A teacher listening to a group of students

Become a business teacher

Teaching business, you'll equip pupils with the skills to navigate the world of work and develop the leaders of tomorrow. You'll teach them to think critically and confidently tackle the challenges of the global economy.

Why teach business

As a business teacher, you'll explore the inner workings of organisations, the key strategies behind success, and the innovations that shape our global marketplace. You'll inspire the next generation to think deeply, act decisively, and create meaningful change.

In addition to the personal rewards of teaching business, there are practical benefits too, including:

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.

Chris Farr, teacher training adviser

Shape your pupils' futures

Teaching business opens the door for your pupils to pursue exciting careers. They could work in a diverse range of fields, from business analysis and data science to accountancy and financial management.

Your pupils will learn more from you than you might think. As their teacher, you'll guide them through the skills they need to show their understanding of business. You'll teach them valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision making and communication.

What you'll teach

Business is only a subject option in schools at GCSE level and above. You may also teach another subject to younger students, such as computing.

When you teach 14 to 16 year olds (key stage 4), you'll teach the GCSE subject content for business.

Skills and knowledge you'll teach include:

  • how different business contexts affect business decisions
  • the use and limitation of quantitative and qualitative data in making decisions
  • the types of business ownership, including business start-ups and the concept of limited liability
  • how to investigate, analyse and evaluate business opportunities and issues

At A level and AS level (key stage 5), you’ll teach pupils skills and knowledge including:

  • making justifiable decisions using both qualitative methods and quantitative methods
  • identifying business opportunities and problems
  • being aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals
  • developing a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants

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.

Explore more about teaching secondary.

Start your journey into teaching business

Check your qualifications

To train to teach business 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 business.

Business teacher training courses have had successful applications from candidates with a range of degrees, including economics, psychology, and sociology.

Non-UK citizens: check your qualifications

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, you'll need to show that they meet the standards set for teacher training in England.

You can get help comparing English and international qualifications.

Fund your teacher training

As a trainee business teacher, you may be eligible to apply for 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.

Non-UK citizens: funding your 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 business teacher. Chat by phone, text, or email as little or often as you need.

Find out more about advisers