Found your dream teaching position? Great! A well-crafted CV and compelling teaching cover letter are your tickets to securing that all-important interview. To help you get started, we've created a downloadable cover letter template you can use as a guide.
While your CV outlines your qualifications and experience, your cover letter is where you can really shine by showing how your specific abilities match the role. Think of it as your chance to explain why you're the perfect fit - after all, you'll want to be prepared for those crucial interview questions that may follow!
Let's explore what makes a standout school teacher cover letter, with practical tips and examples for both primary and secondary positions.
Contents
- What to include in your teacher application letter
- How to write your school teacher cover letter
- Teacher cover letter examples
- Frequently asked questions about teacher cover letters
What to include in your teacher application letter
Remember, you want to highlight all of your experience and skills that qualify you for this position. Essentially, you're putting a spotlight on the star aspects of your training and career so far to secure your interview place. You should consider including:
Teaching experience
Concisely detail your most recent and relevant experience in relation to the role. If you have years of teaching experience, simply add in the most important aspects. Trainee teachers can explain the experience they have had during training.
Academic qualifications
Your teaching qualification should come first, then your degree or alternative qualification and any other relevant academic information you think shows how suitable you are for the post. If you're applying for a primary role, then your English, maths and science GCSE results should be included.
Your QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) details should also be included, and some schools may ask for a copy of your QTS certificate.
Additional skills
The ability to communicate effectively and to be part of a team are essential qualities for teachers. You may want to highlight other skills you have, such as organisational skills, excellence in classroom management, or alternative subjects you can also teach.
Technical proficiencies
Most schools will likely find teachers who are confident using relevant technologies as an asset - list your technical abilities and link these to appropriate areas of school life.
Your USP
Why are you the right person for this role? Try to end your teaching cover letter with an emphatic point, illustrating how you can bring something essential to the role and create rich learning environments for students.
How to write your school teacher cover letter
Take time to craft your teacher application letter carefully, focusing on how your skills and experience match the role. A clear, concise letter will help the reader quickly understand why you're the ideal candidate.
Format your letter professionally: put your contact details in the top right, with the date and school's address on the left. Address the recipient appropriately as Mr/Mrs/Ms [surname].
Writing your teacher cover letter: key tips
Start strong
- Begin with a clear statement about why you're applying for this teaching position
- Mention specific details about the school to show you've done your research
Showcase your qualifications
- Highlight your most relevant teaching qualifications and experience
- Match your skills directly to the job description requirements
- Include relevant experience from outside teaching that strengthens your application
Demonstrate your teaching skills
- Focus on key competencies like classroom management and curriculum development
- Highlight additional skills that add value (e.g. technology expertise, extracurricular activities)
- Show how your skills align with the school's needs
Remember to personalise your teaching cover letter for each position and ask a colleague to review it before sending it. Keep it concise and impactful to make your application stand out.
Teacher cover letter examples
Here are two sample cover letters, one for a primary school position from a teacher who has a few years of experience. The second letter is for a secondary school position from a newly qualified teacher.
Please note that these letters are just models and should be personalised to suit the school and position you're applying for.
Primary school teacher cover letter
Dear Mrs Henry,
I am writing to you to express my interest in the position of year 4 teacher at Highcliff Junior School. I am interested in this position as I have two years of year 4 experience at my current school and also co-ordinate sport for KS2.
After achieving my QTS, I have worked at two schools where I have taught the whole year 4 curriculum and built excellent relationships with my classes. As a school lead in sport, I have also developed strong relationships and effective connections across the school and managed sporting events for groups of children, such as hockey and football.
My degree in teaching and English Literature has helped me to develop effective and targeted classroom resources and schemes of work that support children of all abilities.
During my time at my current school, I've been involved in organising and presenting regular whole school assemblies, helped at the annual school show and supported at our Christmas Fayre. I notice that (name) school also runs school shows and festivals, so I'm well equipped to help with organisation.
In addition, I have been involved in continued professional development, including SEND and ADHD training. This has been invaluable in supporting my classroom practice as I have a number of SEND children in my class. I adapt resources, implement useful strategies and liaise with staff to help enhance children's learning.
Finally, I would like to highlight my role in weaving numeracy throughout the curriculum which I note from your job description is one of the school's priorities. I have experience in a variety of strategies that have proved successful so that I can support children to build confidence and proficiency with numbers.
I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my application for the year 4 teacher position. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Jane Irwin
Secondary school teacher cover letter
Dear Mr Jones,
I am writing to apply for the position of history teacher that was recently advertised. I have just gained my QTS and found that the description of your school's focus on student wellbeing partnered with academic achievement aligns with my educational aims.
During my teacher training, I spent time in two very different schools which has deepened my understanding of educational settings. My first school was in an urban location which supported my development of classroom management and my ability to provide engaging and varied activities for students to secure their achievement.
Within my second placement, I taught GCSE history which has broadened my understanding and application of the curriculum. I collaborated with the department during assessment moderation, report writing and data analysis to further extend my experience.
Students in my GCSE history class have all either matched or exceeded their target grade in their recent examinations, illustrating how our targeted approach to question response boosted their ability to achieve.
Outside of school, I'm a keen footballer and play as part of a team. I also coach football and would love to develop my coaching skills further within an educational setting.
I'm enthused at the prospect of developing my teaching skills in such a dynamic learning environment, such as (name) school. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing my application in more detail.
Yours sincerely,
Will Thacker
Frequently asked questions about teacher cover letters
How long should a teacher cover letter be?
A teacher cover letter should ideally be one page long, consisting of 3-4 concise paragraphs. This length allows you to highlight your key qualifications and experience without overwhelming the reader. Remember, senior leadership and heads of department often review dozens of applications, so being clear and succinct is crucial.
Should I use the same cover letter for every teaching job?
No, you should customise each cover letter for the specific school and position. Research the school's values, achievements and requirements, then tailor your letter to show how your skills and experience align with their needs. This personalised approach demonstrates genuine interest and attention to detail.
What if I'm a recently qualified teacher with limited experience?
Focus on your teaching practice experiences, relevant university projects and transferable skills from other roles. Highlight your fresh perspective, knowledge of current teaching methods and enthusiasm for the profession. Don't forget to mention any voluntary work with children or young people.
Do I need to mention my academic results in detail?
Include your teaching qualification and degree classification. For primary teaching positions, you should also mention your GCSE grades in English, Maths and Science. However, you don't need to list every qualification - focus on those most relevant to the position.
How formal should my teacher cover letter be?
Maintain a professional yet warm tone throughout your letter. Use the recipient's name and title (Mr/Mrs/Ms) rather than 'Dear Sir/Madam' where possible. While you want to show personality, avoid being too casual or using slang terms.
Should I mention my extracurricular interests?
Yes, if they're relevant to teaching or could benefit the school. For example, if you play an instrument, coach sports, or run clubs, these could be valuable additions to school life. However, keep this section brief and focused on activities that add value to your application.
How do I address gaps in my teaching career?
Be honest but strategic. If you've taken time out for professional development, family responsibilities, or other roles, briefly explain how these experiences have enhanced your teaching abilities. Focus on any relevant skills or insights gained during this time.
What common mistakes should I avoid in my teacher cover letter?
Avoid generic statements, spelling and grammar errors, and overly long sentences. Don't repeat your CV word-for-word and ensure you've researched the school thoroughly. Always proofread carefully and ask a colleague to review your letter before sending it.
Remember, your cover letter is often your first chance to make an impression. Take time to craft it carefully, ensuring it reflects both your professional capabilities and your passion for teaching.