Become a biology teacher
Teaching biology helps pupils understand the world around them. You can spark a passion for discovery, guiding pupils through the natural world from tiny cells to vast ecosystems.
Tax-free bursaries of £26,000 are available for eligible trainee biology teachers.
Why teach biology
Biology is the study of living things, the intricate systems that sustain them, and the delicate balance of our ecosystems. As a biology teacher, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation to explore the wonders of life itself.
In addition to the personal rewards of teaching biology, there are practical benefits too, including:
- a competitive salary starting at £31k (or higher in London)
- a secure pension
- more holiday days than people in many other professions
- opportunities for progression
People may not realise how much potential there is for progression in teaching. They think they go into the world of the classroom and that's it. Lots of teachers have added responsibilities they enjoy doing and find fulfilling.
Shape your pupils' futures
Teaching biology opens the door for your pupils to pursue exciting careers. They could work in a diverse range of fields, from zoology and wildlife conservation, to medicine and dentistry.
By solving challenging problems, your pupils could make significant contributions to these impactful areas.
Your pupils will learn more from you than you might think. As their teacher, you'll guide them though the skills they need to show their understanding of biology. You'll teach them valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision making and communication.
For me, science is all about being inquisitive. I was always the kid in class who was thinking, 'I wonder how that works, or I wonder why that does that'. I recognise that so much in the kids I teach and being able to give them the tools to develop that curiosity and knowledge is genuinely exhilarating.
What you'll teach
You'll teach the national curriculum for biology.
You could have the opportunity to teach or support physics and chemistry lessons throughout key stages 3 and 4.
When you teach 11 to 14 year olds (key stage 3), you'll cover themes from the 3 science disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
The biology themes are:
- structure and function of living organisms
- material cycles and energy
- interactions and interdependencies
- genetics and evolution
Explore what teaching a key stage 3 science lesson would be like by visiting the Oak National Academy website.
Themes you'll cover when you teach 14 to 16 year olds (key stage 4) will be more specific to biology, and include:
- cell biology
- transport systems
- health, disease and the development of medicines
- coordination and control
- photosynthesis
- ecosystems
- evolution, inheritance and variation
At A level and AS level (key stage 5), you’ll help pupils develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of:
- biodiversity
- exchange and transport
- cells
- biological molecules
- ecosystems
- control systems
- genetics and evolution
- energy for biological processes
Teaching pupils at different ages and abilities means you'll always be expanding your knowledge and approach to meet pupils' needs. Once you have qualified teacher status (QTS) you can also teach any other subject, as long as you can show you have enough expertise.
Start your journey into teaching biology
Check your qualifications
To train to teach biology in England, you'll need:
- GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths (and science if you want to teach primary)
- a bachelor's degree in any subject
Having relevant A levels can show your subject knowledge, if you do not have a degree in biology.
Biology teacher training courses have had successful applications from candidates with a range of degrees, including biomedical sciences, forensic science, pharmacy, and natural sciences.
Find out about the qualifications needed to teach.
Fund your teacher training
Tax-free bursaries of £26,000 are available for eligible trainee biology teachers.
You can get a bursary alongside a tuition fee loan and maintenance loan.
Even if you've had financial support for a previous course, you could still be eligible for funding to support your teacher training.
You may also be able to get extra funding and support if you're:
- a parent or carer
- disabled
- a veteran
Find out how you can fund your teacher training.
Support with teacher training
Throughout your initial teacher training, you'll have the support of a mentor.
Your mentor will:
- guide you through your training, sharing learning and career development opportunities with you
- meet with you regularly to make sure your training is a positive experience
You'll also be part of a welcoming school community where you'll learn from fellow teachers through taught sessions, seminars and workshops.
Once you've completed your initial teacher training, you'll continue to be supported during your first 2 years of teaching. Find out what support you'll get as an early career teacher.
Get free one-to-one support
An adviser with years of teaching experience can help you to become a biology teacher. Chat by phone, text, or email as little or often as you need.
Find out more about advisers