There is plenty to consider when applying for a job in sports education, and foremost among these will be a well-written CV. Ideally, how you express yourself will create a favourable impression with potential employers, highlighting your aptitudes, relevant experience and teaching abilities.

In addition, a high-quality CV will convey your enthusiasm for teaching PE in a way that leaps off the page. By adapting our free PE teacher CV templates for your own work history and educational background, it is possible to get the right tone of a standard format – this makes a CV easy to digest and marks you out as an individual with a passion for PE. A well-put-together CV will result in you being much better placed to land your dream job.

Here you’ll get:

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    Sample PE teacher CV

    pe teacher cv example 2

    Jasmine Thomas

    18 Jamieson Walk, Glasgow G12 1KJ

    07912345678

    Jasmine.Thomas@example-example.co.uk

    Professional summary

    Engaging educator with vast knowledge of Physical Education. Demonstrates forward-planning skills, behaviour management practices, and performance evaluation to deliver enhanced student outcomes. Adaptable communicator with proven rapport-building ability.

    Work history

    February 2014 – Current

    Primary School – Glasgow

    PE Teacher

    • Maintained up to date on latest effective sporting activities and fitness routines to incorporate into lessons.
    • Improved student stamina, drive and persistence in physical education by celebrating successes and planning fun physical education lessons.
    • Conducted regular students assessments during physical education activities to determine progress and weaknesses for improvement.

    January 2012 – January 2024

    Primary School – Glasgow

    Teaching Assistant

    • Coordinated pupil plans and records using School Information Management System.
    • Created positive, engaging environments to improve student experiences.
    • Promoted inclusive learning activities adapted to diverse pupil needs.

    Skills

    • Sports team management
    • Fitness equipment demonstrations
    • CPR administration
    • Football teaching
    • Activity planning
    • Academic performance reporting
    • Team Coaching
    • Human Anatomy
    • Project-based learning
    • School district guidelines comprehension

    Education

    University of Glasgow Glasgow – 2011

    Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) in PE

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    Choosing the right format for your PE teacher CV

    When you browse through a PE teacher CV example, you’ll notice it has a particular format – this is the structure you’ll use to guide the writing process. CV formats are formulaic for good reason. Not only do they organise information in a way that’s easy to find and digest for potential employers, but they quickly highlight the attributes that make you perfect for the job.

    There are two primary types to choose from – the reverse-chronological and skills-based CV. The former prioritises your work history, while the latter showcases transferable skills and enthusiasm.

    Recruiters recommend using the reverse-chronological format because most schools ask for tangible experience. Usually, the education section follows the work history section. However, PE teachers might want to flip the order. Professional and academic qualifications are pivotal to the role.

    The overall structure of the CV includes:

    • Up-to-date contact information
    • Compelling professional summary
    • Qualifications
    • Work history, starting from your most recent role
    • Additional information, like interests
    • References, available as required

    Recent graduates can also use a reverse-chronological format. Mention any teaching placements or internships under work history, listing the organisation, key responsibilities and duration. Alternatively, experiment with a skills-based CV. Here, you’ll focus on academic achievements alongside sought-after personality traits.

    Persuasive skills-based CVs contain plenty of real-world examples. Talk about the times you’ve displayed outstanding leadership qualities and back this up with statistics. For example, you might have run a football summer camp with over 100 attendees.

    Choose your format now

    How to write a CV for a Physical Education teacher

    Crafting a CV doesn’t have to be complicated. To make the process easier, we’ve combined PE teacher CV examples with step-by-step guidance on each section. The tailored advice will ensure your application stands out from the competition. Plus, we’ll answer your most pressing questions, including how to write an eye-catching cover letter.

    Here, you will learn how to write a CV for a PE teacher, including:

    How to add contact details to your PE teacher CV

    It’s tempting to skip over contact details, but they’re one of the most important parts of your CV. How else will an employer or recruiter reach you? Place them at the top so they’re easy to spot, and include:

    • First name and surname
    • Location – town or city is acceptable, though your address is often preferred in case recruiters want to correspond by post
    • Email address – keep it professional 
    • Phone number – one that’s in use

    Example of contact section for PE teacher CV

    Rita Chowdray
    32 Example Avenue
    Nottingham, NG1 7HD
    01234 123456789
    rchowdray_teacher@emailexample.co.uk

    Start your PE teacher CV with a personal statement

    The most effective CVs open with a short, punchy personal statement that underlines your capabilities and background. You have around four sentences to capture the employer’s attention, so every word counts!

    Follow these expert tips for a winning first impression:

    • Write in the third person – it’s formal without feeling stuffy
    • Sound confident – even if you aren’t
    • Pepper your prose with positive adjectives – like “passionate”, “committed” and “approachable”
    • Keep it to the point – three to four sentences are enough
    • Quantify your experience – this might include how many classes you teach or departments you run

    Example of personal statement for a PE teacher CV

    Newly qualified PE teacher with plenty of classroom experience as a teaching assistant. Possess the necessary teaching qualifications to teach in the private and public education sectors. An enthusiastic educator who understands the need for students to gain physical skills and confidence for their all-round education to succeed.

    OR

    Motivated recent graduate with teaching experience gained via internships and teaching placements. Spent several years working in an office, developing valuable transferable skills. Highly organised with paperwork and reports. Able to communicate well with all levels of management.

    How to present your work history on a PE teacher CV

    Now, we’re onto the nitty-gritty stuff – the work history section. This is your opportunity to draw parallels between your past employment and the prospective role. Start by listing your current or most recent job, then work your way back. Include:

    • Job title
    • Employer
    • Location
    • Duration – start and end date
    • List of duties – up to six bullet points

    Every piece of information should be tailored to the position you’re applying for – there’s no point in mentioning the time you worked as a delivery driver in high school. Re-read the job spec and ensure your duties reflect the required skills.

    The more specific you can be, the better. Substantiate your expertise with case studies or figures, and don’t be afraid to shout about your achievements. Remember, you’re trying to leap ahead of the competition.

    Lastly, double-check your writing for spelling and grammatical errors. PE teachers are responsible for grading papers and creating educational resources. It doesn’t look good if your CV is riddled with mistakes!

    Example of work experience for a PE teacher CV

    PE Teacher (Secondment) | Example School, Coventry. From September 2015.

    • Gained classroom experience and developed on-the-job knowledge.
    • Taught in a mixed school environment, learning to cope with the needs of both male and female students.
    • Gained the praise of the headteacher and other senior teaching staff.

    Teaching Assistant | Example School, Coventry. 2014 – 15

    • Taught PE classes to a range of age groups.
    • Assisted with end-of-year reporting.
    • Prepared lesson classes for football skills sessions.

    Administrative Assistant | Example Company Ltd, Leicester. From January 2012 to September 2014.

    • Developed communication skills, dealing with enquiries by phone, by email and in person.
    • Acquired an aptitude for negotiation, handling many supplier queries and selecting contractors based on their tenders.
    • Gained organisational skills as many of the work processes involved required me to work to tight deadlines.

    Skills worth having on your PE teacher CV

    We understand it can be challenging to write about yourself, especially if you’re naturally introverted. However, the CV skills section is key to your success, showing employers the breadth of your abilities. Lost for words? Ask your friends, family, and former colleagues for input.

    Most PE teacher CV examples combine hard and soft skills. We suggest doing the same. Hard skills are job-specific – think lesson planning, anatomical knowledge and experience using class management systems. Soft skills are transferable – think problem-solving, flexibility and creativity.

    Although not a skill, this is a good place to stress your enhanced DBS checks. Here are some must-haves and desirables to include:

    Essential skills for a PE teacher

    • Newly Qualified Teacher status.
    • ITET (Initial Teacher Education or Training)
    • Level Two Certificate in coaching football.
    • Excellent athletic performance and understanding.
    • Enhanced DBS checks.

    Desirable aptitudes to set you apart

    • Inspirational nature to encourage children of all ages to participate in sports.
    • Patience in stressful situations.
    • Ability to coach under-16s in football, including a specialism in goalkeeping.
    • A track record of getting teams to work together to achieve improved results.
    • Liaison skills with other schools to help arrange football tournaments and swimming galas.

    Outlining education on a PE teacher CV

    Whether you place the education section before or after work history, it must be comprehensive. Employers won’t take your application further if you don’t have the relevant qualifications.

    Most people enter PE teaching by completing a university course – a sports science or physical education degree is the obvious choice. Additionally, you’ll need to obtain qualified teacher status (QTS). You can work towards a QTS certificate alongside your studies or apply for one after graduation.

    Sports or PE graduates can also participate in teacher training programmes. Many schools initially employ university leavers as coaches, provided they have specialist coaching credentials (these courses are often run by independent organisations).

    When listing your education, include:

    • The school, college, university or awarding body
    • Study dates
    • Qualification type – GCSE, A Level etc.
    • Subject or course title
    • Results

    Once you’ve outlined your formal education, note any additional training courses and achievements. For instance, you might have a level 2 first aid qualification.

    Example education section for a PE teacher

    University of Warwick 2015-16  Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) in PE | 2:1

    University of Warwick 2012-2015 BA (Hons) in Sports Science | 2:1

    Warwick Sixth Form 2010-2012 A Levels: English (C) and Sociology (D) AS Levels: Maths (B) and Business Studies (B)

    Writing a cover letter for a PE teacher CV

    Applications with a thoughtful cover letter show bundles of enthusiasm and willingness. It’s another chance to convince the employer that you’re a good fit for the position. Most importantly, you can add a personal touch – don’t be afraid to express how much you’d relish the opportunity.

    Wondering how to write a cover letter? It’s simple! Write three paragraphs, including:

    • Three to four sentences stating the purpose of the letter
    • Nine to twelve sentences emphasising your expertise
    • Three to four sentences reinforcing your interest

    It pays to do your research beforehand. Learn more about the employer’s values and weave them into the cover letter’s main body. For example, if the school’s focused on student-led learning, explain how you’ve facilitated this in previous roles.

    Top tips for PE teacher CV writing

    • Lead with education

      You need specific qualifications to teach in UK schools, so include them in your cover letter or mention them near the top of your CV. This helps employers differentiate between potential and non-suitable candidates.

    • Clarity is key

      From team management to client liaison, communication is vital for commercial managers. That’s why your CV needs to clearly communicate your ability and experience. Use bullet points to keep things concise and to the point. Pair that with simple language wherever possible, ditching unnecessary jargon and buzzwords wherever you can.

    • Demonstrate physical capabilities

      The best PE teachers possess superior athletic prowess. Alongside work experience and education, talk about the extracurricular sports you enjoy. From an employer's perspective, the more interested you are in physical activity, the more effective you'll be at incentivising children to participate.

    • Give examples of leadership qualities

      It takes someone with exceptional leadership qualities to manage a class of various abilities and clashing personalities. To reassure employers that you’re up to the task, outline the times you've exceeded expectations. Maybe you've organised a successful after-school club or sporting event, for example.

    • Let your inspirational side shine through

      Above all else, PE teachers are motivators who make moving fun. How can you convey your playful side within a traditional CV format? Use an upbeat tone and positive adjectives. Keep the content snappy to energise the reader.

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    Your PE teacher CV questions answered

    What is the aim of physical education?

    The aim of physical education is multi-faceted. On the one hand, the curriculum is designed to improve students’ movement and motor skills, giving them the tools they need to live healthy and happy lives. On the other, it develops mental resilience. Children learn valuable lessons about winning, losing, and taking part.

    What is the main role of a PE teacher?

    It’s impossible to pinpoint the primary role of a PE teacher. Every day is different, presenting new and exciting challenges. Responsibilities include:

    • Creating engaging class plans
    • Leading physical activities for all abilities
    • Carrying out assessments 
    • Supporting ongoing development 
    • Managing class behaviour

    What skills should a PE teacher have?

    PE teachers need the same skills as any other teacher, including:

    • Patience with children who aren’t engaged
    • Flexibility – class plans sometimes go out the window
    • Highly organised – especially around exam time
    • Problem-solving capabilities
    • Ability to draw out a student’s potential

    Why do PE teachers need good communication skills?

    In an educational setting, you’ll meet children from all backgrounds. Some will love sports, while others can’t think of anything worse. Moreover, young people are going through a transformational time, which can cause anxiety and stress. PE teachers need to be outstanding communicators to manage the above.

    Teaching also requires interdepartmental collaboration. PE teachers need to communicate with each other to help students achieve the best grades possible.

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    Create a PE teacher CV using our online builder

    Reading through our PE teacher CV examples and absorbing the tailored advice is the first step to an award-winning application. Now, it’s time to dive into our clever online builder. Select a pre-made CV template that best suits your preferences, fill in the details and voila! You’re ready to embark on your dream career. The process couldn’t be more straightforward.

    This PE teacher CV sample is one of many that can all be used to help you develop your own CV writing skills, no matter how experienced you are. Consult the tools and CV builder for additional advice when job seeking.

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