Secondary school teachers work in state and independent schools. They teach one or more National Curriculum subjects to classes of pupils aged 11 to 16 or 11 to 18.

What secondary school teachers do

• plan lessons and educational activities
• assess coursework and mark tests and examinations
• maintain records and write reports on pupils’ progress and development
• discuss students’ progress with parents
• prepare all young people for the world of work, by discussing both academic and vocational options
• re-motivate disengaged students.

Key skills for secondary school teachers

• supervisory and leadership skills
• thorough knowledge of your subject
• good listening skills and respect for all pupils
• ability to explain clearly and good presentation skills
• ability to form relationships and to motivate
• ability to handle challenging behaviour and demonstrate assertiveness
• time-management, administrative and organisational skills.

Training to be a secondary school teacher

After a degree (except a BEd or BA/BSc with QTS), you must achieve Qualified Teacher Status to teach in state schools.

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which takes one year full time, is a common option for graduates, although there are employment-based routes, such as Teach First, available.

Tax-free training bursaries and ’golden hellos’ are on offer, and are higher for teachers of maths, sciences and other shortage subjects.

Salaries for secondary school teachers

Starting salaries are £20,133 (inner London £24,168). Experienced teachers earn £34,281 (£41,004 in inner London).

Allowances are paid to teachers considered excellent or who take on extra work.

Professional bodies

• National Union of Teachers
• National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers
• Training and Development Agency for Schools

Related jobs

• Primary school teacher
• Special educational needs (SEN) teacher