Your application form is looked at very carefully. In particular, once you have met the basic entry criteria we are interested in your personal statement, your qualifications and your work and life experiences.
Use the personal statement to your best advantage and tell us why you want to teach and will make a good teacher. Make sure that you have given us a clear indication of the subject content of your degree. We will also look at whether you have taken care to present your application form professionally.
On the basis of our consideration of your application form, we will decide whether to invite you for an interview.
When we meet you for an interview, there are likely to be other applicants being considered alongside you. The criteria we will use at interview to decide whether or not we offer you a place on the course are:
- an awareness of current educational issues;
- a realistic and positive view of working in school;
- clear reasons for wanting to teach your subject;
- clear reason for wanting to teach in a specific phase (Primary (5-11) Secondary (11-16 or 14-19)
- motivation and commitment to teaching pupils of all levels of ability;
- maturity and self-confidence;
- an appropriate level of subject knowledge;
- evidence of working collaboratively
You will be interviewed by staff working in Initial Teacher Training and/or staff from your chosen subject area. You may be asked to carry out certain tasks that allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. The letter of invitation will give you details about specific requirements or expectations.
To give you an idea you will be asked to undertake;
a short 10 minute verbal account from you on
“What makes you, you!” (5 minutes)
“Why you want to teach your chosen subject or phase” (5 minutes)
The aim of this discussion is for us to get a better understanding of your unique qualities, values, and experiences that shape who you are as an individual.
We will inform you of our decision as soon as possible after your interview (via DfE Apply portal). If you are given a conditional offer of a place on the course, you will receive a pack of information describing the next steps you should take. The conditional offer will become unconditional when we have received your acceptance and all the necessary clearances and documentation.
We appreciate this is a rigorous and thorough process but we (and you) need to be sure that teaching is for you!
T |
Thought |
What reflections do you have on your experiences of learning and of supporting others to learn? Think about your own learning in and out of school, how you have helped others to improve at something and whether you could have done anything differently |
E |
Experience |
Why do you want to become a teacher? Consider the experiences that have inspired you to apply for teacher training |
A |
Aptitude |
What skills do you have that will make you a good teacher? Think about the qualities your favourite teachers have and research the classroom practice of being a great teacher |
C |
Collaboration |
How do you establish rapport with others to achieve shared goals? Work out how you can demonstrate that you work well with people of different ages, backgrounds and levels of experience |
H |
Honesty |
What qualities do you have that will make you a good teacher? Don’t forget your softer skills, such as patience, kindness, approachability and empathy |
E |
Enthusiasm |
Why are you passionate about joining the teaching profession? Come up with your top three reasons why this is the career for you |
R |
Resilience |
What have you found challenging and how did you deal with it? Find an example of a challenge you’ve overcome, and explain what you learnt and how you can apply this to future challenges |