1

Motivation & Fit

Interviewers will want to understand why you want to become a teacher and what excites you about the profession. You may be asked why teaching appeals to you, what experiences have shaped your decision, and why Prestolee SCITT feels like the right place for your training. Think about moments where you’ve worked with children or seen good teaching in action, and how those experiences have inspired you to take this next step.

2

Understanding the Role of a Teacher

It’s important to show that you have a realistic picture of what teaching involves. You might be asked what you think makes a good teacher, what challenges you expect to face, or how you would describe the day-to-day role. We don’t expect you to know everything yet, but reflecting on the balance between planning, teaching, assessment, and supporting children’s wellbeing will help demonstrate your awareness of what lies ahead.

3

Awareness of Professional Responsibilities

Teaching is more than what happens in the classroom; it’s also about upholding professional standards and acting as a role model. In your interview, you may be asked how you would maintain professionalism both inside and outside of school. This could include using social media responsibly, respecting confidentiality, working effectively with colleagues, and engaging positively with parents and the wider community. Demonstrating that you understand the expectations of a teacher (and that you’re ready to grow into this role) will help you stand out as a committed and reflective applicant.

4

Safe & Positive Learning Environments

A core part of teaching is helping children feel safe and ready to learn. You may be asked how you would promote positive behaviour in the classroom, how you would build respectful relationships, and what safeguarding means to you. Schools expect teachers to know how to keep children safe and maintain professional boundaries. Think about how you would combine warmth with consistency, and how you’d help create a calm, supportive classroom atmosphere.

5

Reflection & Resilience

Teacher training can be challenging, so interviewers will want to know how you reflect and grow. You may be asked about a time when you received feedback or faced a setback, and what you did as a result. What matters most is your willingness to learn from experience, adapt, and keep going with a positive mindset. Being open about mistakes and showing how you’ve developed resilience will reassure the panel that you can thrive on the course.

6

Subject Knowledge / Curriculum

We don’t expect you to arrive with detailed curriculum expertise, but showing awareness of the National Curriculum and key focal points in primary education is important. For example, reading and phonics are central to children’s early learning, and understanding why they matter will help you demonstrate your commitment to teaching. Subject knowledge may be explored through short tasks or interview questions, but what we’re looking for is curiosity, engagement with current priorities in education, and a willingness to build strong knowledge during training.