how to write a personal statement for nqt teaching job

• Why Lambeth?
• Teaching In Lambeth
• Training & Support
• Living in Lambeth
• Housing in Lambeth
• Lambeth Culture
• Lambeth Schools
• Our Nursery Schools
• Our Primary Schools
• Our Secondary Schools
• Our All-Through Schools
• Our Special Schools
• ECTs in Lambeth
• Join ECT Induction Pool
• Qualified Teachers Pool
• Join Qualified Teachers Pool
• Lambeth Support Staff
• Join School Admin/Support
• Current Jobs
• Get Job Alerts
• Password Reset

Your NQT Personal Statement – 13 Tips to Make it Stand Out

When you’re applying for your first NQT teaching job it can be quite challenging. You might feel like you’re all alone, with no one to help and advise you. We don’t want you to struggle and perhaps lose the opportunity to get that teaching position you have set your eyes on. Therefore, we’ve created this post just for you.

Once you’re ready to start looking for a teaching position, one of the first things you will need to prepare is your application. There are usually three main components to an effective application, and these elements are:

• The application form
• A supporting statement or letter of application
• An executive summary to show how you comply with the criteria, and that you are the person the school is looking for.

In this article we will be focusing on your NQT Personal Statement. 

Your NQT personal statement is likely to be the first impression that you will make with this new school or NQT pool and an ideal opportunity to show your unique qualities that make you the best person for the position on offer. 

Therefore, you will want this opportunity to promote yourself to the school in the best way possible. So it’s important that your writing is coherent, focused and clearly explains your reasoning behind wanting to be a teacher. In addition, a strong NQT personal statement will set you apart from other candidates in the competitive marketplace. 

Just like a resume and cover letter for a regular job, your personal statement should be rewritten for every position you apply for.

Never use the same NQT personal statement for multiple applications. Generic personal statements are super easy for employers to spot. And after all, you want to shine, right? Plus, you don’t want to copy someone else’s statement. Your employer might screen all personal statements using a similarity detection service like Copycatch. This could really hurt your application right out of the gate. And quite possibly end up in the bin. 

Remember, your personal statement is your chance to show your personality and enthusiasm, relevant to the school and prove you understand what they are looking for.

Your personal statement also shows your communication skills. That’s why you want to grab their attention, just like you want to with your students at the start of every lesson.

What is the NQT personal statement?

The NQT personal statement is an important document which schools use to understand why you want to become a teacher and whether you are suitable to teach at their school.

Of course, your application form will lay out all your qualifications, your skills, your strengths and weaknesses and also any relevant work experience. But your NQT personal statement is where you allow your unique personality to shine.

It is important to put your heart into writing your statement. And be prepared to write multiple drafts.

How do you write an effective NQT personal statement?

Your application and your NQT statement are going to be the first steps in securing the position you are looking for. Therefore, you obviously want to make a great first impression. Be ready to go through multiple drafts. Take your time, and get feedback from friends and family members.

I’m sure you have a ton of questions, such as:

• How do I write a killer, successful NQT statement?
• Where do I start?
• What should I include in my NQT statement?

These are all important questions. And I’m sure you have many more. So, let’s dive in and show you how to write an NQT statement which will stand out and give you the best chance of getting hired in your chosen teaching position.

Are you ready to write your killer NQT personal statement?

Great. Here are some important tips to help you.

1. The first rule when writing a successful NQT statement is to know your audience.

Before you start, it’s a great idea to step back for a minute and put yourself in your hiring manager’s shoes.

Think about what's important to them. What are they passionate about? What are they looking for? How can you improve their life?

When you think about what your hiring manager is looking for, you’ll have a much better chance of writing a concise and effective personal statement.

It’s a good idea to write a list of 10 things you think will be important to them.

However, the most critical step at this stage is to do your research and find out exactly what is required for this specific application. Different schools or LEA’s will have different requirements for the personal statement and should have guidelines somewhere in their application advert or portal.

Clearly your first task is to make sure that the personal statement you prepare is tailored to the requirements that have been set out for that job.

2. What is your objective?

• What is the purpose of your personal statement?
• Why should they hire you?
• What action are you trying to get the reader to take?

You need to be clear on this before you start writing your personal statement. If the answer isn't clear to you, it certainly won't be clear to your potential employer.

3. Why do you want to be a teacher?

Seems a simple question on the surface. But this is a great opportunity to show you’ve thought through this question. You could mention a past teacher who inspired you. Or the challenges and rewards of teaching. You could also talk about any lessons you have observed or taught previously which impacted you. You could also discuss particular teaching styles and your interests in using technology in the classroom.

Key tip: Think about creating a story for this question. Remember, the hiring manager is first and foremost a human being. Many new teachers make the mistake of forgetting this vital point. You are equal to them in this respect. Use emotional language to touch your reader. Help them imagine themselves in the situation you are describing. Help them feel what it was like in the situation that drove your desire in becoming a teacher. This is a major key in rousing your reader’s emotions.

4. Make sure you start your personal statement strongly.

Just like a great book or movie, your opening sentence should stand out. Make it memorable, without being overly dramatic. Effective personal statements often start with what inspired you to enter teaching in the first place.

• Did a high school teacher inspire you?
• Was it your own experience of learning?
• Was it a good or bad teacher you had previously?

This is a great opportunity to show some passion. Like point no.3 above, use some emotional language.

5. Why do you want to teach a particular age group?

Be ready to explain why a certain age group appeals to you. Mention specific examples of your experience with this age group.

For example, anyone who has taught kindergarten knows how much energy the students have. Lessons are always full on. And as cute as the kids are, if your lessons are not jam-packed with active, high-energy games, you’re going to lose them. 

Similarly, elementary students are at a stage where they are slowly beginning to think for themselves and many of them think they already know it all. At this age role-playing is effective, as the students like to see themselves as tiny adults. 

If your chosen age group is teenagers, you’ll be aware that this age group has its own challenges. Being a teenager has never been an easy task, and with so many changes going on in their lives and their bodies, their confidence is up and down. 

So, when you answer this question, you’ll need to show that you can relate to what is going on in your chosen group’s world. Show you are able to look back to when you were their age, relate to the age group and show how you keep your lessons relevant and exciting.

6. What experience do you have?

Relevant teaching experience is always going to help you when applying for any position. But it is also important to reflect on how that experience has helped you develop as a teacher. If you haven’t had much classroom time:

• Do you have any experience in voluntary teaching?
• Have you coached a sports team or been involved with a summer camp?

Obviously, as a new teacher, you can’t recite years of experience. Help your hiring manager imagine you in action. For example, you could describe a particular lesson which was either a success or failure. Think about retelling a memorable or challenging experience with a student, or a description of what your classroom looks and sounds like on a typical day. This will be much more valuable to enable them to envision your teaching experience than to cite pedagogical terms or talk vaguely about your teaching experience.

Always use specific examples of how your experiences have developed your teaching skills.

7. You should highlight your achievements, strengths and skills

Explain what you can bring to the school. Show how you differ from the other candidates. You could mention past experience and achievements, your unique talents, as well as your professional goals. You could also add specific classroom strategies you have developed and how they helped your students.

Many applications will make it clear that they want you to cover your specific qualifications, skills and understanding of elements of the National Curriculum, your classroom and educational skills plu your short and long term goals for making a difference to the education of your pupils.

The exact requirements should be set out in the application guidelines which should also tell you what you need to focus on.

8. How long should your NQT personal statement be?

This is not an essay. It’s simply a summary of you, your skills and your experience, and how they relate to the position you are applying for. Therefore, you should be specific and keep your personal statement short and informative.

This will help you keep your personal statement under a widely recommended  500-word limit. The school will not be impressed by minor childhood achievements, so keep your statement pertinent and focused.

That said, again, check the specific requirements in each case. Some applications will welcome a longer NQT personal statement, as is the case with Lambeth where we are happy to read up to three pages of A4, but no more.

If there is no guidance then the 500 word range is a very solid guide.

9. Make every word count

It’s a good idea to take a leaf out of a professional copywriter’s book here. Don’t waffle. Make every word count. Use powerful words where possible, without being overly dramatic. Avoid weak words like may, maybe, hope, wish, try, and perhaps. Instead, use words like will and can to help your personal statement command attention.

10. Take your time

Edit and then re-edit your personal statement. Besides being difficult to read, misspelled words and grammatical errors will destroy your credibility. Once you think you’ve written a great personal statement, it’s a good idea to leave it for a day or two. Then come back and see if you can improve it.

11. Read your statement out loud

This next tip is super-effective, and one many people fail to do. Read your statement out loud. If you do this, you’ll spot areas that don’t flow properly. And if you stumble when reading your statement out loud, you can be sure your potential employer will have the same trouble.

Key tip: Why don’t you record yourself as you read out your statement? This is simple to do with your phone. Then play it back and see if you can spot areas you can improve.

12. Let friends and relatives read your personal statement

Make sure whoever you ask to read your personal statement knows you want them to be critical. The whole purpose of this exercise is to improve your statement, not to make you happy that they love it. Choose your feedback team carefully. 

13. Finish strongly

The way you finish your personal statement should reinforce your enthusiasm for your career in teaching. Acknowledge that hard work is necessary, but also make your excitement stand out.

Your personal statement for PGCE primary

You should explain the experience you’ve gained with primary-age children.

The PGCE primary personal statements usually demonstrate your personality and the various skills you have which would benefit primary schools such as being artistic, your musical talents or your sporting prowess. 

All these types of skills would be very useful during primary schools’ extracurricular activities.  

Your personal statement for PGCE secondary

In this type of personal statement, you will want to make it clear you understand the challenges of teaching older students.

You could mention specific examples of situations and challenges you have faced teaching this age of students, and how you overcame them.  

You’ll also want to document how your degree ties in with the position you are applying for.

Final thoughts on your NQT Personal Statement

So, that is the nuts and bolts of what your NQT personal statement should include. The basic foundation for an effective personal statement is that it’s all about the pupils. What the school wants for the pupils, what you can provide for the pupils.  

You should always write your personal statement, and indeed your whole application from the angle of what will benefit the pupils, not what’s best for you.  The school is not interested at this stage in what’s good for you, it’s more interested in what’s good for its pupils, and if you can provide that. 

Now you know the structure of a strong NQT personal statement, we hope you will be in a perfect position to write an effective statement to get that dream job you’ve had your eyes on.

There’s more on the specific requirements of what Lambeth are looking for in the NQT personal statement for the Lambeth NQT pool on pages 10 and 11 of the NQT Information Pack which you can download here .

Remember that, as we said at the start of this article, each job you apply for should come with clear requirements for the application and hopefully some guidance. In the case of Lambeth we have a requirement for your NQT personal statement to clearly cover how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of being an NQT, and we outline a set structure that helps you do that.

Download our NQT Information Pack now to learn more.

Are You Now Ready To Start Teaching?

Join our ECT pool today for the chance of starting a career in education right in the heart of London.

We have more helpful articles right here!

Climbing the teaching ladder: a guide to promotion for ects, stay, switch, or shift an ect’s guide to post-induction decisions, new teacher toolkit: navigating your first week as an ect, from trainee to teacher: 5 critical ect questions answered.

Page [tcb_pagination_current_page] of [tcb_pagination_total_pages]

Writing a Personal Statement

Going for your first NQT post can be a daunting prospect... especially when in teaching, you need to write a personal statement to support your application form.

Schools use your personal statement to help short list candidates for a position by checking off the criteria of the person specification that they can see in your statement. It is always a good idea to write your personal statement alongside the person specification, ensuring that you have included all the "essential" criteria and as much of the "desirable" criteria you can that are assessed through the application.

Where possible, you should also use the language of the school you are applying to - their vision, values, mission and ethos statements will help you here and should be available on the school's website. You will also sometimes find these in the application pack. Read this carefully and then read it again, reading between the lines of what they might be looking for.

Here is an example of the structure of a personal statement for a trainee teacher applying for their first NQT job:

Begin with an impact statement that summarises your philosophy on teaching or that refers to the mission/vision/values/ethos of the school you are applying to:

I believe that it is, as Einstein said, the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. As a passionate teacher, dedicated to ensuring the very best outcomes for all students I teach, this statement resonates with me as I endeavour to awaken joy in all of the learners within my classroom. It was your belief all young people have the right to a transformational educational experience, that will enable them, no matter what their starting point, to fulfil their potential and realise their ambitions that first attracted me to your school as it aligns with my own personal and professional philosophy on education.

Throughout my practice, I constantly encourage pupils to participate and contribute in an atmosphere highly conducive to learning. I have consistently set high expectations of pupils in different training contexts. There are high levels of mutual respect between me and pupils. I am very effective in promoting learners’ resilience, confidence and independence when tackling challenging activities. In my lesson, I generate high levels of enthusiasm, participation and commitment to learning.

Back this up with an example from your training.

I have also assumed a high level of responsibility for the attainment progress and outcomes of the pupils I have taught. I have demonstrated confident judgement in planning for pupil progression both within individual lessons and over time and I am able to articulate a clear and well-justified rationale as to how I am building on prior achievement. Within my lessons, I seek to actively promote engaging and effective methods that support pupils in reflecting on their learning. I have demonstrated that I am able to set appropriately challenging tasks, drawing on a sound knowledge of the pupils’ prior attainment, which has been obtained through systematic and accurate assessment. I regularly create opportunities for independent and autonomous learning. As a result the majority of pupils make very good progress.

In order to plan effective lessons, I draw on my in-depth subject and curriculum knowledge of [your subject or phase] to plan confidently for progression and to stimulate and capture pupils’ interest. Throughout my training, I have demonstrated very well-developed pedagogical subject knowledge, by anticipating common errors and misconceptions in my planning. I am astutely aware of my own development needs in relation to extending and updating my subject, curriculum and pedagogical knowledge in my early career and have been proactive in developing these effectively during my training. I always model very high standards of written and spoken communication in all professional activities. I also successfully identify and exploit opportunities to develop learners’ skills, in communication, reading and writing.

I plan lessons that often use well-chosen, imaginative and creative strategies, and that match individuals’ needs and interests. I am highly reflective in critically evaluating my practice. I am able to accurately judge the impact of my practice on individual and groups of learners and can use my evaluation to inform future planning, teaching and learning. During my training, I have shown initiative in contributing to curriculum planning and developing and producing effective learning resources in my placement settings.

I have been able to quickly and accurately discern my learners’ strengths and needs and I have been proactive in differentiating and employing a range of effective intervention strategies to secure progression for individuals and groups. I have an astute understanding of how effective different teaching approaches are in relation to impact on learning and engagement of learners

I can confidently and accurately assess pupils’ attainment against national benchmarks. I use a range of assessment strategies very effectively in my day-to-day practice to monitor progress and to inform future planning. In my practice, I systematically and effectively check learners’ understanding throughout lessons, anticipating where intervention may be needed and do so with notable impact on the quality of learning. I have shown that I am able to assess learners’ progress regularly and work with them to accurately target further improvement and secure rapid progress.

I have been able to rapidly adapt to the different circumstances in which I have trained, working confidently within the frameworks established in different settings and applying rules and routines consistently and fairly. I have also demonstrated an ability to adapt to remote working and remote delivery in response to the Global Pandemic. I consistently have high expectations and understand a range of strategies that experienced teachers use to promote positive behaviour and apply these very effectively, including use of school sanctions and rewards, and use of praise, in order to create an environment highly supportive of learning. I am able to manage pupil behaviour with ease so that learners display very high levels of engagement, courtesy, collaboration and co-operation. Where it is needed, I actively seek additional support in addressing the needs of pupils where significantly challenging behaviour is demonstrated.

During my training, I have been proactive in seeking out opportunities to contribute in a significant way to the wider life and ethos of the school. I have built strong professional relationships and have demonstrated that I am able to work collaboratively with colleagues on a regular basis. I have taken responsibility for deploying support staff in my lessons and for seeking advice from relevant professionals in relation to pupils with individual needs. I deliberately seek out opportunities to develop my own professional learning and respond positively to all the feedback I receive. I have also demonstrated that I can communicate very effectively, both verbally and in writing, with parents and carers in relation to pupils’ achievements and well-being when required to do so formally, but I am also proactive in communicating in relation to individual pupils’ emergent needs.

I always treat pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher's professional position. I realise the need to safeguard pupils' well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions. I show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others. I do not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. I always ensure that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils' vulnerability or might lead them to break the law. I am always punctual and have good attendance. I have attended numerous CPD sessions and will continue to do so. I have also completed a weekly duty (before school and at break} and attends daily briefings (whole school, subject or pastoral). I have taken on board the policies of the school and maintain a high standard in all my practices. I have a good understanding of the framework within which I work and my professional duties

End with a statement that implies/assumes you will be invited for interview:

I would relish the opportunity to work at your school and look forward to discussing this further with you at interview.

You can download the word version of this

Recent Posts

Encouraging Thoughtful Responses: The Power of Wait Time in the Classroom

Stimulating Pupil Thinking and Checking for Understanding: Using a Range of Question Types in Class Discussions

Stimulating Pupil Thinking and Checking for Understanding: Planning Activities that Promote Deep Learning

Top Tips for Writing Your NQT Personal Statement

While there are many moving parts when applying for a job as an  Early Career Teacher  (formerly known as an NQT), the most important of them all is your personal statement. The application form is for you to lay out your qualifications and skills. But your personal statement is where you can shine through as a candidate. It’s an opportunity to sell yourself, highlight your personality and explain why you would be an asset to their school.  

It’s not an easy thing to write. But as many successful ECTs can attest each year, it’s certainly not impossible.   

To give you the best chance to succeed, we’ve put together six top tips that will help you create a personal statement that lands you an ECT interview at your dream school. 

1. Tailor your statement to each school 

As an Early Career Teacher, you’re probably applying to a large number of schools at once. When you’re in the middle of your busy PGCE year, it might feel like a waste of valuable time to edit your personal statement for every job application. In fact, it’s the most important thing you can do.  

Every school is different, and so every application you send should be different. Take the time to read the job advertisement carefully, have a look through their website, and their latest Ofsted report. Make a list of the exact requirements of the position, plus what is most important in the school’s ethos, and connect all these to your own passions and experience.  

2. Craft a killer opening line

Just like a great novel, your opening sentence should stand out (for the right reasons). Effective personal statements often start with a brief explanation of what inspired them to become a teacher in the first place, or why they’re excited to be applying for this particular position.  

3. Focus on the age group you will be teaching 

Rather than saying you enjoy teaching a particular age group, show that you understand the challenges (and how to overcome them) that come with those particular students.  

For example, if you’re applying for a job within a secondary school that has a sixth form, you might want to show how you have helped students with UCAS applications. Or if you’re applying for a primary position, you could demonstrate why it’s important to keep an element of play within your lesson plans.  

4. Highlight how your experience has develop

A list of your working experience is a necessary part of your CV, but it’s not what schools are looking for in your ECT personal statement. Instead, you should use this as a space to give your own perspective on how all this experience has shaped your outlook as a new teacher.  

Whether you want to talk about classroom time, a school trip, or coaching a youth sports team, specific examples of how your experiences have improved your skills will give the school’s hiring team a fuller picture of what you’d look like in the role.  

5. Show off your strengths and skills

Use your personal statement to demonstrate what you, as an NQT, can bring to the school that no other applicants can. Achievements, professional goals, strategies you’ve developed; all of these will highlight what makes you unique and how you (and only you) can specifically help that school.  

6. End on a strong note

Just like your pupils’ best essays, your conclusion should mirror your introduction. Reinforce your enthusiasm for teaching and the school your applying to. 

Finally, before you click send, take the time to triple check your statement for any errors!  

How to skip the ECT personal statement 

If you’d prefer to avoid writing a personal statement altogether, then Teaching Personnel is here to help.  

Our  ECT Pool  is the most efficient way for newly qualified teachers to start their careers. We will actively promote you to schools in your local area and help you prepare to nail the interview.  

As soon as you register, our educational recruitment specialists will create a detailed profile of your skills, abilities, personality, and professional goals. We use all that information to match you to jobs at local schools. This saves you precious time writing out many detailed applications. 

Find your first job as an Early Career Teacher  –  register for the ECT Pool today .    

Join our ECT Pool     ECT Jobs     How does it work?     Training Resources     Blog     Your Career

Sign up to posts.

Related jobs

£130 - 180 per day

Location free text

High Wycombe

£20 - £29 per hour

£30 per hour and above

Description

Job Title: Secondary Cover Teacher Location: South East England, Buckinghamshire, High WycombeJob Type: Contract, expected to work Part-Time hoursPrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSalary: £

secondary supply cov

Expiry Date

£180 - 220 per day

ICT & Computing

Job Title: ICT Teacher Location: South East England, Buckinghamshire, High WycombeJob Type: Contract, Full-TimePrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSalary: £180 - £220 Per dayJob Duties: Delive

£95 - 135 per day

Southampton

Flexible Working

Less than £100 per day

£100 - £199 per day

£10 - £19 per hour

Cover Supervisor

Cover Supervisor – Southampton Are you passionate about education and looking for a role that offers variety and flexibility? We are seeking confident and dedicated Cover Supervisors to support schoo

Flexible Supply Cover Supervisor – Southampton Are you seeking a flexible and rewarding role in education? We are looking for adaptable and enthusiastic individuals to join our team of supply cover s

£18k - 22k per year

Less than £20,000

£20,000 - £29,999

Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – Empowering Students to Succeed Are you passionate about supporting young people to reach their full potential? A welcoming and inclusive secondary school in Southampton is seekin

£25k - 55k per year

Chandler's Ford

£30,000 - £39,999

£40,000 - £49,999

£50,000 - £59,999

Chandlers Ford

Science Teacher Are you an inspiring Science Teacher looking for a new opportunity in a school that values innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence? Join a forward-thinking secondary school

£140 - 200 per day

KS1 - Year 1

Are you an experienced and dedicated Teacher looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children with diverse learning needs? If you have a strong background in SEN educa

LWSENSAILTCH2

£12.90 - 12.90 per hour

This special needs school offers full time special education, care and therapeutic support to vulnerable children and young people with Education and Healthcare Plans. The school is welcoming and work

LWSENSAIKS!

£80 - 90 per day

Are you passionate about supporting the emotional and mental well-being of young people? Do you have the skills and empathy to help students overcome challenges and reach their full potential? If so,

£95 - 110 per day

Are you passionate about education and looking to make a positive impact in the classroom? We are seeking dedicated and motivated Cover Supervisors to join our dynamic team in Rochdale. This role is p

Related posts

Content Type

Publish date

On the 5th of November, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining a

Exciting update! On the 5th of November, we’re launching the Educator CPD Academy, a sleek new eLearning platform. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an upgraded learning journey!

Zuzana Vrtalova

As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future.  Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y

Discover how supply teaching offers a flexible solution for teacher burnout this Teacher Resignation Day. Learn about reduced workload, better work-life balance, and career variety with Teaching Personnel.

Adam Davies

Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc

Teaching assistants (TAs) are the backbone of inclusive and thriving schools, providing essential support to pupils and teachers alike. Join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions on National Teaching Assistants’ Day, September 27th.

• Teaching Assistants

School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv

Discover eight essential tips for teachers to unwind and recharge during the summer break. Make the most of your time off with these practical and enjoyable suggestions.

Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing

Discover how our Attendance Mentors Programme tackles pupil absenteeism in the UK. Learn how tailored support and proven strategies can boost school attendance and academic success.

As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels

The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes

Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline

Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou

All your common questions about supply teaching answered

Alex Schulte

• Supply teaching

Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England

Dive into the critical world of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision with eye-opening statistics and real challenges faced by schools. Discover the importance of tailored support and the impact on learners.

Register with us for a choice of classroom roles

• International
• Schools directory
• Back issues
• New Teachers
• Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

An NQT guide to landing your first job

Jobs & careers.

You’ve found it! The school of your dreams. Your perfect match. You’re certain that this is the place that you want to start your teaching career and you’re desperate to get that job. But how are you going to ensure that you’re the winning candidate? How can you stand out from the crowd, beat all those experienced teachers and show the panel that you’re the one that they want? Read on for our top advice.

How do I complete a teaching job application?

Read the job advert carefully. Some schools ask you to fill in the standard application form for their county council but others (especially academies or church schools) will have their own application forms. If you fill in the wrong form, you’ll be out of the running before anyone’s even read it.

Now check the job and person specifications, and make a list of all the essential and desirable qualities they are looking for. You need to prove that you have those qualities by mentioning or referencing them in your application to ensure that you make the shortlist. Don’t worry that you don’t have years of teaching experience; be creative and pull in examples from other areas. 

• Teaching job applications usually consist of filling in an application form and providing a supporting personal statement in which you should go into greater detail (more on this below). When completing the form, you should be clear and concise, saving detail for the letter.
• If there are any gaps in your employment history, note them and explain why this is the case. Don’t worry about your lack of teaching experience – you’re a student teacher and schools know that your experience is limited to your teaching practices. Remember, you may have gained valuable transferrable skills or interests from your other jobs.
• Check the form for spelling and grammatical errors before you submit it. Also ensure that you have answered every question, ticked every box and signed everything.

Who should I use as my referees?

• Referees should know you in a professional capacity. Your line manager and one other (senior) colleague from one of your placement schools would be ideal.
• It is preferable to use at least one referee from your current placement school, as not doing so hints that there could be wider issues.
• Never use a relative or spouse as a referee, and ensure that the person you have chosen knows you well enough to give you a full reference.

How do I write a good covering letter/personal statement?

• Keep to the point: the covering letter should be no more than two sides of A4.
• Start with a strong statement outlining why you want to apply for this job at this school. For example, if the school has a particular strength or focus, state how you could contribute to this or what you like about it.
• Show that you’ve done your research. Scour the school website for information and, if you visited the school ahead of time, refer to anything interesting you came across during your visit. Use this to demonstrate how the school’s vision aligns with yours.
• Share your greatest hits. Pull out some great achievements, interests and experiences from your CV and link them to requirements in the job description.
• Write a bespoke letter. A generic letter with only the school’s name changed for every job application just will not cut it. You can keep the structure the same every time, but you need to tailor the content to fit each individual school. Yes, it takes time and effort, but you will be saving time in the end as you are likely to get a job sooner if you do this.
• Let your personality and enthusiasm shine; schools want to employ individuals, so show them who you are.
• Now check it and check it again.

How do I prepare for a teaching interview?

• Teaching interviews are often all-day affairs. You should be prepared to be in the school for the majority of the school day and to be touring the school, meeting staff and pupils, teaching an interview lesson and being interviewed by a panel.
• You will need to bring a copy of your application form and personal statement, your interview lesson plans and any resources you will need for your lesson. You can also bring a portfolio of your best lesson observations and examples of teaching work, although this is not essential.
• Have a good look at the school website the night before to familiarise yourself with any helpful information, then re-read your personal statement to remind yourself why you’re perfect for the job.
• Prepare a couple of questions to ask at the end of your interview.
• On the day, be on time, look happy to be there and be ready for anything.

What if I’m up against more experienced candidates? 

• Don’t let others’ experience rattle you. As an NQT, you have a lot going for you: You’re fresh and enthusiastic, you haven’t acquired any bad habits yet, you’re not set in your ways and you’ve just been trained in the latest education techniques.
• Remember that you’ve been invited to interview because the panel liked your application. If they definitely wanted an experienced teacher, they wouldn’t be interviewing an NQT.
• Sometimes a school will be specifically looking for an NQT to fill a position. This may be a budgeting matter (NQTs are cheaper) or a way of keeping things fresh. You are not automatically the worst option just because you’re newly qualified.

What should I wear to an interview?

• It is not essential to wear a suit to interview, but a shirt, tie and jacket are the most appropriate choices for men. A smart dress, or trousers/a skirt and a shirt are acceptable choices for women.
• Make sure your footwear is clean and appropriate (no flip-flops, please).
• Leave the comedy ties and novelty socks at home.
• Keep make-up and accessories discreet and professional. You want your personality to shine, not your clothing.

How do I teach an interview lesson?

• Read the brief. You are likely to be given a subject and a learning objective to teach and a time limit. It is important to stick to these. If you’re given a free rein, choose something that plays to your strengths and lets your passion for the subject shine through.
• Keep it simple. You need to be able to set up and clear away quickly. You’ll also need to bring your own resources with you, so don’t overcomplicate things.
• Think outside the box: think of ways to bring the learning objective to life. Creativity is nearly always appreciated.
• Show progress. This is hard to do in a 20-minute lesson, but using careful questioning or asking pupils what they have learnt and writing their responses on the board should do it.
• Demonstrate rapport. Your ability to build relationships with pupils will be scrutinised, so smile and talk with the students rather than at them. Memorising a couple of names at the start and using them throughout gives the pupils, and the panel, the impression that you’re building relationships already.
• Be reflective and be prepared to talk about what went well (and what didn’t) in your interview. Don’t panic if the lesson went badly – your response to that and how you say you’d follow it up can still make a great impression.

Lisa Jarmin is an early-years teacher and freelance journalist

How to Write an ECT Personal Statement

Written by Dan

Last updated December 20, 2023

When you are applying for an Early Career Teacher position, one of the most important things that you will need to submit is your personal statement.

This document is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the selection committee and showcase why you would be a great addition to their school. To make sure that your statement stands out, follow these tips.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Tips To Support ECTs In Their First Year  here.

Table of Contents

Write A Unique Statement For Each School.

If you’re an Early Career Teacher, then you understand how important it is to edit your personal statement for every job application. It can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it in the long run. Each school is unique, so your application should reflect that.

Read the job advertisement, website, and latest Ofsted report carefully. Make a list of requirements for the position and what is most important to the school’s ethos. Connect your passions and experience to these things.

For example, if the job advertisement asks for someone who is ‘passionate about teaching’, think carefully about what experiences you have had that demonstrate your passion for teaching. It could be a time when you overcame a difficult challenge in the classroom or a moment when you made a real difference in a student’s life.

Opening Line

Your opening sentence is analogous to the starting line of an amazing novel–it needs to be attention-grabbing (for all the right reasons). Highly effective personal statements generally start with a short explanation of what originally inspired them to enter the teaching profession, or why they’re looking forward to applying for this precise position.

Be Specific

When discussing your experience, always try to be as specific as possible. For example, rather than just saying that you’ve worked with “disadvantaged students,” go into detail about what kind of disadvantage they faced and how you helped them to overcome it. This will give the selection committee a much better idea of your teaching style and capabilities.

Keep Your Target Audience In Mind When Writing

It’s more impactful to SHOW an employer that you understand the complexities and how to manage them instead of simply telling them which age group you prefer teaching.

For example, if you’re vying for a job at a secondary school with a sixth form, illustrate how you’ve assisted students in the past with UCAS applications. If primary schools are your thing, explain why keeping an element of playfulness is essential to successful lesson plans.

Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm

When you’re writing your personal statement, make sure to show enthusiasm for the role you’re applying to. This is especially important for Early Career Teachers, as they might not have as much experience in the classroom as other candidates.

One way to do this is by including examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond in your current role. Another way is to share how you plan on contributing to the school community if you’re successful in securing the position.

How Has Your Working History Developed Your Practice

Although including a list of your work experience on your CV is necessary, it shouldn’t take up much space on your ECT personal statement. The focus of this document should be on how all of this past experience has affected your perspective as a new teacher. Use examples of your prior experiences to show the school’s hiring team how you would excel in the role.

Outline Your Plans For The Future

If you’re an Early Career Teacher, then chances are you haven’t been in the field for too long. Even if you only have a few years of experience under your belt, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have long-term goals. Describing your plans for the future shows that you’re committed to the teaching profession and that you have a clear vision for your career.

Strengths and Skills

Show your potential employer what makes you the best candidate for the job by discussing your unique skills, experiences, and goals in your personal statement. Are you a whiz with technology? Do you have experience teaching in an inclusive environment? Are you trilingual? These are all qualities that would set you apart from other candidates and make you an asset to any school.

A Powerful Ending

Just as you would carefully revise one of your students’ best essays, make sure to proofread and edit your statement before sending it off. Be sure to express how much you love teaching and why the school you’re applying to is a perfect fit for what you’re looking for. You want the selection committee to remember you for all the right reasons, so make sure your statement leaves a lasting impression.

By following these tips, you can be confident that your Early Career Teacher personal statement will make you stand out from the rest of the pack.

Check For Mistakes!

Remember, your personal statement is a reflection of you as a professional. Any grammar or spelling errors will reflect poorly on you and could cost you the job. Be sure to have several people proofread your statement before you submit it. By following these tips, you can be sure that your Early Career Teacher personal statement will make a lasting impression

Simple Personal Statement Example:

I am immensely passionate about teaching and firmly believe that every child has the right to a high-quality education.

I am currently in my final year of university and during that time I have had the opportunity to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds. I have also had the pleasure of working as a mentor to a group of children, which has given me invaluable experience in supporting others.

I am committed to continuously developing my practice and have recently completed a course in assessment for learning. I am also interested in pursuing a master’s in education in the future.

As an Early Career Teacher, I would be committed to continuously developing my practice and expanding my knowledge in the field. I believe that every child has the right to a high-quality education and it is my mission to ensure

I believe that I have the skills and experiences needed to be an excellent Early Career Teacher and would be a valuable asset to your school. I am eager to share my knowledge and passion for teaching with your students and would be honoured to join your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

What should go into a Personal statement to become an ECT?

Your Early Career Teacher personal statement should highlight your passion for teaching, as well as your unique skills and experiences. Be sure to mention any courses you’ve taken that have prepared you for the role, and describe how you would excel in the position.

How long should an ECT personal statement be?

Your personal statement should be around 500 words in length. This gives you enough space to discuss your skills and experiences, as well as your goals for the future.

What goes into a cover letter to become an ECT?

Your cover letter should briefly introduce you and highlight your interest in the position. Be sure to mention any relevant skills or experiences you have, and explain why you would be the perfect candidate for the job. Thank the reader for their time and consideration, and express your excitement for the opportunity to join their team.

Do you need to write a CV as an ECT?

No, you do not need to write a CV as an ECT. However, it is always beneficial to have one on hand in case the school you are applying to requests it. CVs are typically used for academic positions, so if you are applying for a teaching role in a school, they may request one. Be sure to tailor your CV to the specific position you are applying for.

If you have any questions about what to include in your Early Career Teacher personal statement or cover letter, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. With these tips, you can be sure that your application will make you stand out from the rest!

Related Posts

About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

1 thought on “How to Write an ECT Personal Statement”

• Pingback: How to Create a Positive Work Environment for Teachers - The Teaching Couple

Comments are closed.

Join our email list to receive the latest updates.

Add your form here