Getting a teaching job : Application forms

Employers make a decision on whether to take your application forward based on your form. The following suggestions may help.

• Read all instructions and accompanying material very carefully.
• Give yourself plenty of time to complete the form.
• Check and double check your spelling and grammar.
• Ensure your form is clear and easy to read rather than long-winded and complicated.
• Keep a copy of the form and take it with you if called for an interview.

The following sections are often included in an application form:

Education

Make sure the first course you list is your teacher training, giving your institution and your exact course title. All other courses should be listed in reverse chronological order. You may be asked to give your teacher reference number (TRN) (previously known as a DfES or DCSF number). You should have received your TRN during your teacher training course.

Local authority (LA) application forms vary. Some have special ‘first appointment’ forms. On these, teaching experience means the school experience undertaken as part of your teacher training. If you have other teaching experience, you should also include it here.

If there is no separate section for school experience, list it under teaching employment, unless specifically instructed not to do so, making it clear that the list refers to school experience rather than employment. Include information about any intended school practices if you have not completed all of these by the time you submit your application.

Employment

Both full and part-time employment should be included, together with vacation and voluntary work if appropriate.

All experience and employment should be given in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first.

Keep the information succinct. You can expand upon your education, teaching experience and employment in your supporting statement.

Leisure activities and interests

Emphasise interests and activities that will help your application, especially those activities that relate to your age/subject specialism or link to potential extracurricular activities.

Personal/supporting statement

This is the heart of your application. It may be included on the application form itself or you may be asked to attach it or continue on a separate sheet. Find out what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Referees

You are normally asked to give the names and addresses of two referees. Some forms state specifically who your referees should be. If this is not clear, pick your tutor from your course of study to be your first referee as they will be issuing a report on your performance. This reference will combine reports sent in by your lecturers and schools.

Your second referee should be the head teacher of a school where you have done school experience, the classroom teacher you worked with (primary), head of department (secondary) or your mentor.

If you feel unable to follow these guidelines on referees, ask your department or your university careers service for advice on possible alternatives.

You must obtain your referees’ permission before giving their names as referees. Check your course’s arrangements for student references.

Criminal convictions

For more information on disclosure of criminal conviction, see applying for a PGCE.