A teacher talks to his pupils and shows them how to use a robotic arm.

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 £29,000 or scholarships of £31,000 are available for eligible trainee computing teachers.

Why teach computing

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.

In addition to the personal rewards of teaching computing, 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 computing opens the door for your pupils to pursue exciting careers. They could work in a diverse range of fields, from cybersecurity and programming, to data analysis and teaching.

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 your pupils though the skills they need to show their understanding of computing. You'll teach them valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision making and problem solving.

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.

Shiulee, Curriculum lead for computing and business

What you'll teach

You'll teach the national curriculum for computing, with opportunities to develop your pupils' computational thinking.

Themes you'll cover when you teach 11 to 14 year olds (key stage 3) include:

  • algorithms
  • programming and debugging
  • creative projects
  • use of logical reasoning
  • computer systems
  • uses of technology
  • online safety

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 at the Oak National Academy website.

Themes you'll cover when you teach 14 to 16 year olds (key stage 4) include:

  • computational thinking
  • digital media and information technology
  • computer networks
  • cyber security
  • data representation
  • digital technology

When you're teaching key stage 4 you'll teach pupils ways to protect their online privacy and identity.

Themes you'll cover when you teach 16 to 18 year olds (key stage 5) include:

  • abstraction
  • writing programmes to solve problems
  • efficiency of algorithms
  • data structures and the use of databases
  • systems architecture
  • computing related mathematics

When you're teaching key stage 5 you'll help pupils to develop websites and prepare them for further learning or employment.

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 computing

Check your qualifications

To train to teach computing 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 computing.

Computing teacher training courses have had successful applications from candidates with a range of degrees, including business and management, data science, history and economics.

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.

Improve your subject knowledge

If your training provider thinks you need to top up your subject knowledge in computing before you become a teacher, you can do a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course.

There are lots of reasons why someone might need to complete an SKE course. For example, if you finished your degree more than 5 years ago or if you have an A level but not a degree in the subject you want to teach.

Find out more about subject knowledge enhancement courses.

Fund your teacher training

Tax-free bursaries of £29,000 or scholarships of £31,000 are available for eligible trainee computing teachers.

You can get a bursary or scholarship 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.

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 computing teacher. Chat by phone, text, or email as little or often as you need.

Find out more about advisers