Getting invited to a teacher interview in the UK is a big achievement. It’s your opportunity to show not just what you’ve done in the classroom, but who you are as an educator — your beliefs, your energy, and your ability to connect with pupils and colleagues.
But let’s be honest: teacher interviews can feel daunting. Panels often include senior leaders, subject heads, and even governors. Questions can range from the practical (“How do you manage behaviour?”) to the deeply reflective (“What would we see if we walked into your classroom?”).
This guide is designed to help you prepare in a calm, structured way — so you can walk in confident, authentic, and ready to shine.
Understanding What Schools Are Looking For
Every school is looking for the same core qualities: someone who understands their pupils, aligns with their values, and can bring consistency, creativity, and care to the classroom.
Before you even think about potential questions, start by researching the school carefully. Visit their website and look at their mission statement — phrases like “growth mindset”, “inclusive learning”, or “high expectations” tell you what matters most to them. Read the latest Ofsted report, check recent news on the school’s website, and, if possible, visit in person. The more familiar you are with the school’s ethos, the easier it is to tailor your answers in a way that feels genuine.
If you’re applying for a specific phase or subject — say a KS2 primary teacher or a secondary English teacher — review the national curriculum for that stage and make sure you’re up to date on assessment expectations and teaching methods. The panel will want to see that you understand how learning progresses across key stages and how you adapt lessons to different abilities.
Getting Ready: From Reflection to Practice
Think about your journey as a teacher. What moments define you? Perhaps it was helping a struggling pupil finally grasp fractions, or leading a class project that sparked real curiosity. Use those stories — they’re what make your answers memorable.
Interviewers love when candidates use concrete examples. Structure your stories around the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For example:
“Last term, I took over a Year 9 class with low confidence in science. I introduced weekly ‘mini mastery’ sessions, where pupils taught a concept back to the class. It completely changed their attitude — engagement went up, and test results followed.”
These are the stories that show both impact and reflection — two qualities schools prize.
It also helps to revisit your lesson planning and safeguarding training. Many schools ask about safeguarding scenarios, so make sure you can confidently describe what you’d do if a pupil disclosed a concern (listen, record, report to the DSL, and never promise confidentiality).
The Day of the Interview
Arrive early — ideally 15 minutes before your scheduled time — and use those moments to get comfortable with the space. In many schools, you’ll be greeted by the head’s PA or HR officer before being shown around. Treat everyone you meet with warmth and respect; panels often ask for feedback from office staff or pupils you meet during the day.
Some schools ask you to teach a short demonstration lesson. If that’s the case, make it interactive and manageable. Focus on clarity rather than perfection — a simple, well-paced activity that engages pupils will impress more than an overcomplicated one that runs out of time.
And remember, your interview starts the moment you step onto the premises. Many panels observe informal moments — how you greet pupils in the corridor or chat with staff — as part of their assessment of your “fit”.
Handling the Questions
Teacher interviews tend to mix professional, practical, and reflective questions. Let’s look at a few of the most common ones and how to approach them naturally.
When asked “Why did you choose this school?”, don’t just say you liked the advert. Talk about what genuinely drew you in — perhaps their focus on inclusion, their outdoor learning programme, or their commitment to developing early literacy. Show that you’ve done your homework and that your teaching philosophy aligns with theirs.
If they ask “What would we see if we walked into your classroom?”, paint a vivid picture. Imagine the room: pupils discussing ideas in pairs, resources easily accessible, objectives clearly on display, and your presence moving between groups offering quiet guidance. Describe how learning feels in your classroom — purposeful but relaxed, structured but full of curiosity.
When the panel brings up behaviour management, avoid clichés like “I set high expectations.” Instead, explain your practical approach: consistent routines, positive reinforcement, and a focus on relationships. You might share a short story about a time you turned a challenging class around through empathy and structure.
Questions about assessment and progress are another favourite. Discuss how you use formative assessment — quick quizzes, exit slips, or peer reviews — to guide your planning. If you’ve used data to close learning gaps, give a concrete example. Interviewers appreciate teachers who can balance empathy with evidence-based practice.
And when it comes to safeguarding, clarity and composure matter most. Briefly explain the correct procedure (listen, record, report to DSL) and stress that pupil safety always comes before everything else.
The Tricky Bit: Confidence Without Arrogance
The best candidates sound confident, but not rehearsed. They speak from experience, not from a script. If you don’t know an answer, it’s perfectly fine to say, “That’s not something I’ve encountered directly, but here’s how I’d approach it.”
This shows reflection and maturity — two signs of a strong professional.
Equally, if you’re an Early Career Teacher (ECT), it’s okay to acknowledge what you’re still learning. Talk about how you seek feedback and improve your practice. Interviewers don’t expect perfection; they want potential and a willingness to grow.
After the Interview
When the questions are over, you’ll usually be invited to ask a few of your own. Always take the opportunity — it shows engagement and curiosity. You could ask about mentoring for new teachers, how the school measures pupil progress, or what they see as the biggest priorities for the coming year.
Afterwards, send a short thank-you email to the headteacher or panel chair. It doesn’t have to be long — just a polite note expressing appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirming your interest in the role.
Whether you’re successful or not, take a few minutes to jot down what went well and what you’d like to improve next time. Every interview is valuable practice for the next one.
Tailoring Your Approach
Different roles call for slightly different preparation.
For primary teachers, think about how you’d build strong home-school communication and support mixed-ability learning within one class. For secondary teachers, focus on curriculum depth, exam preparation, and engagement at subject level.
If you’re applying for a SEN role, highlight your understanding of individual learning plans and collaboration with specialists. And if you’re interviewing for leadership, you’ll be expected to talk about vision, data-driven decision-making, and staff development.
Useful Links
For more preparation support, you can explore these resources:
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Top Skills Schools Look for in New Teachers (and How to Showcase Them)
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How to Build Confidence as a New Teacher (Even When You Feel Overwhelmed)
Final Thoughts
Teacher interviews aren’t just about impressing a panel — they’re about finding the right school where you can truly make an impact.
If you prepare thoughtfully, reflect on your practice, and approach the day with authenticity, you won’t just answer questions — you’ll connect with people. And that’s what teaching is really about.
