Primary interview information

All interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams. We’ll invite you to your interview by email. Please join a few minutes early so that you're ready to start on time.

If you're using a laptop, please ensure that you've tested your camera and microphone and that you have connectivity (we advise that you stay close to your Wi-Fi router). If you don't have a laptop, you can use a mobile phone to join.

The day begins with a presentation delivered virtually by a Programme Leader which will give more information about the structure and nature of the course. You'll also have the chance to ask questions. This will last approximately one hour. Please ensure you have your camera turned on throughout the presentation. 

After the presentation, you'll be invited to take part in an individual interview. We’ll communicate your allocated time slot to you separately. This part of the day will also last approximately one hour. 

You'll be asked to show some photo ID to confirm your identity at the start of the one-to-one interview. This could be:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Any other form of Government photographic ID (this can include non-UK documentation).

This section will last around 10 minutes.

You'll be asked a few questions at the start of the interview to help us explore why you want to become a teacher and some of the skills you'll bring to the profession.

This section will last around 10 minutes.

Before the interview, you should watch two of the videos listed below which are examples of teaching and learning activities. Take time to reflect on what you've observed and make some notes. This will then be used as a stimulus for discussion with your interviewer.

PGCE Primary and Early Years video options:

• Mathematics in Key Stage 1
• PE in a Reception class
• Art in Year 2

BA (Hons) Primary Education (5-11) with QTS videos:

• Mathematics in Key Stage 1
• PE in a Reception class

This section will last around 10 minutes.

Before your interview, please read the list of attributes that are considered to make an effective teacher (below) and consider why the attributes are important.

During the interview, you'll be asked to discuss your views on the attributes. You're encouraged to draw on your own experience and knowledge of education to justify, illustrate and support your views. 

Effective teacher attributes:

• Understands and is responsive to pupils from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Is empathetic and a good listener
• Uses a creative and innovative approach to engage learners
• Upholds British values
• Has strong subject and curriculum knowledge
• Is able to analyse data and meet targets to ensure pupils make progress
• Understands the importance of their role in developing pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills in a cross-curricular way
• Monitors and takes responsibility for own professional development
• Engages with current educational research and development.

This section will last around 5 minutes.

BA (Hons) Primary Education (5-11) with QTS:

Before the interview, please select one of the Schools Week articles below.

• Attendance at school: Legal: How new guidance on attendance will affect schools 
• Poverty and the impact on attainment: Primary school disadvantage gap stops widening

You'll be asked to introduce and summarise the article, while also explaining the impact that it has had on your understanding of education, teaching or learning. Where possible, make links to any developments you're aware of in primary schools or the wider educational context in England.

PGCE Primary and Early Years:

Before the interview, you should identify and reflect on a piece of literature/research related to education, teaching or learning. This should be something that has challenged your thinking, fuelled your passion for teaching and learning or contributed to your understanding of learning in a particular subject or age phase.

You may wish to source your research or literature from established sources such as Google Scholar, the Chartered College of Teaching or the Times Educational Supplement. Similarly, if you're currently engaged in academic study related to education, you may like to draw on research that you're using for your dissertation, etc.

If you're applying to the 3-7 route (X110), please draw on a piece of research/literature that's relevant to the early years age phase.

You'll be asked to introduce and summarise the research, whilst also explaining the impact that it has had on your understanding of education, teaching or learning. Where possible, make links to any developments you're aware of related to the relevant age-phase, subject, curriculum area or the wider educational context in England.

At the end of the interview, you’ll get a chance to ask any questions you may have about the course. If you think of more questions after your interview, please contact the course leader by email. You can find their contact details on the relevant course page.