Interview Preparation
Do Your Research?
The best place to find out about the school you are going to be interviewing with is to obtain and read their OFSTED Report www.ofsted.go.uk . However, we ask that you remember that if the OFSTED report is over 12 months old then the content of the report may not reflect a true image of how the school is today - a lot can change in a school in 12 months (both good and bad).
The OFSTED report will give you a clear picture of the school but we also recommend that you visit the schools website and access the following information (if available):
- School Prospectus
- Schools Policies
- Term Dates
- Who is who in the Staff (memorise key staff members' name)
- School Development Plan
- Academic Results
Google the school - by placing the name of the school into Google, you may come up with some interesting news pieces, historical perspectives or other information that could assist you in preparing for the interview.
DfES School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables www.dfes.gov.uk/performancetables/
What format will the interview take?
How interviews are carried out will vary from school to school, but we find that the following format is quite typical.
| Time | Agenda | |
|---|---|---|
| 9.00am | Arrive at the school | Chat, Coffee |
| 9.30am | Tour of the school | |
| 10.00am | Teach a Lesson | |
| 10.15am | Morning Tea | Either in main staff room or dept |
| 11.00am | Formal Interview | Expect a panel of interviewees |
| 12.00pm | Finish | |
| Student Interviews | It is quite common for a group of students to interview you for the position also, don't worry, if you are good, they will know! | |
REMEMBER - you are being interviewed and observed all day, so stay in interview mode for the whole duration!
