1. What are the responsibilities of a physical education teacher?

A PE teacher plans and teaches sports lessons. They help students stay fit, learn new skills and work as a team. They also check students’ progress, coach school teams and keep everyone safe.

2. Are PE teachers well paid?

PE teachers earn similar salaries to other teachers. Their pay depends on their experience, location and school.

3. Can i be a PE teacher without a university degree?

In most cases, you need a university degree to become a qualified PE teacher in England. However, you can work in other sports jobs without a degree.

4. What qualities make a good PE teacher?

A good PE teacher should be patient, friendly and confident. They should enjoy sports, explain things clearly and encourage every student.

5. What are the duties of a PE teacher?

PE teachers plan lessons, teach sports and explain game rules. They also check students’ skills, coach teams and teach healthy habits.

6. What are the 7 responsibilities of a teacher?

A teacher’s main duties include planning lessons, teaching students, checking progress, managing behaviour, helping students, keeping them safe and talking to parents.

7. Is being a PE teacher a fun job?

Yes, it can be fun if you enjoy sports and working with young people. You get to teach different activities and help students stay active. However, the job also needs hard work and patience.