Teacher interview questions, and how to answer them
Teaching interviews in the UK usually take a full day: a lesson observation, often a student panel, and a formal interview. Here's what each part tests and the questions you're most likely to be asked.
What happens on a teaching interview day
| Part | What it tests |
|---|---|
| Tour of the school | Your interest and how you interact with staff and pupils. It's part of the assessment. |
| Lesson observation | Planning, subject knowledge, behaviour management and how well pupils learn |
| Student panel (common) | How you relate to young people |
| Formal interview | Your teaching practice, safeguarding, values and fit with the school |
| Sometimes a task | Marking work, a data exercise or an in-tray task |
Tips for the lesson observation
- Ask for details in advance: class size, ability, prior learning and any SEND needs.
- Plan for learning, not entertainment. Show clear objectives, checks for understanding and progress by the end.
- Learn names quickly and set expectations from the first minute.
- Have a plan B if technology fails or the activity runs short.
- Reflect afterwards. You'll often be asked how it went. Be honest about what you'd change, which shows you can improve.
Common teacher interview questions
- Why do you want to work at this school?Specific details from their website, Ofsted report or your visit, linked to your own approach.
- How do you manage behaviour in the classroom?Clear routines, consistent use of the school's policy, positive relationships and a real example of turning a class around.
- How do you adapt your teaching for pupils with different needs?Adaptive teaching and scaffolding, working with the SENCo and teaching assistants, and an example of a pupil who made progress.
- How do you use assessment to plan your teaching?Checks for understanding in lessons, what you do with the results, and how it changes your next lesson.
- Tell me about a lesson that went badly.Honesty, what you learned and what you changed. Use STAR.
- How would you engage a pupil who doesn't want to learn?Find out why first, build the relationship, give small wins and involve parents or pastoral staff where needed.
- How do you work with parents?Regular, positive communication, not just when there's a problem.
Safeguarding questions
Every school interview includes safeguarding, and a weak answer can end your chances. Know your duties under Keeping Children Safe in Education and be clear and confident.
- A pupil tells you something that worries you. What do you do?Listen calmly, don't ask leading questions, never promise to keep it secret, record their words accurately and report to the designated safeguarding lead the same day.
- What would you do if you were concerned about a colleague's behaviour?Report it to the headteacher, or to the chair of governors if the concern is about the head, following the school's policy.
- Why is safeguarding everyone's responsibility?Any adult might be the one a child chooses to tell, and small concerns from different people can add up to a full picture.
Always say you'd report to the designated safeguarding lead. Interviewers are listening for that specifically.
Example answer
Frequently asked questions
What questions are asked in a teaching interview?
Usually why you want to work at the school, behaviour management, adaptive teaching for different needs, assessment, a lesson that went badly, working with parents, and safeguarding scenarios.
How should I answer safeguarding questions?
Be clear and procedural: listen without leading, never promise confidentiality, record what was said and report to the designated safeguarding lead promptly, following Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Will I be asked about my lesson in the interview?
Usually, yes. Expect 'How do you think it went?' and 'What would you do differently?'. Honest, specific reflection is what they're looking for.