How to Write a Winning CV for Teaching Jobs in the UK

If you’re applying for teaching jobs in the UK, your CV plays a crucial role in making a strong first impression. Schools and recruiters receive hundreds of applications, so your CV needs to stand out. Here’s how to create a winning teaching CV that increases your chances of landing an interview.

1. Start with a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement should be concise, engaging, and tailored to the role. Highlight your teaching philosophy, experience, and key strengths in two to three sentences.

Example:

“Passionate and dedicated primary school teacher with five years of experience in delivering engaging lessons and improving student outcomes. Skilled in classroom management and curriculum planning, with a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.”

2. Highlight Your Teaching Experience

List your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Include:

  • Job title and school name
  • Employment dates
  • Key responsibilities and achievements

Example:

KS2 Teacher – Greenfield Primary School, London (2021–Present)

  • Designed and delivered engaging lessons in line with the UK curriculum
  • Implemented differentiated learning strategies, improving student performance by 15%
  • Led extracurricular activities, enhancing student engagement

3. Showcase Your Qualifications & Training

Clearly state your teaching qualifications (e.g. PGCE, QTS, BEd) and any additional training such as safeguarding or SEN courses.

Example:

  • PGCE (Primary Education), University of Manchester (2019)
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Department for Education

4. Include Key Skills & Achievements

Add a section highlighting essential skills relevant to teaching jobs in the UK, such as:

  • Lesson planning and curriculum development
  • Behaviour management
  • SEN and differentiation strategies
  • Technology integration in the classroom

5. Keep It Clear & Concise

Your CV should be no longer than two pages, use a professional format, and be error-free. Tailor it for each role by using keywords from the job description.

By following these steps, you’ll create a standout CV that increases your chances of securing teaching jobs in the UK.