The next exciting step after sorting out your teaching qualifications is applying for your first teaching role. Teacher CV or teacher resume, call it what you will but it can be a stressful experience to know what to include on your newly qualified teacher (NQT) CV to be successful in the teacher application process.

What should I include on my teaching CV?

Whether you are a newly qualified teacher or looking for your qualified teacher status (QTS), your CV will need to include the following essentials: 

  • Contact details
  • Qualifications: time to boast about your PGCE, ITET, SCITT, School Direct training or Teach First
  • Work experience: mention those placements and other previous roles too, even if they were not teaching related. Schools are always on the lookout for fresh talent and they will consider the transferable skills you may have picked up from jobs outside of a school.
  • Quantifiable facts and figures that make you stand out e.g. when you have made a difference to a child/class, how you increased attainment or an example of when you have gone above and beyond.
  • Additional interests: headteachers want to be able to gauge what you are like as a person too, so include those extra curricular activities you did at university, that volunteering you did in your spare time and the hobbies you have. Just ensure they are relevant and work appropriate!
  • When writing your CV think about what makes you different and unique and why that Headteacher or school should select you for an interview.

Teacher CV sample.

Having worked with over 2,500 schools nationally, we have valuable insight into what exactly schools look for when it comes to applications. The CV will most likely be picked up by the headteacher, so crafting it right will increase your chances of impressing at senior level. Click here to find and download our specially tailored NQT CV template. This template has been designed to help you with your next job application and includes helpful notes on what to include in each section.

How to write a cover letter for a teaching job.

Having a brilliant CV without a brilliant cover letter to accompany it is like having toast without butter. Luckily, we have you covered here too. Click here to download one of our cover letter templates and take the first step towards becoming a teacher.

It’s not just about your CV and cover letter.

To make a successful application for a teaching job, you need to get the basics right. 



Whilst the format of your application could vary from school to school, there are some steps you can take that will better your chances of getting that dream role and getting on the career ladder. 



The first step is to personalise your application to the school you are applying for. Yes, employers will love hearing about the many skills you have picked up at university and in your placement, but hearing something specific to their school will be music to their ears. To do this, you will need to research the school beforehand.

How to research the school.

Before applying, arm yourself with the key facts. Not only will it help you with your application and at interview stage but it will give you an insight into the school. There are many great sources of information out there but the obvious place to start would be the school application pack. To know what the school is looking for when it comes to the ideal teacher is to know what they value the most. You can also:

  • Read the Ofsted reports for the school and review achievement tables from the Department of Education to see how well the school is doing. 
  • Give the school name a quick google and see if they have been in the local press at any point.
  • Of course, the school website is a great starting point too so take your time to explore that too. 

If you still have questions or doubts, perhaps you could always consider visiting or calling the school before applying.

Have a more specific role in mind?

Then we have got specific tips for you:

All-in-all, the application process doesn’t have to be as lengthy as it seems. Take it step-by-step and follow our teacher CV example to ensure a smooth journey. Once you have got your foot in the door, you might just be working in one of these highest paying education jobs in the UK.

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