Your CV lands on a school’s desk alongside dozens of others. In most cases, the person reading it has 60 seconds to decide whether to keep reading or move on. Here’s how to make sure yours earns that second look.

Lead with a strong personal statement

Your personal statement sits at the top of your CV and is the first thing anyone reads. Keep it to four or five sentences and make every word earn its place. Avoid vague openers like “I am a passionate and dedicated teacher”, every CV says that.

Instead, be specific: which key stage or subject do you specialise in? What is your particular approach to behaviour management or differentiation? What kind of school environment do you thrive in? A statement like “I am a KS2 primary teacher with seven years’ experience in challenging urban schools, with a particular focus on early reading intervention and oracy” tells a school far more than generic enthusiasm ever will.

Structure your experience clearly

List your roles in reverse chronological order and lead with the school name, your job title, and dates, all on one line. Under each role, use three to five bullet points that describe your actual impact, not just your responsibilities.

“Taught Year 5” tells a reader nothing. “Raised Year 5 reading attainment by an average of 1.8 sub-levels over one academic year through targeted guided reading groups” tells them everything. Wherever you can, use numbers: class sizes, results, attendance improvements, exam outcomes.

Tailor it to the role

Supply agencies and schools notice when a CV has been genuinely tailored versus copied and pasted. If you’re applying for a secondary Maths role, lead with your Maths qualifications and relevant experience. If it’s a SEND-focused position, highlight any Makaton training, EHCP experience, or specialist programmes you’ve delivered.

A CV that treats every role as the same role rarely gets far.

Get your compliance section right

Schools and agencies are increasingly detail-conscious about compliance. Include a dedicated section with:

  • Your QTS status (and the date awarded)
  • Your DBS certificate number and issue date
  • Any prohibition check clearance
  • Right to work status if relevant
  • References (names and roles, full contact details can follow on request)

Having this information readily available signals professionalism and saves time on both sides.

Keep it to two pages

Two pages is the accepted standard for a teaching CV. If you are early in your career, one page is fine. Beyond two pages, ruthlessly edit, a CV is not a portfolio. Save lesson plans, resources, and examples of pupil work for interview stage.

One final check

Before you send it anywhere, read it aloud. Awkward phrasing, typos, and unclear sentences are far easier to catch when you hear them. Then ask a colleague or friend to read it cold, they’ll notice things you have stopped seeing.

If you’d like support finding roles that suit your experience and career goals, register with Edvantro and a consultant will be in touch.