A teacher interview may last an hour, half a day or longer. The format depends on the school and role, and leadership selection can run across more than one day. Your invitation is the best guide to what to expect.

Ask for the outline if it has not been provided. Knowing the planned activities helps you prepare and arrange travel, leave or caring responsibilities.

Before you arrive

Confirm the start time, location, named contact and expected finish. Check which documents the school wants to see and how lesson resources should be submitted.

Read any instructions about identification, qualifications or recruitment checks carefully. Request reasonable adjustments or discuss accessibility needs in advance so arrangements can be made.

Bring the requested materials and allow time for the journey. Aim to report at reception at the time advised, rather than arriving excessively early while staff are preparing.

Signing in and the opening briefing

Expect to follow the school’s visitor procedures. You may receive a badge and information about the schedule, facilities and safeguarding arrangements.

Listen carefully to any changes. If you are unsure where to go or who will support you during a classroom task, ask before the activity starts.

You may meet other candidates. Be courteous and focus on your own preparation; you do not need to compare experience or discuss how you think the selection is going.

The school tour

A tour can help you understand the layout, learning environment and daily routines. It may be led by a member of staff or pupils.

Engage naturally and ask appropriate questions. Notice the information that will help you assess the role, such as how the department is organised or where shared resources are kept.

Respect confidentiality and follow the school’s rules on phones and photography.

The teaching activity

You may teach a full lesson, a short segment or a small group. Other interviews use a presentation or discussion of a lesson plan instead. The DfE’s interview preparation guide notes that a lesson or micro-teach can form part of selection.

Follow the brief, establish expectations and pay attention to pupils’ responses. If the lesson needs an adjustment, make it for a clear educational reason rather than trying to complete every planned slide.

Afterwards, make a few private notes about what pupils understood and what you would teach next. These will help if you are asked to evaluate the lesson.

Additional tasks or conversations

Depending on the post, you might analyse information, review pupils’ work, complete a written task or meet a pupil panel. Senior roles may include an in-tray exercise or presentation.

Read the instructions and check the time available. Where information is incomplete, state what you can conclude and what you would need to find out.

When speaking with pupils, use clear language and treat their questions seriously. Avoid making promises about activities or changes you would introduce if appointed.

The formal interview

The panel will usually explore your experience and suitability for the advertised role. Prepare to discuss classroom practice, safeguarding, teamwork and your reasons for applying.

Listen to the whole question. Take a moment to think, then use a relevant example. If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification; if you lack direct experience, explain how you would approach the situation.

Keep pupil and colleague examples anonymous.

Your questions and the next steps

Use your questions to clarify the role, support and working arrangements. Confirm when and how you should expect to hear the outcome.

Some schools make decisions quickly; others need more time. Avoid making assumptions from the length of an interview or the tone of a final conversation.

If you receive an offer

Clarify the salary, responsibilities, working pattern, start date and any conditions attached to the offer. Ask for the written details and a clear response deadline so that you can make an informed decision.

If you are unsuccessful, request specific feedback that will help your next application. An interview can also teach you more about the kind of school and role you want.

Explore teaching and leadership roles with Aston Education.

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