Become a drama teacher

As a drama teacher, you'll fire up pupils’ imaginations and prove that learning can be fun. On and off stage, you'll build their confidence and give them the chance to shine.

Why teach drama

In drama lessons, you’ll foster a safe space for pupils to explore ideas creatively and help them bring characters to life. They’ll build skills in teamwork, empathy and discover their own distinct voices.

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

a competitive salary starting at £31k (or higher in London)
a generous and 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.

Chris Farr, teacher training adviser

Shape your pupils' futures

Teaching drama opens the door for your pupils to pursue exciting careers in fields such as acting, stage management and set design.

Your pupils will learn more from you than you might think. As their drama teacher, you'll guide them through the skills needed to write, rehearse and perform dramatic pieces. You'll teach them valuable life skills such as confidence with public speaking, working collaboratively and thinking creatively.

I love theatre and teaching young people how to practise life! Watching their journey from year 7 to 13 is priceless.

Itasha, drama teacher

What you'll teach

Drama is part of the spoken language element of the national curriculum for English.

When you teach 11 to 16 year olds (key stages 3 and 4), you might cover skills including:

improvising and rehearsing scripts
discussing language use and meaning
using intonation, voice and tone to add impact
using space effectively

At A level and AS level (key stage 5), you’ll help pupils develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of:

the theatrical processes and practices involved in interpreting and performing theatre
how conventions, forms and techniques are used in drama and live theatre to create meaning
how creative and artistic choices influence how meaning is communicated to an audience
how performance texts are constructed to be performed
how performance texts are informed by their social, cultural and historical contexts, and are interpreted and performed for an audience

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 drama

Check your qualifications

To train to teach drama 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 drama.

Drama teacher training courses have had successful applications from candidates with a range of degrees, including dance, film studies, English, and law.

Find out about the qualifications needed to teach.

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 drama 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

If you do not have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you're unlikely to be eligible for funding.

Find out more about fees and financial support for non-UK trainee teachers.

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.