Average Wage for a PE Teacher: UK Salary and Career Guide

A PE teacher does more than teach sports; they help children build healthy habits and stay active. But how much can you earn in this rewarding career? The average wage for a PE teacher in the UK depends on experience, location, and school type. New teachers may start on a lower salary. However, their pay can rise as they gain skills and take on more duties.

There is also a strong need to help children stay active. Sport England found that only 47.8% of children in England met the daily activity target. This shows why PE teachers play an important role in schools. 

In this guide, we explain PE teacher salaries, pay scales and extra benefits. We also look at the qualifications you need and ways to grow your career.

What is the Meaning of PE Teacher?

A PE teacher is a physical education teacher. They teach children about sports, exercise and fitness at school. They help pupils stay active and build healthy habits.

PE teachers plan lessons and teach sports such as football, cricket, basketball and swimming. They also show pupils how to work as a team and play safely. Moreover, they help children build skills, confidence and fitness.

PE teachers work in primary schools, secondary schools and colleges. They also check pupils' progress and plan sports events. Their main aim is to make exercise fun and help every child enjoy being active.

What Is the Average Wage for a PE Teacher in the UK?

PE teachers in the UK usually earn between £34,000 and £53,000 a year. However, their pay depends on experience, location and school type. New teachers often start at the lower end. As they obtain additional abilities and experience, their income can rise.

Full-time teachers receive their full yearly salary, while part-time teachers are paid less depending on how many hours they work. However, the amount you earn is not always the amount you take home. Your salary before tax and National Insurance is called gross pay. The money left after these costs are taken away is your take-home pay.

How Does the Average Wage for a PE Teacher Compare Across UK Regions? 

The average wage for a PE teacher varies across the UK. London teachers usually earn more than teachers in other regions. This is mainly due to higher living costs and extra pay for working in London. However, salaries also depend on experience and the school's pay rules.

London Pay Allowances

Schools in England use different pay scales for London and nearby areas. The starting salaries for qualified teachers are:

1. Inner London: £41,729 per year.
2. Outer London: £39,196 per year.
3. London Fringe: £35,602 per year.
4. Rest of England: £34,069 per year.

Experienced teachers can earn up to £64,684 in Inner London. In comparison, the top rate outside London is £52,835.

PE Teacher Salaries in Major UK Cities

Pay also differs across the four UK nations.

1. London: £41,729 starting salary.
2. Birmingham: £34,069 starting salary.
3. Edinburgh: £43,383 starting salary for fully registered teachers.
4. Cardiff: Around £34,912 starting salary.

These figures follow the relevant regional or national teacher pay scales.

Pay in Rural Areas

Rural schools in Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands do not always pay less. For example, qualified teachers in most of England start at £34,069. In Scotland, fully registered teachers start at £43,383. Remote schools may also offer extra support to attract staff.

Cost of Living and Salary Value

A higher salary does not always mean more money to spend. For example, an Inner London teacher may earn £41,729, while a teacher elsewhere in England starts at £34,069. However, London rent and travel costs can use up more of that extra pay. Therefore, compare local living costs before choosing where to work.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a PE Teacher in the UK? 

To become a PE teacher in the UK, you usually need a degree, teacher training and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You also need good English, maths and sports knowledge. However, the exact rules can differ across the UK.

A Relevant Degree

First, you usually need a bachelor's degree. A degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, Sports Coaching or a related subject can help. However, in England, you can also train with a degree in another subject if you have good PE knowledge.

GCSE English and Maths

You usually need GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or an equivalent qualification. These skills help you plan lessons, speak clearly and support pupils in class.

Teacher Training and QTS

Next, you need to complete approved teacher training. You can take a university course or a postgraduate teacher training course, such as a PGCE with QTS. QTS is needed for most state school teaching jobs in England.

Sports Skills and Work Experience

Finally, good sports skills are important. You should enjoy games, fitness and helping children stay active. Also, work or volunteer experience in schools, sports clubs or coaching can help you gain useful skills.

UK Training Rules

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own teacher training routes. So, check the rules in the country where you want to work.

Do PE Teachers Earn More in Private or State Schools?

The salary of a PE teacher can change depending on the school they work in. Most state schools and academies use fixed pay scales. For example, a newly qualified teacher in England may earn around £34,069 per year outside London. Private schools can decide their own salaries. Some may offer better pay to bring in teachers with the right skills and experience.

State schools usually offer clear pay rises as teachers gain experience. Salaries can reach £52,835 a year for experienced teachers outside London. They also offer benefits such as pensions, paid leave and sick pay. Academies often follow similar pay rules, but each school can set its own terms.

Private schools may offer higher salaries in some cases. Some PE teachers may earn £35,000 to £55,000 a year based on their skills and experience. However, pay and benefits vary between schools. Some offer bonuses while others provide fewer benefits. Therefore, compare the full pay package before choosing a school.

What Factors Affect a PE Teacher's Salary? 

A PE teacher's salary in the UK depends on a few key things. These include experience, skills, school type and location. Extra duties can also raise their pay. For example, new teachers often earn less than senior teachers.

Teaching Experience and Qualifications

Experience can help teachers earn more. In England, new teachers can start at around £34,069 a year outside London. However, senior teachers can earn up to £52,835. Extra training can also help teachers move into higher roles.

School Type and Employer

PE teachers may earn different salaries depending on where they work. In state schools and academies, pay usually follows a set salary scale. However, private schools can decide how much to pay their teachers. Some private schools may offer higher salaries to attract teachers with good skills and experience.

Location and Regional Pay Scales

Location also affects salary. For example, new teachers in Inner London can earn around £41,729 a year. In other parts of England, the starting pay is around £34,069. So the same job can pay more in some areas.

Extra Duties and Sports Coaching

PE teachers may earn more by taking on extra work. For example, they can:

1. Lead the PE department.
2. Manage school sports teams.
3. Plan sports days and events.
4. Coach pupils after school.

Some schools offer extra pay for these duties. However, the amount depends on the role and the school.

Is Being a PE Teacher a Good Career in the UK?

Being a PE teacher can be a good career in the UK. It offers steady work, career growth and a chance to help children stay fit. New teachers in England can earn around £34,069 a year outside London. With more experience, their pay can rise to £52,835 or more in senior roles.

PE teachers also enjoy many benefits:

1. Help children build healthy habits.
2. Teach different sports and fitness skills.
3. Work with pupils of different ages.
4. Gain chances to lead sports teams and events.
5. Move into senior teaching roles.

However, the job also has some challenges. Teachers must plan lessons, check pupils' progress and keep them safe. They may also spend extra time on sports events and school teams.

Despite these tasks, PE teaching can offer good job satisfaction. Moreover, extra duties and promotions can help teachers earn more over time.

How Can You Increase Your Earnings as a PE Teacher?

Becoming a Head of PE can help you earn more. This role often comes with extra pay called a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payment. Depending on the level, this can add around £3,527 to £17,216 a year to your salary. You may also become a Director of Sport at a larger school. This role involves leading staff, managing budgets and planning sports activities.

PE teachers can also earn extra money through supply teaching. They can work in different schools and get paid for each day they work. Daily pay may range from £120 to £200, depending on the school and location. Another option is to offer private sports coaching at weekends. For example, teachers can give one-to-one lessons to children and earn extra money.

Moving into Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching may also increase your earnings. Some teachers receive an extra SEN allowance of around £2,787 to £5,497 a year. However, this depends on the role and school.

You can also move into senior leadership. Assistant Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers often earn around £50,000 to £70,000 a year or more. These roles bring higher pay but they also involve more duties and longer hours.

What Additional Pay and Benefits Do PE Teachers Receive?

PE teachers can earn extra money through TLR payments. TLR stands for Teaching and Learning Responsibility in UK schools. For instance, becoming Head of PE adds extra pay annually. Moreover, taking on a Head of Year role also pays more. These payments can add between £3,000 and £14,000 yearly.

After-school sports clubs and weekend matches are often paid separately. Many schools offer a small fee for each extra session. However, some schools expect teachers to run clubs for free. Therefore, you should always clarify this during your job interview. Knowing the expectations upfront will help you avoid any surprises later.

The Teachers' Pension Scheme is one of the best in Britain. Your employer contributes a large amount towards your retirement fund. Additionally, the government guarantees your pension when you eventually retire. This benefit is worth thousands of pounds over your entire career. Very few other UK jobs offer such a generous pension package.

Yes, PE teachers do get paid during all school holidays. Your annual salary is spread across twelve full months evenly. Also, you receive a regular paycheck even during the summer break. This makes teaching one of the most stable careers in the UK.

1. TLR Payments: £3,000 – £14,000 extra per year
2. Sports Club Fees: £20 – £50 per extra session
3. Pension Contributions: 23.6% from your employer
4. Holiday Pay: Included in twelve monthly payments

Conclusion on Average Wage for a PE Teacher

In conclusion, becoming a PE teacher in the UK offers more than just a good salary. You can also earn extra money through TLR payments and sports clubs. Also, you get a good pension and paid school holidays. So, it is a great career for people who love sports and teaching. To build your skills and learn how to coach sports with confidence, our Sports Coaching Course is a great place to start. Enrol today and take your first step towards a bright future in sports coaching!

FAQs

1. How much do PE teachers get paid?

1. PE teachers in the UK usually earn between £32,000 and £50,000 a year. Pay depends on experience, location and school type.

2. Is PE teaching a good job?

1. Yes, PE teaching can be a good career. It lets you teach sports, support fitness and help pupils stay healthy.

3. Where do PE teachers get paid the most?

1. PE teachers often earn the most in London. However, pay also depends on experience and the school's salary scale.

4. Can I become a PE teacher without a degree?

1. No, you usually need a degree to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. However, you can explore other sports teaching roles without one.

5. What qualifications do I need to be a PE teacher?

1. You usually need a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Studying sport or physical education can give you useful knowledge for this career.

6. How much do teachers earn in the UK?

1. Teachers in the UK earn different salaries based on their experience and location. Starting salaries and senior pay rates vary across the four nations.

7. Do PE teachers go to university?

1. Yes, most PE teachers attend university to gain a relevant degree. They then complete teacher training to qualify for the role.