Becoming a science teacher allows you to share your passion for science while educating and inspiring the next generation. As a science teacher, you can bring scientific concepts to life and motivate students to explore STEM fields.
It’s a rewarding career path for those who want to work with youth and have expertise in science subjects. If you’re interested in teaching science in UK schools, here’s a guide to getting started.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Science Field
The first step is completing an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree with a major in a science subject, such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Earth Sciences
- Natural Sciences
Some universities offer specialized degrees for aspiring science teachers. Take advanced science modules most relevant to what you aim to teach. Maintaining excellent grades demonstrates your scientific knowledge.
Get Experience Working With Children
Gaining experience working with your target age groups is highly valuable preparation for teaching. Consider opportunities like:
- Tutoring students one-on-one in science subjects
- Volunteering as a classroom or lab assistant
- Coaching youth sports teams
- Working at a children’s summer camp
- Babysitting nieces/nephews or neighbors’ kids
- Mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters
Any experience engaging positively with students helps build skills to succeed in teaching.
Choose the Age Group You Want to Teach
Science teachers are needed for:
- Primary schools (ages 4-11)
- Secondary schools (ages 11-18)
- Sixth form colleges (ages 16-18)
Determine whether you want to teach younger or older students. This affects the type of teacher training you pursue.
Complete a Teacher Training Program
To teach in UK state schools, you must complete accredited teacher training, such as:
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
The most common route. 1-year university-based program combining coursework with classroom placements. Offered for both primary and secondary levels.
Schools Direct
Earn a PGCE while training in a school. Combines university sessions with extensive classroom time often mentored by an experienced teacher.
Teach First Leadership Development Programme
2 year fast-track program placing trainees in schools serving low-income communities. Includes leadership development.
These programs provide supervision, mentorship, and real classroom experience needed to gain your QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).
Gain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
You must obtain QTS to teach in maintained schools in England and Wales:
- The PGCE, Schools Direct, and Teach First programs all include QTS upon completion.
- If you have a degree and classroom experience but no initial teacher training, you can apply directly to the TRA (Teaching Regulation Agency) for QTS assessment.
QTS application requires passing skills tests in numeracy, literacy, and classroom management. Police background checks are also conducted.
Find Job Openings at Schools
Once qualified, you can start applying for science teacher positions at:
- State-funded schools – Search websites for local authorities and county councils.
- Academy schools and free schools – Check individual school websites.
- Independent schools – Look for vacancies directly on private/boarding school sites.
- Recruitment agencies like Hays Education specializing in teacher job placement.
- Teaching-focused publications like Tes.
For senior or leadership roles, explore opportunities at faith schools, and specialized academies.
Familiarize Yourself with the National Curriculum
As a state school teacher, you will deliver the science National Curriculum, which covers:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
The curriculum sets learning objectives students are expected to meet by certain stages. Review materials so you understand the exact sciences content you’ll be teaching.
Plan Engaging Lessons and Experiments
Great science teachers bring the material to life through immersive lessons. Strategies include:
- Conducting exciting experiments and demonstrations
- Using fresh, relevant real-world examples
- Incorporating technology like video clips and animations
- Developing active learning opportunities through lab work, projects, etc.
- Facilitating hands-on building and design challenges
- Organizing field trips, science fairs, competitions
- Inviting guest speakers from science industries
Make lessons interactive and inquiry-based. Strike the right balance between theory and practical application.
Employ Effective Teaching Methods
Implement teaching strategies tailored to how science students learn best:
- Ask open-ended questions to stimulate thinking
- Patiently correct misunderstandings of abstract concepts
- Recognize different learning styles and adjust your approach accordingly
- Break complex ideas down using visual models and analogies
- Encourage collaboration through group work
- Provide real-life examples that make content relevant
- Continuously monitor student progress and comprehension
- Cultivate critical thinking by having students analyze study results
Reflect on your instructional approach to refine methods that optimally support learners.
Create an Organized Classroom Environment
Given the hands-on nature of science, a well-structured classroom environment is key. Best practices include:
- Arranging lab stations that enable students to conduct experiments safely
- Establishing clear lab safety rules covering behavior, protective gear, chemicals, etc.
- Maintaining organized cabinets to store equipment
- Displaying key concept diagrams, science posters, student work
- Keeping classroom clean and free of trip hazards
- Setting up sanitation stations with sink access
- Ensuring adequate electrical outlets and ventilation
- Having emergency lab spill/accident response protocols
An orderly classroom minimizes distractions and safety risks during learning.
Incorporate Technology
Leverage technology to amplify science lessons:
- Use interactive whiteboards for visual displays and to access educational resources
- Show relevant video clips, animations, and 3D models
- Guide students through educational science apps and websites
- Have students use smartphones and tablets as measurement tools for experiments
- Encourage designing projects and presenting results using computing tools
- Assign supplementary online games, quizzes, and simulations for homework
- Use lab software to collect, analyze, and graph data
Blend traditional teaching with ed tech for a rich learning experience. Stay current on new innovations.
Consider Specializing
With experience, you can specialize by:
- Teaching advanced classes like A-Levels, IB, and AP
- Becoming a head of science responsible for curriculum
- Advising science clubs, competitions, and research projects
- Coaching competitive science field teams
- Leading district-wide teacher training and development
- Moving into administrative roles in education policy
- Consulting for educational publishers or science organizations
- Writing science textbooks, curriculum, and multimedia
Determine paths that allow you to share your expertise while taking on new challenges.
Join Professional Associations
Getting involved with science teacher organizations provides development opportunities:
- Association for Science Education (ASE) – Professional community for science educators in the UK. Offers resources, conferences, publications, training, etc.
- Institute of Physics – Provides teacher support, curriculum guidance, classroom resources, and events.
- Royal Society of Chemistry – Develops continuing professional development programs for chemistry teachers.
- Primary Science Teaching Trust – Supports early years science learning.
These groups help you continue honing your instructional craft throughout your career.
FAQs About Becoming a Science Teacher in the UK
1. What undergraduate degree do you need to teach secondary school science?
Answer: A Bachelor’s degree with a major in biology, chemistry, physics or a related science field. Some secondary teaching programs require your degree be at least 50% in your intended subject.
2. How do you become a science teacher without a degree in science?
Answer: Earn a degree in another subject, then complete a dedicated subject knowledge enhancement course in your chosen science(s). Many PGCE programs offer these for career changers.
3. What is the average starting salary for science teachers in the UK?
Answer: Starting salaries range between £25,000-£35,000 depending on location and type of school. With experience, salaries can reach £40,000-£60,000 for senior science teachers and department heads.
4. Do you need work experience to apply for teacher training programs?
Answer: Relevant classroom experience isn’t strictly required but can strengthen your application. Experience can include volunteering, tutoring, assisting teachers, etc.
5. What skills make someone an effective science teacher?
Answer: A passion for science, strong knowledge foundations, creativity, patience, communication abilities, leadership, organization, analytical thinking, technology proficiency, and enthusiasm for igniting students’ curiosity.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed science teacher provides the opportunity to share your scientific expertise while opening young minds. It requires substantial education in science along with dedicated teacher training.
But helping students grasp complex concepts and pursue science careers can be incredibly fulfilling. With strong qualifications, lesson planning skills, teaching methods, and classroom management, you’ll be ready to start an impactful career teaching science subjects to UK pupils.
Explore open positions at state and independent schools that align with your knowledge, talents, and goals as a science educator.
