Why do I need to visit?
Before deciding whether to apply for a teaching position, it is a good idea to pay the school a visit so that you can determine whether it would be the right place for you. Teachers spend so much time at school (despite many people thinking that we arrive at 8:30am and leave at 3pm on the dot), so finding a place where you ‘fit in’ and which enables you to thrive is important. Some schools will mention in the job advertisement whether visits are encouraged, whereas others will not. Either way, contacting the school to organise a visit will show that you are enthusiastic and keen to learn more about the role.
Before visiting the school
Make sure you do some research prior to visiting. Do some snooping! Look on the school’s website to find out about their ethos and values and read the most recent Ofsted report to identify strengths and challenges. See if you have any connections who work at the school and try to establish what it is like to work there. Once you have found out some of the key things about the school, make a list of other questions you would like to ask so that you can ask them during your visit.
During the visit
Although an initial school visit isn’t part of the official interview process, you still want to make a good impression whilst looking round. Be professional throughout: dress professionally (without stifling your personality) and - probably goes without saying - act in an appropriate manner. Show enthusiasm by talking to staff and pupils and commenting on the school environment. Be positive! Nobody wants to employ somebody with negative energy from the outset.
Observe how staff and pupils interact with one another and whether there seems to be positive relationships within the school - you want to get a feel for the school and evaluate whether it might be the right potential workplace for you.
Now is the chance to ask those questions that you couldn’t find the answers to online. Try not to ask for information that has already been included in the job description or on the website, as you may come across as having not read the details properly. Treat this as your opportunity to find out more about the school so that you can decide whether you would like to go ahead with your application.
Typical questions could be:
- What are your key school values?
- What does your support programme for ECTs look like?
- Will there be many opportunities for progression?
- Which schemes do you use?
- What is your behaviour policy?
- Are there any extra-curricular clubs?
Asking questions will show that you are interested in the position and what the school has to offer. The staff who are showing you round may also ask you questions, so answer thoughtfully and use this as a chance to show what you have to offer the school. You can build on this in your application and, hopefully, during the interview process.
What if I can’t visit?
Sometimes it’s not possible to carry out a preliminary visit, for various reasons. If this is the case, don’t fret! You can always arrange a phone call or an online chat instead, where you can still demonstrate to the school that you have done your research and are suitable for the role. And you should still be able to gain some understanding of whether the role is right for you before applying.
If this isn’t possible either, make sure that you really tailor your application to the school and their requirements, to show that you understand what they are looking for and that you have the necessary skills and qualities to meet their needs.
After the visit
You’ve visited the school and you’ve decided that it’s not the place for you. That is absolutely fine! You are under no obligation to submit an application after an initial school visit. You might want to follow up with an email to say thank you for the tour but that you won’t be applying for whatever reason, but this is completely up to you.
If you have decided that you would like to work at the school, then it is definitely a good idea to email to express your thanks and state that you will be applying. If you made a good impression during the visit, the school will then no doubt be keeping an eye out for your application to come in.
About the author
Emma Johnston
After graduating with a BA in Communications from Bournemouth University, Emma worked in public relations and marketing before deciding to undertake a PGCE at Kingston University and begin her journey as a primary school teacher. Emma taught for 15 years in schools around London and Surrey, in a variety of roles including lead practitioner and assistant headteacher. Emma now works for Eteach as Education Partnerships Coordinator, where she can share her knowledge of the education sector and support those beginning their teaching career.
