Application form hints and tips
Looking for help filling in your Teach First application form? Read our top tips for completing a successful application.
To apply for our Training Programme, you will need to complete an online application form. This includes competency-based questions, and a situational judgement test, as well as being the place where we gather relevant personal and academic information.
1. Do your homework
We are looking for you to demonstrate strong enthusiasm and commitment as well as an understanding of our vision and the journey you will take to become an effective Teach First ambassador. Read our website, search the web and make sure you fully understand what we do and why it’s important.
2. Use your best examples
The online application is your opportunity to demonstrate some of the competencies which we think are essential for success on the Training Programme. When answering the competency-based questions, we recommend that you take time to consider what example you use for each question. The first one that comes to mind might not be the best. Feel free to draw on professional, voluntary, personal or academic experiences. We are more interested in the skills and behaviours you have demonstrated than the opportunities you have had. Be explicit in your answers, we cannot infer or assume.
Your application form will be blind screened, meaning that all personal data will be removed. Any information previously shared with us will not be viewed. Your responses to the competency questions are your opportunity to demonstrate your true potential.
Remember that you are only able to complete one application per recruitment window. Take a moment to consider whether your responses to the competency questions showcase your abilities.
We would also recommend that you save your answers to the competency questions in a word document, as you may be asked about these during your Development Centre.
3. Reflect on your answers
Once you have written your answer, re-read the question to make sure you have fully answered it. The question will outline which competency we are expecting you to demonstrate so check that you’ve addressed this in your answer.
The word count is not just a limit on what you are able to write – it is a general guide to the level of detail we expect to see within your responses. You can effectively answer a question in under the word count; however if you are significantly below you may wish to consider whether you have fully answered the question. If you have up to 250 words, are you confident that an answer of 45 words provides enough detail to fully demonstrate that competency at a high level?
4. Try using the CAR structure for your answers
We’re looking for plenty of detail in your answers. To help you cover all the necessary points, try using the following structure in the competency choice question:
C: provide the Context for the situation;
A: focus on what Actions you took
R: include what the Result was
5. Don’t lie, or exaggerate the truth
Never lie on your application form. You are likely to be caught out in the interview or later in the recruitment process. If you are offered a place on our programme you will be required to provide references and original certificates of your qualifications.
6. Check your spelling and grammar
Applications with five or more spelling and/or grammar errors will be failed. Make sure you proof read your answers to help you identify and correct any errors.
Proof reading is also an opportunity for you to reflect – do you think that you have answered each of the questions to the best of your ability?
If you have written your answers in a word processing program and pasted them into the form, please double check that you have correctly pasted answers into the appropriate question.
7. Ensure that you complete your answers
Make sure that your response completely answers the question you have been asked.
In the competency choice question, you should also focus on one example to enable you to go into detail. We also recommend that you take time to reflect on the competency that you have chosen. Do you understand what it means and does your chosen example demonstrate positive evidence of this competency?
We look for the competencies throughout the application process, so it's very important that you understand them.
8. Arrange a support call to discuss your application
Once you’ve opened an application for our Training Programme, we’d encourage you to speak to a member of our recruitment team. On the call they will be able to talk you through the application, answer any queries and offer you tailored advice specific to our recruitment process. Taking this on board will help you to submit the best possible application.
Just email recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk to arrange to speak to us.
Ready to apply?
Applications to join our 2024 Training Programme are open.