Do you want to teach PE and stand out in the job market? Develop your skills and boost your employability by studying our PGCE Secondary Physical Education with an EBacc pathway in either computing, English, geography, history or mathematics.
The PE with EBacc programme at Edge Hill offers an exciting and innovative route into teaching, combining physical education with a second subject from the EBacc suite of computing, English, geography, history or mathematics. This unique dual-subject approach broadens your teaching expertise and increases your versatility in schools. Training with Edge Hill University will fully prepare you for the demands of teaching both subjects, helping you build strong subject knowledge and understand the distinct pedagogical approaches required for each.
The EBacc advantage
Modern schools increasingly seek adaptable teachers who can contribute across multiple areas of the curriculum. This dual-subject qualification addresses those needs by producing teachers who are not only specialists in physical education, a key subject for student wellbeing and development but also capable of teaching a core academic subject at Key Stage 3. For employers, this combination is highly attractive: it offers flexibility in staffing, helps with timetabling, and supports a broad and balanced curriculum. It reflects a wider workforce trend that values versatility, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary thinking.
Graduates of the PE with EBacc programme stand out by offering a rare and highly valuable skill set. Being qualified to teach both PE and an EBacc subject makes you more employable, particularly in competitive job markets where schools are seeking maximum impact from each new hire.
What to Expect from the Course
The PE with EBacc programme at Edge Hill University offers a rich blend of academic study and hands-on teaching experience. Over the year, trainees will engage in:
- Two school placements, providing contrasting settings and experiences.
- Lectures, seminars, and practical workshops led by experienced subject specialists.
- Ongoing guidance from school-based mentors and a dedicated university link tutor, ensuring consistent support.
- A gradually increasing teaching timetable, allowing you to build confidence and competence at a manageable pace.
Throughout the programme, the focus remains on physical education, but your second EBacc subject plays an important complementary role. The approximate split is 80% PE and 20% EBacc subject.
During your placements, you will:
- Begin with focused observation of your EBacc subject, at Key Stage 3 level.
- Gradually take on teaching responsibilities, gaining insight into pedagogy, assessment, and subject delivery.
- Benefit from university sessions tailored to both subjects, helping you develop subject-specific knowledge and teaching strategies.
Career Opportunities and Employability
Graduates of the PE with EBacc programme are fully prepared for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling them to begin their careers as Secondary School Teachers. Most will enter roles as PE teachers, but with the added qualification in a second EBacc subject, graduates are also equipped to:
- Teach a second subject (e.g. computing, English, geography, history or mathematics) at Key Stage 3.
- Contribute to cross-curricular initiatives and enrichment activities.
- Take on roles involving pastoral care, form tutoring, or extra-curricular sports leadership.
- Progress quickly into curriculum leadership, dual-subject coordination, or whole-school roles due to their broader expertise.
“The PE with EBacc programme at Edge Hill University is a strong choice if you’re passionate about teaching PE and interested in developing skills in a second subject such as computing, English, geography, history or mathematics. The course is intensive but rewarding, with a balance of academic study, practical school placements, and excellent support from both university staff and school mentors.
You’ll gain valuable experience in teaching both subjects, building confidence and adaptability. With a focus on real classroom demands and employability, this programme prepares you to graduate as a versatile, well-equipped teacher ready to make a lasting impact.”
Simon Dougherty
Senior Lecturer in Physical Education (Secondary Education)
July 17, 2025
