What Should You Include in a Teacher Cover Letter to Get an Interview?

A compelling teacher cover letter directly addresses the job specification, highlights relevant qualifications like Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and provides specific examples of teaching achievements. Tailoring this document to the specific school is the most critical factor for securing an interview, as it demonstrates genuine interest and a precise fit for the role.

What Are the Essential Components of a Teacher Cover Letter?

Your cover letter is a strategic document designed to complement your CV. Its primary function is to persuade the hiring manager that your specific blend of experience, skills, and passion aligns perfectly with their school's needs. Based on our assessment experience, the most effective letters consistently include these core elements:

• Teaching Experience: Focus on the most relevant experience. For experienced teachers, this means detailing your tenure, key responsibilities, and quantifiable achievements (e.g., "improved student exam results by 15%"). For Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs), the emphasis should be on practical experience gained during Initial Teacher Training (ITT), including placements and any volunteer work.
• Academic Qualifications: The fundamental requirement in England is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is the professional accreditation allowing you to teach in state schools. Always state when and how you achieved QTS. Also mention relevant degrees, GCSEs (especially for primary teaching), and any postgraduate qualifications.
• Technological Proficiency: In modern education, proficiency with technology is a significant asset. Detail your experience with specific e-learning platforms (like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams), educational software, and interactive whiteboards.
• Soft Skills: These are non-academic skills crucial for classroom success. Your cover letter is the ideal place to demonstrate these through examples. Key soft skills include communication, organisation, classroom management, and enthusiasm.
• Reasons You Are the Best Candidate: This is your closing argument. Explicitly connect your qualifications and philosophy to the school's ethos, citing specific programs or values mentioned on their website. Explain why you are interested in this particular role at this specific school.

How Do You Structure a Teacher Cover Letter Effectively?

A well-structured letter is easy to read and makes a strong, logical case for your candidacy. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure clarity and impact.

1. Convey Your Interest: Begin by formally stating the position you are applying for and the school's name. Mention where you saw the advertisement (e.g., "on ok.com") and express genuine enthusiasm. A strong opening immediately captures the reader's attention.
2. Outline Your Qualifications and Experience: This paragraph should provide a clear overview of your professional standing. Start with your QTS status and then detail your academic background and teaching history. For NQTs, frame your ITT experience as a foundation of practical skills.
3. Highlight Your Top Skills and Achievements: Dedicate a paragraph to your most relevant skills. Use specific, verifiable examples instead of generic statements. Instead of "I am a good communicator," write, "I successfully collaborated with a team of four teachers to develop a new literacy curriculum that increased reading ages by an average of 8 months within a year."
4. Customise It to the Specific School: This is where you demonstrate you've done your homework. Reference the school's most recent Ofsted report, its mission statement, or a specific extracurricular program. For example: "I was particularly drawn to this position because of your school's renowned STEM program, and I am eager to contribute my experience in robotics club leadership."
5. Ensure It Is Easy to Read: Professional presentation is non-negotiable. Proofread meticulously for spelling and grammar errors. Keep the letter to a single page, use a clean, standard font, and break text into short paragraphs of 3-4 sentences for optimal readability.

What Do Practical Teacher Cover Letter Examples Look Like?

Example 1: Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT)

Dear Mr. Gordon,

I am writing to express my keen interest in the English teacher position at Chilton Junior School, which I saw advertised on ok.com. Having recently attained my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through the North Dorset Teaching School Alliance, I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to a school with such a strong reputation for inclusive education.

My Initial Teacher Training (ITT) involved placements across five schools in Dorset and Somerset, where I gained extensive experience teaching both English and English literature to diverse student groups. Prior to my training, I spent a year teaching English in Tunisia and Algeria, which honed my adaptability and cultural sensitivity—skills I believe are invaluable in today's classrooms. I graduated with a first-class honours degree in English Literature from the University of Lancaster and am proficient with several e-learning platforms.

I share Chilton Junior School's commitment to a holistic education and would be delighted to support your extracurricular activities, such as the school choir, with my Grade 7 piano skills.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my application with you further.

Yours sincerely, Irene Sullivan

Example 2: Experienced Teacher

Dear Ms. Ridley,

I am applying for the position of Physics Teacher at Holy Trinity Taunton, as listed on ok.com. With six years of experience as a dedicated physics teacher at Folkestone Secondary School and a strong track record of academic achievement, I am confident I possess the skills and experience you are seeking.

I achieved QTS six years ago following the completion of my MSc in Nanotechnology and a BSc in Physics. During my tenure at Folkestone, my primary responsibility has been teaching GCSE Physics. A key achievement has been developing a teaching methodology that links curriculum topics to real-world applications, which has resulted in my students consistently outperforming the national average GCSE score by over 12% for the past three years.

I have researched Holy Trinity Taunton's innovative science department and am particularly impressed by your annual science fair. I would be eager to bring my experience in project-based learning to support and expand this initiative.

I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your team and welcome the opportunity for an interview.

Sincerely, Albert Lockley

To maximize your chances, remember these key takeaways: tailor every letter to the specific school, use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate impact, and meticulously proofread before sending. A focused, professional cover letter is your first step toward a successful teaching career.