We regularly receive letters of application and completed application forms that do not make it past the short-listing process for some common reasons.This guidance should support you with your application here and may help you with other applications but is only meant as a general guide.
Top Tips
Read and complete the forms accurately – we have had people send us application forms with the wrong school name on it!
Read the job specification and refer to it in your letter and supporting statement.
Support your philosophy with examples from your experience. If you are an NQT make reference to placements you have carried out.
Read our Vision and think about how it applies to your beliefs. We look forstaff who will share our Vision.
Make you application form stand out. We have had to shortlist from over 80 applications in the past. What does yours say about you? Does it reflect your individual educational philosophy and you as a person?
Come and visit us and talk to the staff and senior leaders. We generally share our expectations and this should help you. Also we are very proud of our children and the school and we look for staff who want to come to this school specifically!
At interview this is your real chance to impress us.Fail to prepare. Prepare to fail.
Interview Tips
Find out where the school is and arrive well prepared and on time.
If you have a lesson observation don’t be afraid to phone the school and find out about the class and what resources are available.
You can bring supporting evidence such as a portfolio containing examples of planning, photographs and examples of children’s work.
Relax and be yourself. We are a people centred school and want to get to know the real you.
Refer to your application form, think about our vision and talk about your experiences.
If you are an NQT or have not had recent experience of the job application process seek advice from the school you are at or are on placement at. Your mentor may be able to arrange a mock interview with a member of the SLT.Always get someone else to read through you paperwork before you send it off!GOOD LUCK!!!
