Teaching and Teaching Assistant Interview Guide (UK Schools): Lessons, Safeguarding and Questions
School interviews are different from most others. They are often a full day, they include watching you work with children, and they cover safeguarding in far more depth than other sectors. Knowing that in advance is half the battle.
What the day usually looks like
A teaching or teaching assistant interview in the UK commonly combines a tour of the school, a lesson or an activity with a group of pupils, an interview with a panel, and sometimes a short task such as marking, planning or a conversation with pupils. Panels often include the headteacher or a deputy, a governor and a subject or phase lead.
Safeguarding comes first
In England, schools must follow statutory guidance called Keeping Children Safe in Education, and safeguarding questions are standard. Expect to be asked what you would do if a child told you something worrying, or if you saw a colleague behaving inappropriately. The key points: never promise confidentiality, listen without leading, record what was said in the child's own words, and report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead straight away following the school's policy. Roles with children also require an enhanced DBS check, and schools will ask about gaps in employment.
The lesson or activity
Whatever you are asked to teach, keep it simple, clear and interactive. A strong lesson has a clear objective that pupils understand, a short engaging starter, an activity where children do most of the work, questions to check understanding and a short plenary. Learn the names of the pupils as quickly as you can and use praise that is specific, such as "I like how you checked your answer", rather than just "well done".
Common interview questions
Why do you want to work at this school?
How do you manage low-level disruption?
How would you support a pupil with special educational needs?
How do you use assessment to plan your next steps?
How do you build relationships with parents and carers?
Tell me about a time you made a difference to a pupil.
Behaviour questions are about consistency and calm. Describe how you set clear expectations, use the school's behaviour policy, praise positive behaviour and follow up quietly, rather than escalating in front of the class.
For teaching assistants
The interview is often more about supporting children than leading the class. Talk about how you work with the class teacher, how you help pupils become more independent rather than doing the work for them, how you support children with additional needs, and how you stay patient and positive. If you have experience as a parent, volunteer or in a youth setting, say so and explain what you learned.
Early career teachers
Newly qualified teachers in England follow the Early Career Framework during their first two years, and interviewers will often ask how you plan to continue developing. Be ready to talk about your training route, whether PGCE, School Direct or Teach First, and what feedback you have had so far.
Research the school
Read the latest Ofsted report and the school website. Note the school's values, recent achievements, size and context, and mention two or three points honestly. It shows you have taken the trouble.
Quick answers
What do schools ask in a teacher interview? Mainly about behaviour, planning and assessment, safeguarding, inclusion and how you work with colleagues and parents.
How long is a school interview day? Anything from half a day to a full day, depending on the role and the school.
Is it different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland? Yes. The structure of qualifications and the guidance schools follow are different, so check the local requirements.
Our question bank includes real questions for teaching and support roles with full model answers, and every role has five free so you can see the standard.
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