What Schools Look for When Hiring English Teachers
If you’ve been exploring English teaching jobs, you’ve probably noticed just how strong the demand for English teachers still is, both across the UK and overseas. English is a core subject at every stage of education, which means schools are under growing pressure to find teachers who can do more than just deliver results. They’re looking for people who can engage students, manage busy classrooms with confidence, and play a positive role in the wider school community.
With ongoing recruitment challenges in education, schools aren’t just ticking boxes anymore. They’re looking for English teachers who are the right fit in real classroom settings, not just on a CV. So, what exactly do schools look for when hiring English teachers?
Subject Knowledge, Confidence, and Classroom Presence
Strong subject knowledge remains the foundation of any successful English teacher. Schools expect teachers to feel confident delivering language and literature content across multiple year groups, from developing literacy skills at Key Stage 3 to preparing students for GCSEs and A-Levels.
However, knowing the subject well is only part of this picture. Schools are equally interested in how teachers present that knowledge. English teachers are often expected to lead discussion-heavy lessons, encourage interpretation, and create a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas.
Classroom management plays an integral role here. School leaders consistently emphasise behaviour management as a key consideration when recruiting, particularly in secondary schools. Teachers who can establish clear routines, manage behaviour calmly, and build respectful relationships with students are highly valued. In many cases, a teacher with strong classroom presence will stand out just as much as one with lost of experience.
For candidates applying for English teacher jobs, demonstrating confidence in both your subject and your classroom approach is essential.
Teaching Style and the Ability to Engage Learners
Teaching style has become one of the most important factors in hiring decisions. Schools are increasingly focused on student engagement, particularly in English, where motivation can vary widely between learners.
Many schools look for English teachers who can:
- Make lessons interactive and discussion-led
- Connect texts and themes to students’ real lives
- Encourage critical thinking rather than rote learning
- Adapt lessons for mixed-ability classrooms
According to recent UK education surveys, student engagement and wellbeing now rank alongside academic outcomes as top priorities for school leaders. This means teachers who can balance curriculum demands with creativity and empathy are especially attractive to employers.
Put simply… when applying for an English teaching role schools want to hear how you teach not just what you teach. Being able to explain your teaching style in a clear, relatable way can make a huge difference at interview.
Experience, Adaptability and Ongoing Development
The range of experience you bring as a teacher, along with your ability to adapt, is often a big focus during the interview process. Schools really value experience across different year groups, exam classes, SEND or EAL learners, and a variety of school settings. This is especially important for supply and long-term English teaching roles, where flexibility and the ability to hit the ground running are key.
Being able to adapt quickly has become even more important as schools continue to navigate curriculum changes, staffing pressures, and increasingly diverse student needs. English teachers who are open to feedback, willing to try new approaches, and keen to develop professionally are often seen as strong long-term additions to a school.
With teacher retention still a challenge across the profession and government data showing that many teachers leave within their first five years schools are increasingly looking to recruit English teachers who are committed to growing, learning, and developing within the role (Department for Education).
Communication Skills and School Fit
As an English teacher you are expected to be a strong communicator, both inside and outside of the classroom. This includes working closely with teaching assistants, SEN teams, parents, and senior leaders. Clear communication, professional judgement, and the ability to give constructive feedback all play a role in how teachers are perceived by schools.
Beyond skills and experience, cultural fit matters more than ever. Schools want to find teachers who align with their values, contribute positively to staff culture, and care about student wellbeing as much as academic progress. Attitude, reliability, and enthusiasm can be deciding factors when choosing between candidates for English teaching jobs, particularly for long-term and permanent roles.
So… What Does This Mean for Your English Teaching Job Search?
If you’re searching for English teacher jobs, it’s worth remembering that schools are looking for a well-rounded educator. A strong application will show not only your qualifications and experience, but also your teaching style, adaptability, and genuine passion for the subject. Taking the time to really reflect on how you manage a classroom, engage learners, and support your students beyond exam results can help you stand out in a competitive market.
How Prospero Teaching Supports Your Next Step
At Prospero Teaching, we work closely with schools across the UK and internationally to understand what they’re really looking for. Whether you’re an experienced English teacher, an ECT, or exploring supply or overseas opportunities, our consultants are here to support you every step of the way. Take a look at our current English teaching roles to see what opportunities are available right now.
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