Become a
computing teacher
As a secondary computing teacher you'll help pupils become responsible and confident users of information and technology in an increasingly digital world.
Whether it's teaching your pupils about artificial intelligence (AI) or creating apps, you could inspire them to look at a future role in tech.
Tax-free bursaries of £28,000 or scholarships of £30,000 are available for eligible trainee computing teachers.
Help your pupils learn new skills
Computing focuses on 3 areas:
- information and communication technology
- digital literacy
- computer science
You'll inspire pupils to access new fields and teach them transferable skills that will open lots of sectors, from engineering to healthcare, and could lead to careers such as software engineering and web design.
What you'll be teaching
You'll teach the national curriculum for computing(opens in new window), with opportunities to develop your pupils' computational thinking.
Themes you'll cover when you teach 11 to 14 year olds (key stage 3) include:
When you're teaching key stage 3 you could use interactive exercises during your lessons, like creating a robot car.
Explore what teaching a key stage 3 computing lesson would be like(opens in new window).
Themes you'll cover when you teach 14 to 16 year olds (key stage 4) computer science as a GCSE qualification include:
When you're teaching key stage 4 you'll teach pupils ways to protect their online privacy and identity.
Explore what teaching a key stage 4 computing lesson would be like(opens in new window).
Themes you'll cover when you teach 16 to 18 year olds (key stage 5) computer science as an A level qualification include:
When you're teaching key stage 5 you'll help pupils to develop websites and prepare them for further learning or employment.
Every lesson presents an opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in the field and inspire students to become innovators. Teaching computing is about fostering a deep understanding of technology while enabling students to develop the skills and resilience to thrive in this digital age.
Check your qualifications
To train to teach in secondary schools in England, you’ll need:
- GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths
- a bachelor’s degree in any subject
Computing teacher training courses have had successful applications from candidates with a range of degrees, including business and management, data science, history and economics.
Find out more about what qualifications you need to train to teach.
Non-UK citizens can check your eligibility to train to teach in England.
Subject knowledge enhancement course (SKE)
If your training provider thinks you need to top up your computing knowledge, you might need to do an SKE course before you start your teacher training.
Fund your teacher training
Tax-free bursaries of £28,000 or scholarships of £30,000 are available for eligible trainee computing teachers.
You can get a bursary or scholarship alongside a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan.
You may also be able to get extra funding and support if you're:
- a parent or carer
- disabled
Non-UK citizens without indefinite leave to remain in the UK are unlikely to be eligible for funding.
Find out more about fees and financial support for non-UK trainee teachers.
Paid internship
If you’re currently doing an undergraduate or master's degree and are interested in teaching computing, you could apply for a paid teaching internship.
The 3-week programme could help you to understand what it’s really like in the classroom and get a feel for school life.
Get free one-to-one support
An adviser with years of teaching experience can help you to become a computing teacher. Chat by phone, text, or email as little or often as you need.
Find out more about advisers