This is the key legal requirement to teach in most secondary schools in England. You normally get QTS by completing an approved teacher training programme such as:

• A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) with QTS

• A school-based teacher training programme that leads to QTS

• A teacher apprenticeship including QTS

Without QTS teachers can sometimes work as supply teachers or in independent schools, but QTS is required for permanent posts in state schools.

You must also pass an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to work with children.

If you have a QTLS qualification, this is recognised as equivalent to QTS and also meets the requirement for secondary teaching in many schools.

• PGCE Secondary PE (often includes QTS).

  • Example: St Mary s University, Twickenham offers a PE PGCE with QTS that includes school placements (important for experience).

• Undergraduate degree + Postgraduate training (if your degree didn t include QTS).

• You can train via programmes where you work in a school and study at the same time, leading to QTS.

A PE teacher in a London secondary school typically:

• Plans and delivers PE lessons across Key Stages 3 4 (ages ).

• Organises sport activities, fixtures, clubs, and extra-curricular sessions.

• Promotes fitness, healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and wellbeing.

• Tracks student progress and manages behaviour.

Here are some examples of PE teaching vacancies and roles in London secondary schools (often requiring QTS/QTLS):

• Teacher of PE West London Free School Permanent role starting September 2026, competitive salary scale in London.

• Teacher of PE Harris Academy Greenwich Fixed-term position with London pay scale.

• PE teaching positions in Lambeth, South London with supportive environments for experienced teachers or Early Career Teachers (ECTs) with QTS.

• PE teacher openings in South East and South West London schools, suitable for experienced and newly qualified teachers. Daily rates vary £120 £220+ depending on experience.

• Temporary/part-time PE teaching in all-girls secondary school & sixth form in South West London.

• Other contract PE teacher roles around London with agencies.

Many schools recruit via teaching jobs boards such as Teaching Vacancies url removed , TES, Reed, CV-Library and specialist education recruitment agencies.