
Thinking of becoming a physics teacher?
Physics teaching is one of the most challenging and fulfilling careers you could consider. More than ever our schools need specialist physics teachers, so we're glad you're considering this rewarding career path.
Register with us to be kept informed on the latest in physics teacher training, training providers and recruitment events.
To be a physics teacher in a UK-maintained school you need to have qualified teacher status (QTS). There are various ways to get QTS, either through university-led or school-led training and, if you need to improve your physics knowledge before starting initial teacher training, you can take a subject knowledge enhancement course.
Applications for both school- and university-led training are made through the Department for Education’s ‘Apply’ service. There are two application windows – Apply and Apply again:
- Apply: select up to three programme choices. If applying for school-led training, we advise you to also consider applying for the university-led route as well.
- Apply again: if you are unsuccessful at Apply, you can move to Apply again, where you make one choice at a time that will be considered by providers sequentially.
Not only do you have a choice on how to train but you also have options on what additional subjects your training will include, such as physics with science and physics with maths.
This information applies to you if you're based in England. Please see the relevant information if you're based in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
Webinars
Join our free upcoming webinars to learn more about the scholarships and what it’s like to teach physics. You can register once more are announced.
IOP scholar videos
Before you read on, these short videos will give you an insight into becoming a physics teacher. Hear what three past IOP scholars have to say.
Victrix
Eliot
Rajeshree
Alastair – a case study
Whether you are a recent graduate, a postgraduate or thinking of changing your career to one in teaching, we thought you may be interested in reading this case study on Physics World on one of our recent IOP scholars. After many years working in industry our scholar Alastair made the leap from an engineering industry career into the classroom, after completing his initial teacher training (ITT) course.