The perfect teacher CV: a step-by-step guide with template
Exactly what UK headteachers want to see on a teaching CV — with a proven structure, phrases that land interviews, and the mistakes that get you rejected in seconds.
Why teaching CVs are different
Headteachers spend an average of 45 seconds on each application. Yours needs to answer three questions immediately: Can you teach? Are you safe? Will you fit here?
The winning structure
1. Personal statement (4-5 lines)
Name your phase, subject, years of experience, and one distinctive strength. Skip the platitudes.
2. Qualifications
QTS status, degree, PGCE/School Direct, ECT status. Put your QTS number.
3. Teaching experience (reverse chronological)
For each role: school name, phase, dates, and 3–5 bullet points using outcome-first language.
> Weak: "Taught Year 4 English."
> Strong: "Raised Year 4 reading progress from -2.1 to +0.7 across the academic year."
4. Whole-school responsibilities
Subject lead, key stage lead, ECT mentor, DSL — anything beyond the classroom.
5. Professional development
Recent CPD, NPQs, chartered teacher status.
6. Interests
One short line. Optional.
The mistakes that get you rejected
- Longer than 2 pages.
- Generic personal statement.
- No measurable outcomes.
- Gaps you don't explain.
- Photos, fancy fonts, or coloured backgrounds.
Pro tip
Upload your CV to your SchoolJobs.uk profile once — we'll auto-fill your entire profile from it, so you can apply to any school with one click.
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