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Recruitment and induction
Contents
- Advertising and applications
- Induction and probation
- Interviewing and selection
- Interview questions and tasks: senior leaders
- Interview questions and tasks: support staff
- Interview questions and tasks: teachers
- Job offers and pre-employment checks
- Newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction
- Recruitment processes and requirements
Recruitment resources popular roles
6 articles
Advertising and applications
- Advertising roles in academies and free schools Learn about how you can advertise vacancies at your academy or free school, and find out how to make your advertisements as effective as possible.
- Advertising roles in maintained schools Find out your requirements for advertising roles for senior leaders, teaching staff and support staff. Also, get tips for an effective advert and find out whether you should advertise internally or externally.
- Application form for recruiting school staff: template Adapt our template job application form for all your teaching and support staff roles. Also find out why you shouldn't ask for criminal record information on application forms and what you can do instead.
- Job advertisement: deputy headteacher Are there examples of job adverts for a deputy headteacher? In this article, we look at examples of job adverts from primary and secondary schools and academies, as well as a special school. We also link to further articles from The Key with guidance on advertising roles in schools.
- Writing a job description: template and guidance Adapt our template for any school-based role, and see guidance on writing and reviewing your job descriptions.
- Writing a person specification: template and guidance Are there guidelines on writing person specifications? We point to LA guidance on writing person specifications and relay advice from One Education about writing person specifications. We have also created a person specification template that can be adapted for any school-based job.
4 articles
Induction and probation
- Probationary periods for teachers Can schools set probationary periods for teachers? We relay advice on introducing probationary periods for teachers which suggests schools should seek legal advice. We also refer to an example of a probation policy, and link to an employment contract featuring a probation clause.
- Staff handbooks Save yourself time by reading what to include in your staff handbook, and using our examples from schools for inspiration.
- Staff induction: your step-by-step guide Use our tips and checklist to plan effective staff induction that will ensure new employees buy into your school's culture and settle into their role well.
- Subject leader handbooks: what should be in them? Are there any examples of handbooks for subject leaders? This article sets out advice from one of our associate education experts, who explains what a subject leader’s handbook could cover. It also points to guidance and suggestions from a school leader and a local authority.
11 articles
Interviewing and selection
- Conducting senior leadership team recruitment interviews What is good practice for conducting senior leadership team interviews? We look at planning, arranging and conducting interviews and highlight techniques used for questioning. You can also download a Key Doc interview record sheet.
- Holding an interview: your step-by-step guide Know the rules and best practice for organising and running interviews for any role. Learn about who should sit on the panel, how to prepare your questions and how to stay compliant with anti-discrimination law.
- Interview lessons in recruitment: advice Is there advice on sample interview lessons? We relay guidance from One Education and our associate education experts on choosing the location and class and setting the task, and on what to look for in interview lessons.
- Interview lessons: observation forms Are there examples of forms for evaluating sample lessons? This article looks at forms for observing and evaluating sample lessons delivered by candidates for teaching posts. It also links to another of our articles, with advice on what to look for in sample lessons.
- Recruitment interview record sheets and response scoring systems Use our downloadable interview record sheet to set out your questions and candidates' responses when you're interviewing for school staff. You'll also find examples of response scoring systems.
- Reference request forms for school staff Are there any reference request forms for school staff? This article has a downloadable KeyDoc template for a reference request form, which we worked with one of our associate experts to produce, as well as an example from a school. It also points to further articles from The Key.
- Reference request templates for volunteers Is there a reference request form for volunteers? We have worked with one of our associate education experts to create 3 downloadable KeyDoc templates that you can use to gain references for volunteers. We also link to an article with advice on seeking references for volunteers.
- Seeking references for school staff Understand how to seek references appropriately. We explain what is set out in statutory guidance, how to make reference requests and what information to ask for.
- Seeking references for volunteers You should seek references for volunteers, to help check their suitability to volunteer in your school. Read on for advice on recruitment procedures for volunteers and dealing with difficulties obtaining references, and to see how some schools approach references for volunteers.
- Shortlisting candidates: template and guidance Download our shortlisting template to help you identify which candidates to invite for interview. Find out how to make sure your process is fair and that you shortlist the right people.
- Unsuccessful job applicants: template letters Are there templates for letters to unsuccessful job applicants? We point to sample letters produced by local authorities for their schools to inform applicants they have been unsuccessful at the shortlisting and post-interview stages. We also link to an example from a multi-academy trust.
24 articles
Interview questions and tasks: senior leaders
- EAL co-ordinator: interview questions and tasks If you are appointing an EAL co-ordinator, get inspiration with examples of interview questions and tasks suggested by one of our associate experts.
- Interview questions about financial planning: SBMs and senior leaders What interview questions could we ask senior leaders about financial planning? One of our associate experts suggests interview questions on financial planning for school business managers and other roles with financial responsibilities. You will also find guidance on what to look for in answers.
- Interview questions and tasks: senior leader (Christian faith schools) What questions could we ask candidates for senior positions at a church school? We relay expert suggestions of questions and tasks to use when interviewing applicants for senior leadership roles in Christian schools.
- Interview questions: assistant headteacher (primary) What questions could you ask at a primary assistant headteacher interview? We relay examples of questions, and things to look for in candidates' answers, from one of our associate education experts.
- Interview questions: assistant headteacher (secondary) Download and adapt our interview record sheet to help you recruit your next assistant headteacher - you'll find questions you can ask and pointers on what to look for in answers.
- Interview questions: deputy headteacher Use these questions and tips on what to look for in candidates' answers, alongside our template interview record sheet, to help you select the best person for a deputy headteacher role in your school.
- Interview questions: executive headteacher Are there sample interview questions for an executive headteacher? One of our associate education experts suggests interview questions for executive headteachers. For some questions, there is commentary on what interviewers should expect from candidates in their answers.
- Interview questions for a leadership post (teaching school) Are there any interview questions for a teaching school leadership post? A headteacher of a primary teaching school and one of The Key's associate education experts suggest questions for recruiting for such a role.
- Interview questions: head of school Are there examples of interview questions for a head of school? In this article, two of our associate education experts suggest questions you could ask candidates at interviews for the role of head of school. We also link to an article with possible interview tasks for a leadership post.
- Interview questions: mental health lead Use our list of questions and examples of what good responses look like to help you find the right staff member to take on this additional responsibility.
- Interview questions: primary assistant headteacher (curriculum) Are there interview questions for an assistant headteacher (curriculum lead)? Two of our associate education experts suggest questions that could be used in an interview for this position. We also link to further examples of interview questions suggested on a school leader's blog.
- Interview questions: primary assistant headteacher (EYFS) Are there interview questions for an assistant headteacher (EYFS)? One of our associate experts, Jeremy Bird, proposes a list of questions, and sets out what the panel should hope to hear in response to each.
- Interview questions: primary assistant headteacher (inclusion) Are there any interview questions for an assistant headteacher responsible for inclusion? We set out interview questions for this role on topics such as strategic direction, managing staff, and working with the community. We also outline some points to look for in a candidate's responses.
- Interview questions: safeguarding Safeguarding is an important part of recruitment. Use our interview questions related to safeguarding when interviewing prospective staff to help you get this right. For each question, there are also positive and negative indicators for responses.
- Interview questions: school business manager/bursar Use our example interview questions for SBM/bursar candidates to help you recruit the right person for this role in your school. For each topic, find out what to look out for in candidates' answers as suggested by our associate education experts.
- Interview questions: SENCO Download and adapt our interview record sheet to help you recruit your next SENCO - it's got pointers on what to look for in candidates' answers.
- Interview questions: specialist leader of education (SLE) Are there examples of interview questions for an SLE? We set out interview questions for the role of specialist leader of education (SLE), suggested by one of our associate education experts. We also link to articles containing interview record sheets and guidance on shortlisting.
- Interview tasks for a leadership post How to pick the right tasks for your leadership interviews. Understand what each task is testing for, what you need to do in advance and how to spot a good answer. Examples include in-tray exercise, pupil interview and goldfish bowl group exercise.
- Interview tasks for a school business manager/bursar Use our example interview tasks to help you recruit the right person for your SBM/bursar role, and get advice on how to run the tasks you choose.
- Interview tasks for a SENCO Use our suggested interview tasks for special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) candidates to help you choose the right person for this important role in your school. The tasks are based on the SENCO responsibilities listed in the SEND Code of Practice, and also include what to look for in a good candidate.
- Interview tasks: forms for observing interaction with pupils Do you have a form for observing candidates' interaction with pupils? We worked with one of our associate education experts to create a proforma to use when observing candidates in this situation. We also link to a National College toolkit on recruitment, which includes guidance on meeting pupils.
- Preparing for headship: headteacher interview questions Prepare for your headship interview - find out what headteacher interview questions and tasks are likely to come up and how your answers will be evaluated
- Preparing for senior leadership: what to expect in an interview Know how to impress at every stage of your senior leadership interview with top tips from our recruitment experts. Plan answers to our sample interview questions, and find out how to tweak your preparations if you'll be attending the interview remotely.
- Student council: headteacher interview questions What questions could a pupil panel ask at a headteacher interview? One of our associate experts suggests questions pupils could ask candidates, and lists possible topics that the panel might want to base questions on. We also include a case study on the benefits of using pupil panels in interviews.
20 articles
Interview questions and tasks: support staff
- Finance staff: interview questions and tasks Use these questions and tasks, alongside our template interview record sheet, to help you select the best person for a finance role in your school. You'll also find out what to look for in a candidate's answers.
- Interview questions and tasks: admin staff Use these questions and tasks, alongside our template interview record sheet, to help you recruit the best person for an admin position, like receptionist, admin assistant or officer, and PA. Plus, see what to look for in candidates' answers.
- Interview questions and tasks: catering manager Are there interview questions for the role of catering manager? In this article, two of our associate education experts suggest interview questions and tasks for candidates applying for the role of catering manager.
- Interview questions and tasks: IT technician/manager Are there examples of interview questions for an IT technician or manager? One of our associate education experts suggests interview questions and tasks for school IT technicians and managers.
- Interview questions: attendance officer If you're interviewing for an attendance officer, download and adapt our list of questions and suggested responses.
- Interview questions: breakfast club co-ordinator Do you have any interview questions for a breakfast club co-ordinator? We relay interview questions suggested by John Searl, a consultant headteacher. We also link to further articles from The Key on the subject of breakfast clubs.
- Interview questions: caretaker/site manager What questions might I ask at an interview for a caretaker? One of our associate education experts suggests a list of questions. We also link to questions from the Caretakers' Website, as well as relaying expert advice on what to look for in candidates' answers.
- Interview questions: cleaner Are there any examples of interview questions for a cleaner? One of our associate education experts provides a range of interview questions based on common scenarios a cleaner might encounter in a school. We also link to examples of questions focusing on cleaning experience.
- Interview questions: cover supervisor Are there examples of interview questions for a cover supervisor? This article features interview questions for a cover supervisor, suggested by two of our associate education experts, along with pointers on what to look for in answers.
- Interview questions: inclusion manager (primary) Are there any interview questions for an inclusion manager? One of our associate education experts suggests questions you could ask candidates in an interview for the role of an inclusion manager in a primary school. We also link to examples of job descriptions for the role.
- Interview questions: learning mentor Are there any examples of interview questions for a learning mentor? We set out possible interview questions for a learning mentor, suggested by one of our associate education experts. We also link to advice on skills to look for in a learning mentor.
- Interview questions: midday supervisor Use these questions, alongside our template interview record sheet, to help you select the best person for a midday supervisor position. Plus, know what to look for in candidates' answers.
- Interview questions: nursery staff If you're looking for roles like a nursery manager, nurse or assistant, use our question examples and template interview record sheet to conduct the interview.
- Interview questions: parent and family support adviser Are there interview questions for a family support adviser? This article outlines interview questions for the role of parent and family support adviser suggested by one of our associate education experts. It also links to another of our articles, on job descriptions for parent support workers.
- Interview questions: school counsellor Hiring a school counsellor? We've created a downloadable interview record sheet, with questions and suggestions of what to look for in answers.
- Interview questions: school data and information manager Are there any interview questions for a data and information manager? One of our associate education experts suggests interview questions for a data and information manager. We also link to another of our articles with suggested interview tasks for a similar role.
- Interview tasks for a school data manager (secondary) See examples of interview tasks for a school data manager, including what a good answer looks like.
- Interview tasks for a school site manager/caretaker Are there any interview tasks for a site manager? One of our associate education experts suggests activities that could be used when recruiting a site manager/caretaker, such as doing a risk assessment. We also point to another article with suggested interview questions for this role.
- TAs and HLTAs: interview questions and tasks Use these questions and tasks, along with what to look for in responses, to help you select the best person for a teaching assistant or higher level teaching assistant position.
- Teaching assistant interview questions: supporting a pupil with SEND Use our interview record sheet with suggested interview questions for TAs supporting a pupil with SEND. It also includes pointers on what to look for in answers.
15 articles
Interview questions and tasks: teachers
- Interview questions and tasks: head of phase/department If you're interviewing for any middle leadership position focused on curriculum provision, download and adapt our list of questions. Also, find ideas for tasks you could use to test candidates.
- Interview questions and tasks: head of year/pastoral manager If you're interviewing for any middle leadership position focused on pastoral issues, download and adapt our list of questions. Also, find ideas for tasks you could use to test candidates.
- Interview questions and tasks: leading practitioner Find examples of interview questions and tasks you can use when recruiting a leading practitioner teacher in any school. You can also see what to look for in a good answer.
- Interview questions and tasks: teacher (primary) Use these questions and tasks, alongside our template interview record sheet, to help you select the best person for a classroom teacher position. You can also see what to look for in a candidate's answers.
- Interview questions and tasks: teacher (secondary) Use these questions and tasks, alongside our template interview record sheet, to help you select the best person for a classroom teacher position. You can also see what to look for in a candidate's answers.
- Interview questions: careers co-ordinator Are there interview questions for a careers co-ordinator? One of our associate education experts suggests questions to ask in interviews for the role of careers co-ordinator. They include questions on the candidate's vision for the role and careers provision within the school.
- Interview questions: English co-ordinator (primary) Do you have any interview questions for a primary English co-ordinator? One of The Key's associate education experts suggests interview questions for an English co-ordinator in a primary school. We also link to further articles with suggested interview questions for subject leaders and teachers.
- Interview questions: EYFS leader Are there examples of interview questions for an early years leader? We feature interview questions for an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) leader/co-ordinator, on a range of topics. We also link to questions from a local authority.
- Interview questions: EYFS teacher What interview questions could I ask an EYFS teacher? One of The Key's associate education experts, Tracey Rees, suggests a number of interview questions for an EYFS teacher. We also link to questions from a university and to questions covering safeguarding issues.
- Interview questions: head of sixth form Are there examples of interview questions for a head of sixth form? In this article, two of our associate education experts suggest questions you could ask candidates and model answers to these questions. We also link to an article with interview tasks for a leadership post.
- Interview questions: head of STEM Are there any interview questions for a head of STEM? We list interview questions suggested by one of our associate education experts, covering topics such as co-ordinating between subjects and using external organisations.
- Interview questions: newly qualified teacher (NQT) Are there examples of interview questions for a newly qualified teacher (NQT)? One of our associate experts suggests interview questions that could be used for an NQT post. We also refer to sample questions from a university and point to articles from The Key on interview questions for teachers.
- Interview questions: subject leader (primary) Are there any interview questions for a primary subject leader? We list interview questions suggested by our associate education experts, and link to further articles with questions for phase leaders. We also highlight interview questions for primary subject leaders from a university.
- Interview questions: teacher with a TLR for innovation and creativity Do you have interview questions for a TLR for innovation and creativity? One of our associate education experts suggests interview questions on innovation and creativity, as well as some questions focused on ICT projects. We also link to some of our articles on pay for TLR positions.
- Interview tasks: literacy or English subject leader (primary) Are there interview tasks for a literacy or English subject leader? Three of our associate experts suggest tasks that could be used when interviewing a literacy or English subject leader candidates in a primary school. The tasks relate to subject knowledge, assessment, observations and training.
10 articles
Job offers and pre-employment checks
- Checks for agency staff Find information on which checks must be carried out on agency staff, such as supply teachers. This includes whether you need to obtain DBS certificates and what to record on the SCR, as well as a template record form to get written confirmation of checks.
- Checks for new school staff and governors UpdatedUse our list of required checks for new staff, volunteers and governors to stay compliant with the latest statutory safeguarding guidance.
- Checks for school volunteers The requirements for checks on volunteers differ depending on the circumstances. Use our flowchart to determine what safeguarding checks are required, and read about what other checks you may choose to do.
- Checks for staff who have lived or worked overseas UpdatedYou must make 'appropriate' further checks on staff who have lived or worked outside the UK. Find guidance on what these 'appropriate' checks might be, and how to carry them out.
- Checks on teachers' qualifications You must check qualifications for new teachers. Read about how to carry out these checks.
- Job offer letter: template Download our template job offer letter to save yourself some time and make sure you're including the right information. You'll also find an example from a school, and more information on written statements of terms and conditions of employment.
- Medical checks for new school staff You need to verify an applicant's mental and physical fitness for the role before appointing them. Read the rules around how to do this and avoid leaving yourself open to discrimination claims.
- Missing references for school staff Some schools don't have records of references for staff on the single central record (SCR), in particular longstanding members of staff. Find out how to deal with this situation.
- Prohibition from teaching checks You are required to check whether teachers and support staff that carry out teaching work are subject to a prohibition order. Understand what a prohibition order is, and how to carry out a check.
- Right to work checks Find resources to help you carry out these required checks.
3 articles
Newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction
- Newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction: checklist and planners Use our checklist to make sure you're following statutory requirements for NQT inductions. See further guidance from local authorities to help you plan what to do each term.
- Newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction: disciplinary procedures Can an NQT pass induction if they have been subject to a disciplinary? This article relays advice from One Education and ASCL on this issue. It also points to the statutory guidance for newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction, and the Teachers’ Standards.
- Newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction: performance management and pay UpdatedHere's a summary of the DfE's statutory guidance on newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction, so you're clear on the rules you must follow for your induction programme. See answers to FAQs on NQT absence due to coronavirus.
9 articles
Recruitment processes and requirements
- Checking criminal records during recruitment: dos and don'ts The GDPR has placed increased protections on criminal records information. Learn why you shouldn't ask for self-disclosure of criminal records during the recruitment process, and use our quick-reference download to help you keep your process fair and compliant.
- Effective recruitment: case studies from schools Are there examples of effective recruitment strategies? This article has 6 case studies from schools, including 3 teaching schools. We also link to an article with expert advice on recruiting in the most cost-effective way.
- Employing overseas staff: what you need to know If you’re considering hiring a teacher or another staff member from a foreign country, read through this article to make sure you know what would be required of you. Get help with sorting out visas, doing pre-employment checks and knowing the qualification requirements for teachers.
- How to do internal recruitment Read our step-by-step guide to recruiting members of staff already at your school for another role.
- How to manage a criminal records disclosure Learn how to handle disclosures of criminal records information, including what to do if a DBS check returns with previous convictions. Use our templates to help you conduct a disclosure discussion and assess an applicant's criminal record.
- How to reduce unconscious bias in your recruitment process Learn how to minimise the influence of unconscious bias when you're making hiring choices at the advertising, CV shortlisting, and interview stages of your recruitment process.
- Recruitment checks: cheat sheet Do you know your DBS check from your section 128? Barred list check from prohibition from teaching? Learn the difference between the key recruitment checks, why they're important and how to do them. Download our cheat sheet for a handy reference, or to include in process manuals.
- Recruitment: your step-by-step guide Keep on top of all the stages in the recruitment process. See links to our guidance and resources all in one place, from finding applicants to holding staff induction.
- Writing references: guidance Find out what’s expected of you if you receive a request for a reference. Including whether you need to provide references when asked, what to include, and whether an individual can see copies of any references you provide about them.