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Teacher interview questions

22 questions · 5 answer outlines · Updated Oct 6, 2026

Teaching interviews usually combine questions on planning, assessment and classroom management with questions about safeguarding and working with parents and colleagues. Many schools also ask you to teach a short sample lesson, so expect to discuss how it went and what you would change. Interviewers look for a clear focus on how students learn, backed by real classroom examples.

Five questions to prepare first

These come up in most interviews for this role. For each one: what the interviewer is checking, and the points a strong answer covers, in order.

1

Describe a lesson that went really well. Why did it work?

What they're checking

Whether you understand what makes learning happen, and can reflect on your own practice.

A strong answer covers

  1. Set the context, the class, the subject and what students needed to learn.
  2. Describe the activities and how they built towards the learning goal.
  3. Explain how you knew it worked, such as students' answers, their work or a quick check at the end.
  4. Say what you have reused or changed since, which shows that you reflect.
2

How do you differentiate for students of different abilities in the same class?

What they're checking

Whether you plan for every student, not just the middle of the class.

A strong answer covers

  1. Start from assessment, knowing where each student is through data and observation.
  2. Describe concrete strategies, such as tiered tasks, scaffolds, extension questions and flexible grouping.
  3. Mention support for students with special educational needs and those learning in a second language.
  4. Give a short example from your teaching, and how those students progressed.
3

How do you manage disruptive behaviour?

What they're checking

Whether you can keep a class learning, consistently and fairly.

A strong answer covers

  1. Start with prevention, clear routines, high expectations and engaging lessons.
  2. Respond to low-level disruption quickly and calmly, without stopping the lesson for everyone.
  3. Follow the school's behaviour policy consistently, with escalating steps.
  4. Look for the cause behind repeated behaviour, and involve parents or colleagues where needed.
4

What would you do if a student told you something that made you worried about their safety?

What they're checking

Whether you know and would follow safeguarding procedures exactly.

A strong answer covers

  1. Listen calmly, take the student seriously and avoid leading questions.
  2. Never promise to keep it secret; explain that you will need to tell someone who can help.
  3. Report it straight away to the school's designated safeguarding or child protection lead, following the school's policy.
  4. Write down what was said, factually and in the student's words, and don't investigate yourself.
5

How do you handle a difficult conversation with a parent?

What they're checking

Whether you can work with parents in the student's interest, even when they are upset.

A strong answer covers

  1. Prepare, gathering the facts, examples of work and what you want to achieve.
  2. Listen first and acknowledge the parent's concern.
  3. Keep the focus on the student, sharing evidence and agreeing next steps together.
  4. Follow up as agreed, and involve a senior colleague if the conversation can't be resolved.

Teaching and learning

Give examples from real lessons, including what the students did, not only what you did.

  1. 1Describe a lesson that went really well. Why did it work?Answer outline
  2. 2How do you differentiate for students of different abilities in the same class?Answer outline
  3. 3How do you check that students have understood during a lesson?
  4. 4How do you plan a unit of work?
  5. 5How do you use technology in your teaching?
  6. 6How do you support students with special educational needs?

Classroom management

Show calm, consistent routines and how you build relationships, not just how you punish.

  1. 7How do you manage disruptive behaviour?Answer outline
  2. 8What would you do if a student refused to do any work?
  3. 9How do you set expectations at the start of the year?
  4. 10How do you build relationships with students who seem disengaged?
  5. 11How would you handle a conflict between two students in class?

Assessment and progress

How you know students are learning, and what you do when they aren't.

  1. 12How do you use assessment data to plan your teaching?
  2. 13How do you give feedback that students actually use?
  3. 14What would you do if a group of students was falling behind?
  4. 15How do you prepare students for exams without just teaching to the test?
  5. 16How do you track the progress of individual students?

Safeguarding, parents and colleagues

Safeguarding questions are often asked at every school interview. Know your duty and the procedure.

  1. 17What would you do if a student told you something that made you worried about their safety?Answer outline
  2. 18How do you handle a difficult conversation with a parent?Answer outline
  3. 19How do you work with teaching assistants and other staff?
  4. 20How would you contribute to school life outside the classroom?
  5. 21Why do you want to teach at this school?
  6. 22How do you keep developing as a teacher?

Teacher interview tips

  • Prepare for the sample lesson carefully, and be ready to reflect honestly on it afterwards. Self-awareness counts.
  • Read the school's website and inspection reports, and connect your answers to its priorities and values.
  • Know the safeguarding procedure thoroughly. A weak safeguarding answer can end an otherwise strong interview.
  • Bring specific examples of student progress, such as how a struggling group improved after you changed your approach.

Teacher interview FAQ

Often a sample lesson, an interview with the head or a panel, and sometimes a student panel or a tour. Some schools add a written task, such as marking work or responding to a scenario.

Schools usually tell you, and 20 to 30 minutes is common. Plan for the time you are given, with a clear learning goal and a way to show that students made progress.

Use examples from your training placements, and show how you reflect on and improve your teaching. Schools hiring new teachers look for potential and a willingness to learn.

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