Top Tips for a Teaching CV

Whether you’re an NQT looking for your first role or an experienced teacher seeking your next opportunity, your CV is your first opportunity to make a strong impression. Schools receive many applications for each post, so a well-crafted CV can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some top tips to get your teaching CV noticed.

1. Keep It Clear and Concise

Aim for one page maximum, with clear headings and bullet points that highlight your experience and skills. Keep the layout clean and professional – think easy-to-read fonts, consistent formatting, and plenty of white space. Start with the most relevant or recent experience to the role. We’re looking for your qualification, your experience in a UK classroom, and if you have a DBS and safeguarding certifications.

2. Tailor Your CV to Each Role

Read the job description carefully and adapt your CV to show how your experience matches what they’re looking for. If the recruiter emphasises inclusion or 1 to 1 experience, highlight if you have worked in this environment. If they want a strong subject lead, show how you’ve developed your curriculum area. For Wales, importantly, highlight if you are a Welsh Speaker as this is highly desirable right now.

3. Highlight Key Achievements, Not Just Duties

Rather than listing what you were responsible for, show what you achieved. For example:

• Instead of “Taught Year 5 English and Maths”, write “Raised attainment in Year 5 English by 15% through targeted small-group interventions.”
• Instead of “Member of safeguarding team”, write “Supported the safeguarding lead by coordinating staff training on online safety.”

Achievements show impact, and impact is what schools are looking for.

5. Showcase Your Skills

Teaching isn’t just about subject knowledge. Schools value classroom management, safeguarding awareness, curriculum development, ICT skills, pastoral care, and leadership potential. Use a skills section to highlight both teaching-related and transferable skills, and show you are willing to further your training and development.

A strong teaching CV tells your professional story with clarity, confidence, and impact. Focus on achievements, tailor it to each role, and keep it concise. Remember: your CV is the ticket to the interview. Once you’re there, your passion and personality will do the rest.

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