Become a computing teacher

Employment-based teacher training leading to
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Apply by April 28 for a guaranteed interview

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Why become a computing teacher?

The world of technology is ever-evolving, and computing teachers are at the forefront, shaping the next generation of digital pioneers! Here's why you might consider this exciting career path:

Empower future innovators: Be the one to ignite a passion for coding and computational thinking in your pupils. You'll equip them with the skills to become the tech wizards of tomorrow, creating ground breaking applications and shaping the digital landscape.

Make a lasting impact: Computing skills are in high demand across all industries. By fostering a strong foundation in your pupils, you'll be opening doors to exciting careers and empowering them to thrive in a tech-driven world.

Embrace a dynamic field: The world of computing is constantly evolving. As a teacher, you'll stay at the cutting edge, learning new technologies and keeping your lessons fresh and engaging for your pupils.

Get creative in the classroom: Gone are the days of dry lectures! Design interactive lessons that incorporate coding challenges, game development, and problem-solving activities, making learning fun and fostering a love for technology.

Why is teaching computing & computer science important?

In today's digital age, a strong foundation in computing is essential. Here's why teaching it is crucial:

Preparing pupils for the future: Computing skills are vital for success in almost any career path. By equipping pupils with these skills, you'll be preparing them for a bright future in a technology-driven world.

Developing problem-solving skills: At its core, computing is about breaking down problems, analysing data, and finding creative solutions. Through coding exercises and computational thinking activities, you'll nurture critical thinking skills essential for lifelong success.

Promoting digital literacy: In today's world, it's important to understand how technology works and how to use it effectively. By teaching computing, you'll empower pupils to be responsible digital citizens, navigate the online world safely, and critically evaluate information.

How do teachers make a difference to young people's lives?

What will I be teaching?

You will teach the national curriculum for computing.

The national curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:

Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.

Analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems.

Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.

Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Three Pillars of Computing: To understand progression in computing is to consider the 3 main content areas that pupils develop knowledge of: Computer science, Information technology & Digital Literacy These ‘pillars’ of progression are visible in the aims of the national curriculum for computing.

Computing Curriculum Topics

Algorithms: Understand, design, create, edit, and evaluate algorithms
Creating media: Select and construct a range of digital media including text, images, sounds, and video
Computing systems: What a computer is and how its component parts function together
Design and development: A range of activities that involve the planning, creating, and evaluating of computing systems and artefacts
Data and information: Explore how data is stored, organised, and used to represent real-world application
Effective use of tools: Explain and use hardware and software tools to complete tasks and support computing work
Impact of technology: Explore how individuals, organisations or groups, or society interact with computer systems
Networks: Explore how networks can be used to store, retrieve and share information and the associated risks that come with it
Programming Create code and software to allow computers to solve problems
Safety and security: Understand the risks when using technology and how to protect individuals and systems from threats

How will I learn?

Structured Weekly Plan: Follow a clear and manageable weekly schedule that combines online learning with hands-on experience in a real school setting.

Online Learning: Dedicate 20% of your time to in-depth subject knowledge and professional development modules delivered through our engaging e-learning platform. Access course materials, engaging lessons, and helpful tutorials whenever you need them.

Expert Mentorship: Receive dedicated support from a school-based mentor who will guide you through your ITT course, offering regular progress checks and helping you plan your next steps

Eligibility & Funding

What qualifications do I need to train to be a computing teacher?

To train to teach computing, you will need:

GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths
a bachelor’s degree in any subject
A keen interest in, and passion for, computing and computer science
If we think you might need to top up your computing knowledge, we might ask you to complete a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course before you start your teacher training

What funding is available to me to train to be a computing teacher?

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 and maintenance loan.

You may also be able to get extra funding support if you're a parent/carer or disabled.

Non-UK citizens without indefinite leave to remain in the UK are unlikely to be eligible for funding. You can find out more about fees and financial support available for non-UK citizens.

What funding is available to my employing school?

If you choose to train to teach computing through a Teacher Apprenticeship, a grant will be paid directly to your employing school to support paying your wages (paid according to the unqualified teacher pay scale).

Secondary specialism	Cost of training	Unqualified Teacher Pay scale	Employer grant
Computing	Levy-funded	£20,598	£28,000

The Application Process

What is the application process like?

You can apply directly through our website below. After an initial check, we will then contact you to arrange an interview. Once a successful interview has been completed and you have accepted a place to train to teach with BPN, we will then search for a school placement for you (if you do not already have a school that is willing to support your training).

How do I apply to become a computing teacher?

First, you will need to decide which programme best suits your needs. We have two programmes available to budding computing teachers, the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship and Fee-funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT).

Both programmes are school-centred in that the majority of your training will occur in school as you learn on the job. However, there are key differences when it comes to funding and salary. You can compare the two programmes looking at the respective programme structures below.