Secondary Physical Education with QTS (11-18)

When you apply, you are expected to have:

• A commitment to, and understanding of, primary education in general and primary physical education in particular, demonstrating the personal attributes, values and motivation required to train as a teacher
• Suitable presentational qualities, including a good standard of written English.

Before the programme commences, you should have:

• A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above). No specific subjects are required.
• GCSEs at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics
• GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics.

An academic reference is required for all students who have graduated in the last five years. An interview forms part of the selection process, which can be conducted online or face to face.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Role models are so important when it comes to keeping young people active. Will you rise to the challenge in the classroom? You’ll be eager to showcase your enthusiasm for physical education in schools and share the benefits of movement on the body and mind.

Our PGCE Secondary Physical Education course will prepare you for the rigours of teaching physical education in secondary settings. You’ll already have an undergraduate degree in a related area, so we’ll focus on helping you develop the skills you need to engage young people with the subject.

We’ve designed this course so you can combine learning on campus with practical experience in the classroom. You’ll spend a significant part of your PGCE year on placement in school settings. Whenever you need support or feedback, you can turn to your subject specific tutors and school-based expert mentor. We’re here to help you become the best teacher you can be.

Discover the most effective ways of delivering your lessons and captivating your students. At the same time, develop your understanding of subject specific approaches, classroom management, adaptive teaching and the different ways pupils learn.

Successful completion of the programme leads to a recommendation for the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

If you’re interested in studying this PGCE but also wish to develop the skills to teach in an additional EBacc subject (computing, English, geography, history or mathematics), take a look at our PGCE Secondary Physical Education (with EBacc subject) with QTS (11-16) page for more information about the routes available and any additional requirements.

Please note, the part-time route for this course is available from 2026 entry and is not available to international students.