- Stages
- 4
- Typical timeline
- 1 to 3 weeks
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Format
- Application, observed lesson, panel interview, often a pupil panel
Teaching interviews usually involve teaching a lesson to real pupils, a panel interview and often a pupil panel or tour. The observed lesson is the most important part: interviewers look for clear objectives, engagement, checking understanding, adapting for different needs and good behaviour management. The panel interview covers safeguarding, behaviour, assessment, supporting pupils with special educational needs, and why this school. Showing reflection on your lesson afterwards also matters.
The interview process, stage by stage
- ApplicationApplication form and personal statement.
- Observed lessonTeach a lesson, usually 20 to 40 minutes, to a real class.
- Pupil panelQuestions from pupils, at many schools.
- Panel interviewHeadteacher and leaders on safeguarding, teaching and values.
How you're scored
Clear, engaging lessons that make progress.
Calm, consistent classroom control.
Knows and follows procedures correctly.
Evaluates own practice honestly.
Likely Teacher interview questions
How did your lesson go, and what would you change?
A strong answer includes: Honest evidence of progress, one or two specific changes and how you'd follow up.
A pupil tells you something worrying about their home life. What do you do?
A strong answer includes: Listen calmly, don't promise secrecy, record exactly and report to the DSL immediately.
How do you manage low-level disruption?
A strong answer includes: Clear routines and expectations, consistent use of the school policy, positive reinforcement and calm follow-up.
Every question for this interview, with what strong answers include. Free with an account for the first few; all of them with Pro.
Common mistakes
- Overplanned lessons that ignore pupils' responses
- Weak safeguarding answers
- No adaptation for different needs
- Defensive reflection after the lesson
Questions to ask them
- How is behaviour managed across the school?
- What support is there for early career teachers?
- How do departments plan together?
- What are the school's priorities this year?
Candidate experiences
No candidate reports for this interview yet. Interviewed recently? Share what they asked and help the next candidate.
Share your interviewFrequently asked questions
What is asked in a teaching interview?
Safeguarding scenarios, behaviour management, how you plan and assess, adapting for SEND and other needs, how your lesson went, why this school, and your contribution beyond the classroom.
How do I plan an interview lesson?
Keep one clear objective, start with an engaging hook, include checks for understanding, give pupils time to practise, adapt for different needs and finish with a short assessment. Bring spare resources and a lesson plan for observers.
How do I answer a safeguarding question?
If a pupil discloses something, listen calmly, don't promise confidentiality, don't ask leading questions, record exactly what was said and report immediately to the designated safeguarding lead.
How do I reflect on my lesson in the interview?
Be honest: what went well with evidence, what you'd change and why, and how you'd follow up with the class next lesson.