Become a religious education teacher
As a religious education (RE) teacher, you have a unique opportunity to guide pupils through the diverse range of beliefs and practices across the world. You’ll challenge them to consider other perspectives and reflect on their own values.
Tax-free bursaries of £10,000 are available for eligible trainee religious education teachers.
Why teach religious education
Through teaching religious education, you’ll help pupils gain a deeper awareness of the world around them by promoting empathy and understanding. By investigating religious and non-religious views, you’ll give pupils a chance to reflect on their own beliefs and articulate their principles.
In addition to the personal rewards of teaching religious education, 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.
Shape your pupils' futures
Teaching religious education opens the door for your pupils to pursue exciting careers. They could work in a diverse range of fields, from humanitarian and charity work, to the civil service and journalism.
Your pupils will learn more from you than you might think. As their religious education teacher, you'll guide your pupils through the skills they need to show their understanding of the rich diversity of beliefs and to engage respectfully with big ideas. You'll teach them valuable life skills such as empathy, critical thinking and deep reflection.
The teachers who stick in my mind are the ones that gave me their time and effort, and really prepared me for my future. I chose to train as a teacher so that I could do the same and give something back.
What you'll teach
The religious education syllabus is decided by local councils, academies and faith schools.
When you teach 11 to 14 year olds (key stage 3), you might teach pupils to:
- investigate morals, ethics and philosophy
- understand a range of religious and non-religious worldviews
- identify and investigate a wide range of practices and beliefs
- articulate beliefs and values
- respond to questions posed by religious and non-religious views
Skills you might cover when you teach 14 to 16 year olds (key stage 4) include:
- analysing beliefs
- synthesising ideas around sources of wisdom
- arguing and justifying their own opinions
- using research to evaluate varied perspectives
Explore what teaching a key stage 3 and 4 religious education lesson would be like at the Oak National Academy website.
At A level and AS level (key stage 5), you’ll help pupils develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of:
- ethics and philosophy
- religious thought and its contribution to the wider world
- how to engage in respectful debate
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 religious education
Check your qualifications
To train to teach religious education 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 religious education.
Religious education teacher training courses have had successful applications from candidates with a range of degrees, including philosophy, psychology, law, and history.
Find out about the qualifications needed to teach.
Fund your teacher training
Tax-free bursaries of £10,000 are available for eligible trainee religious education 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 religious education teacher. Chat by phone, text, or email as little or often as you need.
Find out more about advisers