What to expect from the teacher training interview and selection day
Teacher training interview and selection day
The format of the day can vary depending on the provider and route, for example if you're already employed in the school. The interview process may include a selection of activities such as:
a face-to-face interview
an assessment centre
written tests of maths, ICT and/or English
a presentation
a group discussion/exercise
teaching or planning a mini-lesson
interaction with pupils in school
a subject-specific task such as a practical exercise for PE, music or drama candidates.
For applications through UCAS Teacher Training, interviews must be held within 40 working days of your application being received and may last at least half a day, so leave a full day free for each interview. If you're offered more than one interview on the same day, contact one of the providers to see if they can reschedule; if not, you need to decide which one to attend. It's important to visit the school or university beforehand, and for many schools this is considered a part of the application process.
Applicants to the Teach First programme who successfully pass the online application stage are invited to a one-day assessment centre consisting of a sample teaching lesson and self-evaluation, a case study and self-evaluation group exercise, and a one-to-one competency-based interview.
Applicants for the Researchers in Schools (RIS) programme who meet the application form criteria are invited to an assessment centre held at one of the partner schools. This consists of delivering a mini-lesson (you'll be given details of the subject before the day), completing a written self-evaluation of the mini-lesson, a group activity and a one-to-one interview.
Suitable applicants on the Assessment Only route are interviewed by their approved provider and must present a portfolio of evidence showing progress to QTS. Successful candidates will then be assessed at the school. The assessment period lasts a maximum of 12 weeks and may include a range of activities such as lesson observations, a portfolio of evidence, subject knowledge assessment or a final viva. You will have an in-school mentor to provide feedback and advice.