Applications

Interview

All shortlisted applicants are interviewed prior to the formal offer of a training place with the Rural Schools Alliance. If you are successful in securing an interview, the Alliance will send you specific guidance about the process. Here are some general points about how the process will be conducted.

Preparing for the Interview

Interviews to train with the Rural Schools Alliance may include any combination of the following:

  • A tour of the school to meet pupils and staff
  • Small group or whole class teaching
  • A group discussion with an educational focus
  • A written task to show that you are able to write English clearly, without spelling, grammar or punctuation errors
  • A numeracy test to show that you meet the required standard
  • A subject-specific test or verbal presentation

Plus a formal interview with a panel (members will be a mix of any of the following: the Director of the Rural Schools Alliance, a Lead Mentor, a Subject Leader, another member of staff from the Rural Schools Alliance, a representative from the University of Winchester)

You will be sent further details of your interview once a mutually suitable date and time has been agreed. If the date is several weeks away, you may not be sent the full details of your interview until closer to the time. We aim to give you sufficient time to prepare for any specific tasks we will ask you to do during your interview.

Your formal interview

Interviews are rigorous and serve as a crucial step for you and the Alliance to assess your suitability for the training post on offer.

The panel will take notes throughout the process and will convene to judge your suitability for the trainee post against the following criteria:

  • Appropriateness of subject qualifications (fully evidenced)
  • Capacity and desire to extend subject knowledge
  • Teaching experience (paid / unpaid / formal / informal)
  • Knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a teacher, including safeguarding
  • Capacity and desire to extend subject knowledge
  • Resilience
  • Ability to communicate effectively in a range of contexts
  • Ability to be both self-aware and reflective
  • Awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses
  • Enthusiasm for, and commitment to, teaching