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Whether you’re new to secondary school teaching and preparing for your first interview, or moving schools and ready to take a new step in your career, preparing for the interview is so important. Read on to find top interview questions for secondary teachers along with interview day tips for success.
What schools look for in secondary teacher interviews
Secondary school interviews are designed to assess more than subject knowledge. Schools are looking for confident educators who can manage behaviour, deliver curriculum-aligned lessons, and support the wider school community. Your ability to safeguard students, communicate clearly, and reflect the school’s ethos will also be under close review.
For headteachers and department leads, it's not just about filling a vacancy. It's about finding someone who will help pupils thrive both academically and emotionally.
Most common interview questions for secondary teachers
Behaviour management
“How do you handle disruptive behaviour in the classroom?”
Be ready to explain your strategy and give an example where it worked well. You might reference some tried and tested behaviour management strategies in the classroom to support your approach.
Curriculum delivery
“How do you approach planning a lesson for Year 9 in your subject?”
Highlight your understanding of the curriculum and how you make learning engaging. Draw on your experience with lesson planning advice to explain how you structure learning objectives and activities.
Assessment and progress
“How do you assess student understanding and track progress?”
Mention formative and summative assessments, self-assessment, and data tracking tools.
Supporting SEND and EAL learners
“How do you ensure all students can access your lessons?”
Talk about differentiation, scaffolding, and liaising with the SENDCo or EAL coordinator. You could refer to the impact differentiation has had on your class, citing stats and data to back your points up.
Safeguarding
“What would you do if a pupil made a safeguarding disclosure?”
Emphasise following school procedures and reporting directly to the DSO (Designated Safeguarding Officer).
Collaboration and communication
“How do you work with colleagues and parents to support pupils?”
Share examples of team meetings, parental contact, and consistent communication.
How to prepare for interview questions for secondary teachers: Your checklist
- Understand your audience: Research the school, read the Ofsted report, review their website, and understand their values. Be ready to tailor your answers to their context.
- Refresh your subject knowledge: Ensure you’re confident with the KS3 and KS4 (or KS5) curriculum, especially if you’ll be teaching exam classes.
- Use the STAR method: Frame your answers with Situation, Task, Action, Result to keep them structured and memorable.
- Get ready for a lesson demo: Prepare a short, engaging lesson with clear objectives and assessment points. Think about how you'll differentiate and manage behaviour.
- Prepare thoughtful questions: Have two or three questions ready for the panel about CPD, classroom support, or school culture. Consider reading about the importance of CPD to guide your questions.
Sample answers to interview questions for secondary teachers
Q: “Tell us about a challenging behaviour situation you managed successfully.”
A: A Year 10 student was frequently off-task and distracting others. I followed the school’s behaviour policy, spoke privately with the student to identify issues, and implemented a reward system linked to their interests. Engagement improved over time, and I involved parents in celebrating progress.
Q: “How do you support students with varying needs in one classroom?”
A: I use tiered learning objectives, visual aids, and flexible grouping. I also collaborate with the SENDCo to implement targeted strategies and adapt assessments accordingly.
Final tips for interview day success
- Arrive early: 15–20 minutes is ideal.
- Dress professionally: Smart and suitable for a school environment.
- Bring key documents: DBS certificate, ID, qualifications, and lesson plans.
- Stay composed: Be confident in your experience and authentic in your answers.
- Follow up: A brief thank-you email shows professionalism and enthusiasm. For more guidance on what to expect, read about preparing for the world of working in education.
FAQs about interview questions for secondary teachers
Will I have to teach a lesson during the interview?
Yes, many schools include this to assess your classroom presence and planning. If you're just starting out, check out how to kickstart your teaching career.
What questions should I ask at the end of my interview?
Ask about support for ECT/NQTs, professional development, or curriculum priorities. The term-by-term breakdown of your ECT/NQT years can help shape some smart queries.
How long do these interviews usually take?
Most last 30–60 minutes, with additional time if a lesson or panel task is required.
Do I need to bring a portfolio?
It’s not essential, but showcasing planning, student work, and feedback can add value.
