✨ 5 Things Schools Are Looking for in 2025 Job Interviews — and How You Can Stand Out

Are you a newly qualified teacher (NQT) or experienced educator preparing for a teaching job interview in 2025? Whether you’re applying for your first primary school position, an SEN teaching role, or a secondary school post, it’s important to know what headteachers and school hiring panels are really looking for.

At Highgrade, a trusted teaching recruitment agency in South Wales, we work closely with local schools and understand the changing expectations for candidates in the classroom. With the next school year on the horizon, competition can be high — but the good news is, you can absolutely stand out by preparing the right way.

This guide is perfect for:

  • NQTs looking for their first teaching job in 2025
  • Teaching Assistants applying for permanent roles
  • Experienced teachers preparing for a career move
  • Anyone attending school interviews and wondering, “What are schools looking for in 2025?”

From showing genuine passion for education to understanding the importance of pupil wellbeing and safeguarding, here are 5 of the most important things schools are prioritising in interviews — and how you can prepare confidently.

1. A Real Understanding of Pupil Wellbeing

🔍 What schools want to see:
Schools are looking for candidates who genuinely understand how to support student mental health and emotional wellbeing. With post-pandemic challenges and increased pastoral care needs, demonstrating how you prioritise pupil happiness and resilience is key.

✅ How to stand out:

  • Mention wellbeing frameworks (e.g., Thrive, Zones of Regulation) if you’ve used them.
  • Give real examples of how you’ve supported a student’s emotional or social needs.
  • Talk about behaviour management with empathy and consistency.

Keywords: pupil wellbeing, classroom behaviour support, mental health in schools, NQT wellbeing strategies

2. Clear Evidence of Reflection & Growth

🔍 What schools want to see:
Teachers who reflect on their practice and are open to feedback stand out from the crowd. Schools want to know you can evaluate your teaching and continually improve.

✅ How to stand out:

  • Prepare to speak about a lesson that didn’t go to plan — and what you learned.
  • Mention feedback from your mentor or line manager and how you acted on it.
  • Show you’re teachable and positive about CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

Keywords: reflective teaching, lesson evaluation, NQT CPD, growth mindset in education

3. Strong Classroom Presence & Communication

🔍 What schools want to see:
Even in interviews, schools look for teachers who can engage a room. Your communication style, clarity, and confidence matter — both with pupils and adults.

✅ How to stand out:

  • Practise your “Tell us about yourself” answer to be clear and authentic.
  • If you’re doing a teaching task, focus on body language, tone, and connection.
  • Emphasise collaboration — with parents, support staff, and colleagues.

Keywords: classroom communication, engaging teacher presence, NQT interview advice, lesson delivery skills

4. Creativity & Resourcefulness

🔍 What schools want to see:
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but schools appreciate teachers who bring fresh ideas and adapt when needed — especially in primary, SEN, or cover roles.

✅ How to stand out:

  • Share a creative classroom idea or resource you’ve used effectively.
  • Talk about differentiation and personalising learning for pupils.
  • Show you’re able to work flexibly across key stages or roles.

Keywords: creative lesson planning, SEN teacher ideas, KS1 activities, resourceful teaching

5. Passion, Positivity, and School Values Fit

🔍 What schools want to see:
The right teacher for a school is someone who aligns with its ethos. Your enthusiasm for teaching, your commitment to the profession, and your cultural fit are huge.

✅ How to stand out:

  • Research the school beforehand — mention something specific from their website or ethos.
  • Let your passion show! Schools want teachers who love what they do.
  • Be clear about why you want to work there and what you bring to the community.

Keywords: school values, teacher interview passion, finding the right school, NQT motivation.

💼 Final Thoughts: How to Prepare and Get Ahead

If you’re applying for roles now, especially for September 2025, interviews are already underway. Our advice? Don’t wait. Get prepared now, build your confidence, and connect with an agency that’s here to support you.

At Highgrade, we don’t just place you in a school — we coach, support and champion you from day one. Whether it’s interview prep, CV advice or matching you to a school that fits, we’ve got your back.

🔗 Ready to apply or want to register early for September 2025?

📩 Claire@highgraderecruitment.wales
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