How to Write a Standout Teaching CV

In a competitive education job market, your CV is often the only thing standing between you and an interview. Headteachers and recruitment panels typically spend just 30–60 seconds scanning each application, so every word counts.

Unlike corporate CVs, a teaching CV needs to demonstrate not just your qualifications and experience, but your impact on student outcomes, your classroom philosophy, and your commitment to professional development.

A well-structured teaching CV should follow this order:

• Personal statement — 3–4 sentences summarising your teaching philosophy, key strengths, and career goals
• Key achievements — Quantifiable impact (e.g., “Improved GCSE pass rates by 15% over two years”)
• Teaching experience — Reverse chronological, with bullet points focusing on responsibilities and outcomes
• Education & qualifications — Degrees, PGCE/QTS, and any specialist certifications
• Professional development — Recent CPD courses, conferences, and training
• Skills & interests — Relevant extracurricular contributions and technical skills

Your personal statement sits at the top of your CV and sets the tone for everything that follows. Avoid generic phrases like “passionate about teaching” — instead, be specific about what drives you.

Example: “An experienced secondary mathematics teacher with 6 years of experience delivering engaging, differentiated lessons across Key Stages 3–5. Proven track record of raising attainment, with 82% of A-Level students achieving A*–B grades in 2025. Committed to fostering a growth mindset and using data-driven strategies to support every learner.”

Recruiters want evidence, not assertions. Wherever possible, back up your claims with numbers:

• Exam results and grade improvements
• Student progress data (e.g., value-added scores)
• Extracurricular participation rates you helped increase
• Number of NQTs/ECTs you mentored
• Attendance improvements in form groups

Even if you are an early career candidate, you can quantify your placement experience — for example, the number of lessons delivered, resources created, or interventions led.

These errors can cost you the interview:

• Being too long — Keep it to 2 pages maximum. Senior leaders may stretch to 3.
• Missing your QTS/teaching qualification details — Always include your DfE reference number
• Using a generic CV for every application — Tailor your personal statement and key achievements to each school
• Neglecting SENCo or pastoral experience — Schools increasingly value this
• Poor formatting — Use clean, readable fonts (11–12pt), consistent spacing, and clear headings

A CV for an independent school will look different from one aimed at an academy chain or international school. Research the school’s ethos, values, and priorities before applying.

For international schools, emphasise adaptability, cultural awareness, and any experience with IB or American curricula. For independent schools, highlight co-curricular contributions and any boarding experience. For state schools, focus on your understanding of Ofsted frameworks, data tracking, and inclusive practice.