personal statement for eyfs teacher

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How to write a teacher personal statement

Your personal statement is your first opportunity to show the school you’re a great fit for the job, and gets you closer to being shortlisted for an interview. The more you show how your skills and interests match the school’s ethos and values, the better. We’ve spoken to a range of teachers to get their top tips for success.

What experience do you have?

Schools want to hear about your trainee experience with different subjects, key stages, types of school, and working with a range of pupils.

Think about your approach to teaching, how you keep pupils engaged, and how you communicate with different kinds of people (children, staff, parents and carers). Ensure you provide evidence for how you have improved student engagement and built positive relationships with pupils.

Schools will be interested in your approach to behaviour management, so think about your go-to strategies.

Are you engaged in teaching theory and research?

Think about any research that has affected your teaching practice. Explain what has worked well and if it didn’t, what you learnt.

Are you up to date on safeguarding statutory guidance?

You need to demonstrate your awareness of the importance of safeguarding and the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education . Include any examples of how you worked with a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

What are your skills and qualities?

Are you a well-organised, confident, and motivated teacher? Say it, and provide examples! Schools are looking for great communicators, team players and relationship builders. Make sure you say how you create a positive learning environment, and consider skills like time management, organisation, and flexibility. Schools will also want to know how you overcome challenges.

How can you contribute to wider school life?

Set yourself apart by showing how your hobbies and achievements could contribute to the wider school community. Could you run an after school club or organise school trips?

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Teaching personal statement examples

Giving you the chance to show why you'd be a great teacher, your personal statement is an important part of your application and worth taking the time over

What is a teaching personal statement?

Your personal statement is used to explain why you want to become a teacher and your suitability for the role. While your application form briefly outlines your qualifications, skills and work experience, your teaching personal statement is where your personality shines through.

Take your time with it. Many candidates often spend a few weeks on this part of the application as you don't have to write it all at once. You should get someone to read over it and be prepared to receive constructive feedback and write a few drafts before you send it off.

It's important to:

• use examples based on your recent teaching experience
• tailor your personal statement according to the school/age group
• use good, clear, written English, using first person terms such as 'my' and 'I'
• be original and honest
• avoid clichés and general statements, such as 'I've always wanted to teach'
• demonstrate a passion for teaching.

While it's crucial to get it right, your teaching personal statement is only a small part of the application process. Find out how else you'll need to prepare to  get a teaching job .

How to write a personal statement for teaching

Your personal statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words. It's crucial that you  don't copy  and that the statement you provide is  your own work .

This is your opportunity to:

• write about any relevant skills and experience you have
• explain your understanding of why teaching is important
• detail why you want to become a teacher
• list any extra skills or experience you have, such as volunteering or first aid.

See  personal statements for postgraduate applications  for more guidance.

The nature of your personal statement will vary, depending on the type of teaching you'd like to pursue. Take a look at some of our example personal statements to get an idea of how they differ.

Personal statement for PGCE primary

As well as focusing on roles in which you've gained experience with primary-age children, a PGCE primary personal statement should demonstrate your well-rounded personality and any skills that could be useful for the range of extra-curricular activities primary schools provide (such as the ability to read music for recorder lessons, or drama experience to help with school plays).

Personal statement for PGCE secondary

Many good PGCE secondary personal statements acknowledge the challenges involved in teaching older pupils and provide examples of where the candidate has worked to overcome these problems. As secondary teaching roles are geared towards teaching a specific subject, training providers are looking for more evidence of your subject and degree knowledge.

Personal statement for School Direct

If you're applying for the salaried School Direct route, you should discuss the experience you've gained in the classroom prior to your application. One of your references will need to be from an employer, or someone who can comment on your work ethic and suitability for teaching. Don't worry if your degree is unrelated to the subject you'd like to teach - you may still be able to apply by completing a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course .

Find out more

• Discover how to structure a teaching CV .
• Find out what it's really like to be a primary or secondary school teacher .
• Search postgraduate courses in teaching .

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How To Write an ECT Personal Statement and Land Your First Job as a Newly Qualified Teacher

About over 2 years ago By Scott Owen

If you’re an early career teacher (ECT; still known in Wales as an NQT), then a well-written ECT personal statement is the bridge between you and an interview for the school of your choice. But how to write a personal statement?

While Googling examples of ECT personal statements can sometimes prove helpful, it can also just lead to more confusion. There’s a reason for that. Whilst it’s helpful to get some guidance on what people are looking for, at the end of the day, the personal touches on your statement are what make you stand out. Sticking rigidly to someone else’s template is a risky road to take.

Most people will admit to finding personal statements tedious things to write, particularly when tailoring them to multiple different applications. Protocol Education can help you find an ECT job for September without the need to handcraft dozens of personal statements.

Our ECT Pool consists of a single application form, a few chats with your consultant and interviews in schools where you want to work.  Find out more about the ECT Pool here .

However, if you’re dead set on a particular job which expects you to write a personal statement as part of the application process, here’s how you do it.

So, let’s think about the actual purpose of the statement, show the school you are the right person for their job, the right fit for their school, and how you will benefit their students.

Did you notice how many times I used 'their' in that sentence?

This is because a one-size-fits-all ECT Personal Statement is not going to cut it. Any school hiring manager can see straight through a generic, templated statement.

Where do I begin, though, you ask? These tips for writing your personal statement should help you get started.

Read, read, read

The very first thing you need to do is read all the documentation included in the application pack. The letter, the job description, the person specification, the application guidance, everything!

Get out your highlighter pen and start reading and colouring in anything that stands out as important. Focus on important things to the school, unique to the school’s ethos, approach, values, and anything that is particularly aligned to your skills and work experience.

Get personal with the Person Specification

Next up, you need to look at what they have specified the essential criteria for the role. Put each point on a sheet of paper and start jotting down notes underneath each showing how you meet that criteria – it could be a qualification, teaching experience, depth of subject knowledge, your extra-curricular interests, your approach to teaching or your particular specialisms.

Get your skeleton structure in place

Good supporting statements share a fairly consistent anatomy. Here’s a handy NQT personal statement example structure:

Your area(s) of interest/expertise: Subjects, age ranges, SEN, all the details relevant to your desired career route and the needs of their role.

Your teaching experience – Include a general overview and a specific example that lets them visualise you in the classroom, how you work, how you support their pupils with their teaching and learning.

Address the Person Spec - This is where you demonstrate how you meet any additional criteria in the Person Specification that haven’t been covered yet. Have they said that experience in a particular area would be beneficial? Are they looking for knowledge of a specific learning style? Do they want some technical expertise to help with blended learning? This is the part to include all that extra detail.

Your USP - Your unique selling point goes in your NQT personal statement here. This is where you make yourself stand out from the crowd – try to answer the question ‘why would you hire you? It may be a specific skill, achievement or experience, your approach to teaching or work, or your alignment to their mission and ethos.

Let’s say you're applying for an SEN primary school that has a sensory garden, and you are an experienced gardener who has been involved in community gardening? Tell them. Do they run a chess club, and you played chess for the county? Let them know. Perhaps they have a dedicated SEN department, and you have volunteered in this area for the past couple of years. Whatever value you can add, it’s on you to make them aware of it.

Sum up what you have learnt in your teacher training and experience so far and how you are looking to develop your skills. Talk about why teaching is so important to you, and explain clearly why you want to work for that particular school.

Finally, the ‘SO-WHAT’ test

Once you’ve written everything up, apply the so-what test to each point.

For every point you have included, ask yourself – so what?

How does this point show I can benefit the students – and if it doesn’t, re-write or remove it. This document is not about what you want for yourself; it’s about what you can give to the individuals you are teaching, and highlighting this throughout is what will make your NQT Personal Statement shine!

Oh, and one last thing – proofread your statement, and proofread it again!

​Alternatively, you could just join our ECT Pool to bypass it altogether and start teaching in your first role as an early career teacher. The choice is yours.

Join the ECT Pool

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• Education and teaching personal statements

Personal Statement - Primary and Early Years Education 2

Primary and Early Years Education Personal Statement

To work with children is my main goal in life. I very much enjoy being around children and would love to be able to teach them. I am excited by the thought of teaching children to read and write; skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. I think it would be a great thing to be responsible for the development of a group of children and to watch them grow and learn throughout the year. My interest in teaching began in 2007, when I was sixteen. During the school year I had the opportunity to do work experience. I had a slight interest in becoming a primary school teacher, so I decided to do the work experience at my local primary school, Clontuskert National School. I was there every Wednesday for five weeks during October and November. It these five days that made my mind up for me; I wanted to be a primary school teacher. The time I had there was one of the best experiences of my life. I got to work with the children, helping them with spellings and sums and I read stories to the Junior Infants ( Junior Infants is the first year of Irish primary schools.)

I spent time in every classroom with all age groups but it was my time with the Junior Infants class that I enjoyed the most. I loved reading to them, and helping them with arts and crafts (though messy!) was fun. The following February 2008, I had a week of work experience to do, and because I enjoyed my time in the primary school so much, I decided to go there again. That week was just as enjoyable as my first experience in the school. Again I was around all the classrooms, helping pupils when I could. My experience in the primary school taught me a lot of new skills. I learned to communicate well. I developed this skill while helping the pupils with their work. I learned to be patient which I also put to use when I was giving help to the pupils.

With regards to extra-curricular activities, I play Gaelic football and soccer for my local teams. I also play Gaelic football for my school. I was captain of the team in second year when we reached the semi-final of the Connacht championship. I love music and I play the guitar in my spare time.

I recognise the challenges of being a primary school teacher, but I feel that with my enthusiasm for primary teaching as a career I can overcome them.  

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x3 EYFS Leader Job Application - Personal Statement, Letter

Subject: Pedagogy and professional development

Age range: 3-5

Resource type: Other

Last updated

14 August 2024

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Whether you’re a seasoned EYFS Leader or just starting your career, our product is the perfect tool to help you secure your dream job. Invest in your future today with our top-quality EYFS Leader job application letters and unlock your potential as an educator.

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How to Write an ECT Personal Statement

Written by Dan

Last updated December 20, 2023

When you are applying for an Early Career Teacher position, one of the most important things that you will need to submit is your personal statement.

This document is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the selection committee and showcase why you would be a great addition to their school. To make sure that your statement stands out, follow these tips.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Tips To Support ECTs In Their First Year  here.

Table of Contents

Write A Unique Statement For Each School.

If you’re an Early Career Teacher, then you understand how important it is to edit your personal statement for every job application. It can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it in the long run. Each school is unique, so your application should reflect that.

Read the job advertisement, website, and latest Ofsted report carefully. Make a list of requirements for the position and what is most important to the school’s ethos. Connect your passions and experience to these things.

For example, if the job advertisement asks for someone who is ‘passionate about teaching’, think carefully about what experiences you have had that demonstrate your passion for teaching. It could be a time when you overcame a difficult challenge in the classroom or a moment when you made a real difference in a student’s life.

Opening Line

Your opening sentence is analogous to the starting line of an amazing novel–it needs to be attention-grabbing (for all the right reasons). Highly effective personal statements generally start with a short explanation of what originally inspired them to enter the teaching profession, or why they’re looking forward to applying for this precise position.

Be Specific

When discussing your experience, always try to be as specific as possible. For example, rather than just saying that you’ve worked with “disadvantaged students,” go into detail about what kind of disadvantage they faced and how you helped them to overcome it. This will give the selection committee a much better idea of your teaching style and capabilities.

Keep Your Target Audience In Mind When Writing

It’s more impactful to SHOW an employer that you understand the complexities and how to manage them instead of simply telling them which age group you prefer teaching.

For example, if you’re vying for a job at a secondary school with a sixth form, illustrate how you’ve assisted students in the past with UCAS applications. If primary schools are your thing, explain why keeping an element of playfulness is essential to successful lesson plans.

Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm

When you’re writing your personal statement, make sure to show enthusiasm for the role you’re applying to. This is especially important for Early Career Teachers, as they might not have as much experience in the classroom as other candidates.

One way to do this is by including examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond in your current role. Another way is to share how you plan on contributing to the school community if you’re successful in securing the position.

How Has Your Working History Developed Your Practice

Although including a list of your work experience on your CV is necessary, it shouldn’t take up much space on your ECT personal statement. The focus of this document should be on how all of this past experience has affected your perspective as a new teacher. Use examples of your prior experiences to show the school’s hiring team how you would excel in the role.

Outline Your Plans For The Future

If you’re an Early Career Teacher, then chances are you haven’t been in the field for too long. Even if you only have a few years of experience under your belt, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have long-term goals. Describing your plans for the future shows that you’re committed to the teaching profession and that you have a clear vision for your career.

Strengths and Skills

Show your potential employer what makes you the best candidate for the job by discussing your unique skills, experiences, and goals in your personal statement. Are you a whiz with technology? Do you have experience teaching in an inclusive environment? Are you trilingual? These are all qualities that would set you apart from other candidates and make you an asset to any school.

A Powerful Ending

Just as you would carefully revise one of your students’ best essays, make sure to proofread and edit your statement before sending it off. Be sure to express how much you love teaching and why the school you’re applying to is a perfect fit for what you’re looking for. You want the selection committee to remember you for all the right reasons, so make sure your statement leaves a lasting impression.

By following these tips, you can be confident that your Early Career Teacher personal statement will make you stand out from the rest of the pack.

Check For Mistakes!

Remember, your personal statement is a reflection of you as a professional. Any grammar or spelling errors will reflect poorly on you and could cost you the job. Be sure to have several people proofread your statement before you submit it. By following these tips, you can be sure that your Early Career Teacher personal statement will make a lasting impression

Simple Personal Statement Example:

I am immensely passionate about teaching and firmly believe that every child has the right to a high-quality education.

I am currently in my final year of university and during that time I have had the opportunity to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds. I have also had the pleasure of working as a mentor to a group of children, which has given me invaluable experience in supporting others.

I am committed to continuously developing my practice and have recently completed a course in assessment for learning. I am also interested in pursuing a master’s in education in the future.

As an Early Career Teacher, I would be committed to continuously developing my practice and expanding my knowledge in the field. I believe that every child has the right to a high-quality education and it is my mission to ensure

I believe that I have the skills and experiences needed to be an excellent Early Career Teacher and would be a valuable asset to your school. I am eager to share my knowledge and passion for teaching with your students and would be honoured to join your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

What should go into a Personal statement to become an ECT?

Your Early Career Teacher personal statement should highlight your passion for teaching, as well as your unique skills and experiences. Be sure to mention any courses you’ve taken that have prepared you for the role, and describe how you would excel in the position.

How long should an ECT personal statement be?

Your personal statement should be around 500 words in length. This gives you enough space to discuss your skills and experiences, as well as your goals for the future.

What goes into a cover letter to become an ECT?

Your cover letter should briefly introduce you and highlight your interest in the position. Be sure to mention any relevant skills or experiences you have, and explain why you would be the perfect candidate for the job. Thank the reader for their time and consideration, and express your excitement for the opportunity to join their team.

Do you need to write a CV as an ECT?

No, you do not need to write a CV as an ECT. However, it is always beneficial to have one on hand in case the school you are applying to requests it. CVs are typically used for academic positions, so if you are applying for a teaching role in a school, they may request one. Be sure to tailor your CV to the specific position you are applying for.

If you have any questions about what to include in your Early Career Teacher personal statement or cover letter, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. With these tips, you can be sure that your application will make you stand out from the rest!

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About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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Teacher training personal statement example (primary pgce) 4.

I am currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood studies at Birmingham University. It is my ambition to go on to study for a Primary PGCE.

I became interested in teaching whilst raising my own children. I have experienced first hand a child's apprehension and delight on first entering school at the age of five years. My children now feel safe, secure and valued in their schools and it is these experiences which have led me to realise how rewarding and fulfilling it must be to observe and be a part of children growing and learning through their early years.

I embarked on a classroom assistant course at college, but soon realised that this would not provide career satisfaction for me, leading me to embark on a degree. The time I have spent in schools and university has further reinforced my desire to teach.

I enjoy communicating with others, particularly children. Children bring a wealth of experiences to school with them, from events they have experienced at home and school, too comical anecdotes, often borne from their misunderstanding of adult conversations. I have spent time with children in reception, year 1 and year 2 and greatly enjoy communicating with children on their level. It is possible to ascertain a great deal about a child's ability and understanding through conversation and I believe verbal skills to be of great importance for both children and adults.

I am a good team worker and believe that I have demonstrated the ability to converse and work with staff at all levels within the school setting. I have enjoyed being part of a team and it is an area which I hope to extend on.

I am aware that the primary teacher, teaches across the curriculum and I realise the necessity to be proficient in all areas. I have GCSE equivalent qualifications in English, Maths and science, gained through an Access to HE course. I also understand that it is not sufficient for a teacher to 'know his/her subject' they also need to be able to recognise each child as an individual and tailor lessons and the curriculum to suit each child's ability and learning style.

However, I do have a particular interest in the teaching of literacy to young children, especially phonics. I find it incredibly interesting how, by taking reading back to basics, and learning the constituent sounds of words, children who may otherwise have struggled to read are becoming confident readers and enjoying literacy as a subject.

Whilst on placement in a year 1 class, I observed that a teachers approach to the class can have a profound effect on the learning ability of those children. I observed a teacher constantly changing the way she taught her class to maintain their interest and focus in activities. She encouraged and praised children who were finding activities difficult, giving them the confidence to try and in many cases achieve. Her positive attitude toward the children, gave them belief in themselves, leading to a positive learning environment.

I led the class in a story reading session, which was a pre-cursor to an ICT lesson. The focus was to encourage certain children to participate in whole class discussion sessions. It became apparent that whilst some children are happy to contribute in this environment others may not be, reinforcing the need for practitioners to develop strategies and activities to involve all children.

I am looking forward to beginning a placement in a local junior school in September, where I am looking forward to exploring how pedagogical strategies differ across age groups.

I feel that I have many skills to bring to a primary PGCE course and indeed teaching as a profession. I am very much looking forward to expanding my practical and theoretical knowledge and I seek to advance my knowledge of the curriculum and improve my personal skills.

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This personal statement was written by westwood for application in 2008.

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Not bad but it is true that.

Fri, 12/06/2009 - 21:40

Not bad! but it is true that you started most of the lines with the letter I!!!!

Although, GSCE Mathematics,

Wed, 19/08/2009 - 16:03

Although, GSCE Mathematics, science and English are compulsory, I do not believe it is in your favour to highlight the fact that you do not possess a higher qualification in any of these areas. To be an effective teacher means knowing your subject in depth, in order to inspire the children and bring out the best in them as learners. I am sure you have demonstrated effective communication in you placements and you have also mentioned teaching strategies, but you have not mentioned anything about how you would succeed in ensuring their potential through your own interest in any subject area of the curriculum.

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 04:03

Fantastic blog. Awesome.

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