Lucinda Powell joined NITE in 2020 and is the Specialist Subject Lead Tutor for Psychology. She has been teaching psychology for well over 20 years in range of schools across the southeast. In 2024 she was awarded the British Psychological Society's (BPS) inaugural 'Psychology Teacher of the Year' Award and is now a Fellow of the BPS. Here, Lucinda explores the surging popularity of psychology and how it equips students with vital skills for study, work, and life beyond the classroom.
Rising popularity
When I started teaching back in the early 2000s, psychology was just starting to gain traction, though many schools still didn't offer it as an option. Today, it rivals mathematics as the most popular subject at A level - with more female students choosing psychology than any other subject. This surge in popularity reflects a growing desire among young people to understand themselves and others in an increasingly complex world.
Despite its popularity, many students hold misconceptions about what the subject entails, often viewing it as an "easy" option. As educators, our role is to ensure students appreciate the true scope of psychology, understand the valuable workplace skills it delivers, and feel fully prepared for the rigours of the course.
Transferable skills
One of the compelling reasons to study psychology is the broad range of academic and practical skills it fosters. Students learn to master specialised terminology and integrate psychological concepts seamlessly into critical writing. The subject offers exceptional scope for developing oracy; because key theories and concepts are constantly open to debate, energetic classroom discussion is vital.
Furthermore, all psychological knowledge is rooted in the scientific method. Students learn to plan and execute research, justify methodology, navigate ethical considerations, analyse quantitative data statistically, evaluate their findings, and apply their insights to real-world scenarios. With such a robust foundation of skills, its popularity comes as no surprise.
We all live with people
Beyond academic skills, how do students apply theoretical psychology in everyday life? At its core, psychology is the study of human behaviour. Throughout our lives, we are constantly interacting with others. Gaining a deeper understanding of our own and others' motivations naturally equips students to become more empathetic colleagues, parents, friends, and partners. I have yet to find a job that I can't apply my knowledge of psychology to!
Why train to teach psychology?
When I completed my PGCE, only one university offered a dedicated Psychology route, forcing me to train via secondary science. However, it quickly became clear that having a degree in psychology alongside a PGCE made me hugely sought-after.
The booming demand at A-level means many schools rely on non-specialists to cover classes. By training specifically to teach psychology, you enter a distinct, high-demand niche in the education sector. Additionally, core topics from your degree - such as memory, mental health, neurodiversity, learning theories, and behaviourism - directly inform effective classroom practice. In addition, a background in psychology opens diverse career pathways, including roles as a Mental Health Lead, Pastoral Lead, Safeguarding Lead, or Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO).
Why train to teach Psychology with NITE?
Training with NITE means joining a supportive, practice‑focused route into teaching. Whichever route you choose to suit your own individual circumstances, you’ll learn from experienced educators while developing your skills in real classrooms. NITE's PGCEs and Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeships emphasise reflective practice, personalised support and high‑quality mentoring, helping you grow into a confident, capable teacher ready to make a meaningful difference. If you want to inspire young people through psychology, NITE offers a pathway that blends academic learning with hands‑on experience — preparing you for a rewarding and impactful career in education.
