PE Teacher Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a PE Teacher job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our PE Teacher question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at mid-level level.

Eight PE Teacher interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. How do you manage health and safety in PE lessons, from equipment checks to risk assessment?

Why they ask: Duty of care in PE is paramount, so this is among the most commonly asked questions.

2. How do you prepare students for the GCSE PE theory exams, particularly anatomy, physiology and the energy systems?

Why they ask: The theory content is a common source of underperformance in GCSE PE.

3. How do you structure the GCSE PE analysis and evaluation of performance coursework, and make sure it's authentic?

Why they ask: The NEA component needs careful guidance and compliance with exam board rules.

4. How do you plan a progressive PE curriculum at Key Stage 3 that builds skills and keeps all students engaged?

Why they ask: Curriculum design is central and they want to see sequencing and inclusivity.

5. How do you teach a new motor skill, such as a basketball lay-up or a badminton clear, to a mixed-ability class?

Why they ask: Skill acquisition is the core of practical PE teaching and shows pedagogical depth.

6. A student collapses during a cross-country run. What do you do?

Why they ask: Emergency response is an essential and frequently asked scenario in PE interviews.

7. Tell me about a time you helped a reluctant or low-confidence student engage positively with PE.

Why they ask: Engagement of non-sporty students is central to the role.

8. Why do you want to teach PE, and what do you think a PE teacher's role is beyond sport?

Why they ask: They want to hear a broader view of PE than just playing sport.

A sample answer to question 1

How do you manage health and safety in PE lessons, from equipment checks to risk assessment?

I follow the Association for Physical Education's Safe Practice in Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity as my reference. Before each lesson, I check the environment: surfaces, lighting, equipment such as goalposts being secured, and hazards like wet floors or broken glass on outdoor pitches. I make sure students are appropriately dressed, with jewellery removed, long hair tied back and suitable footwear, and I check for medical conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy or allergies, through the school's medical list. I teach safe techniques, for example progressions in gymnastics or tackling in rugby, and I never put students in activities beyond their competence. I keep class sizes and supervision ratios appropriate, and position myself so I can see the whole group. I have written risk assessments for each activity and update them annually or when something changes. I hold a current first aid qualification, know the emergency procedure and the location of defibrillators, and I log incidents and near-misses promptly.

Common mistake to avoid: Relying on common sense without written assessments; Ignoring medical information

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the PE Teacher interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.