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 or scholarships 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.
Computing focuses on 3 areas:
- information and communication technology
- digital literacy
- computer science
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.
What you'll teach
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:
- 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(opens in new window).
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.
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) 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.
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.
Start your journey into teaching
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.
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
The figures on this page apply if you're starting your training between September 2024 and July 2025. Financial support for courses starting the following year will be announced in autumn 2024.
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
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