School of Education Interview days

Student teacher with pupils in a primary school.

What to Expect at Your Teacher Education Interview 

We know that attending an interview can feel exciting and sometimes a little daunting. Our aim is to create a welcoming and supportive experience that gives you the opportunity to learn more about studying at the University of Chester, meet staff and students, and demonstrate your potential as a future teacher. 

This guidance explains exactly what happens during the interview process so that you know what to expect and can prepare with confidence.

Interview Format

We offer both face-to-face and online interviews. 

When you are invited to interview, you will receive details of the format, date and time, along with any preparation required. 

Face-to-face interview days provide an opportunity to: 

  • Meet academic staff and fellow applicants 
  • Visit the campus and teaching facilities 
  • Experience learning and teaching at Chester 
  • Ask questions about the course and student life 

We offer both face-to-face and online interviews. 

When you are invited to interview, you will receive details of the format, date and time, along with any preparation required. 

If you would prefer an online interview, this can be arranged once you receive your interview invite. 

Applicants attending online interviews will: 

  • Receive a video welcome presentation in advance 
  • Receive joining instructions before the interview 
  • Have opportunities to ask questions throughout the process 

For courses that include a presentation task, presentation slides may be used during online interviews if you wish. Slides are not required for face-to-face interviews. 

Course-specific Guidance

Welcome Session 

The day begins with a welcome presentation from members of the programme team. 

This is an opportunity to learn more about: 

  • The course structure 
  • School placements 
  • Student support 
  • Life at the University of Chester 

There will also be opportunities to ask questions. 

Campus Tour 

You will take part in a guided campus tour led by one of our Student Ambassadors. 

The tour allows you to: 

  • Explore teaching and learning facilities 
  • Gain an insight into student life 
  • Meet current students 
  • Ask questions about studying at Chester 

Experience a University Seminar 

You will participate in a seminar led by a member of the academic team. 

This activity is not assessed and does not form part of the interview decision. 

The purpose of the session is simply to give you a realistic experience of learning and teaching at university and to help you decide whether Chester is the right place for you. 

You are welcome to contribute as much as you feel comfortable. 

Your Interview 

You will have a 15-minute interview with two members of academic staff. 

The interview gives us an opportunity to learn more about: 

  • Why you want to become a teacher 
  • Experiences that have influenced your interest in education 
  • Your understanding of working with children and young people 
  • The qualities you would bring to the profession 
  • Your potential to develop as a trainee teacher 

Face-to-face Interviews

We ask all applicants to bring an object that represents why they want to become a teacher. 

The object can be anything meaningful to you. Examples might include: 

  • A photograph 
  • A certificate or award 
  • A favourite resource 
  • Something linked to a hobby or interest 
  • An item connected to an experience that inspired you to teach 

There are no right or wrong choices. We are interested in the story behind the object and what it tells us about your experiences, values and aspirations. 

Online Interviews 

If you are attending an online interview, we ask you to bring a children's book that you would be happy to discuss. 

You may be asked: 

  • Why you chose the book 
  • What makes it engaging for children 
  • How you might use it to support learning 
  • What learning opportunities it could create 

We are not looking for a perfect lesson plan. We are interested in your enthusiasm for learning, creativity and understanding of how children learn. 

Welcome Session 

The day begins with a welcome presentation from the course team. 

This session provides information about: 

  • The structure of the course 
  • School placements 
  • University support 
  • Expectations of trainee teachers 

There will be opportunities to ask questions throughout the day. 

Independent Activities 

While waiting for your interview, you will complete a number of short independent activities. 

These activities encourage reflection on educational issues and provide an opportunity to demonstrate your engagement with teaching and learning. 

You will also have the opportunity to meet and talk informally with other applicants. 

Presentation Task 

All applicants are asked to deliver a short presentation of approximately three minutes on: 

"What do you think are the main barriers to learning for children and young people today?" 

We are interested in your ability to: 

  • Communicate your ideas clearly 
  • Consider different perspectives 
  • Reflect on the experiences of children and young people 
  • Engage with contemporary educational issues 

For face-to-face interviews, presentation slides are not required. 

For online interviews, you may choose to use presentation slides if you feel they would support your presentation. 

Your Interview 

You will have a 30-minute interview with two members of academic staff. 

The interview may explore: 

  • Your motivation for becoming a teacher 
  • Your understanding of the role of a teacher 
  • Relevant experiences and skills 
  • Issues raised during your presentation 
  • Your readiness for professional training 

Welcome Session 

The day begins with a welcome presentation from the course team, providing further information about the course and opportunities to ask questions. 

Independent Activities 

Before your interview, you will complete a number of short independent activities. 

You will also have the opportunity to meet other applicants and discuss your experiences and aspirations for teaching. 

Subject Presentation 

You will be asked to deliver a short presentation of approximately three minutes on an area of your subject knowledge. 

This allows you to demonstrate: 

  • Your enthusiasm for your subject 
  • Your ability to communicate ideas clearly 
  • Your engagement with your specialist subject area 

For face-to-face interviews, presentation slides are not required. 

For online interviews, you may use presentation slides if you wish. 

Subject Knowledge Discussion 

You will also take part in a short discussion involving practical questions related to your chosen subject specialism. 

We are not expecting applicants to know everything. 

The discussion allows us to: 

  • Explore your subject knowledge 
  • Understand your academic strengths 
  • Identify areas for future development 
  • Support you effectively during your teacher training journey 

Your Interview 

You will have a 40-minute interview with two members of academic staff. 

The discussion will explore: 

  • Your reasons for wanting to teach 
  • Your understanding of education and learning 
  • Your subject expertise 
  • Your readiness for teacher training 
  • Your understanding of the responsibilities of teachers 

Safeguarding

As teaching involves working closely with children and young people, all applicants will be asked a safeguarding-related question. 

This is a routine part of the admissions process for all teacher education courses. 

We are interested in your awareness of: 

  • The importance of keeping children safe 
  • Professional responsibilities 
  • Appropriate actions when concerns arise 
  • The role teachers play in promoting children's wellbeing 

A Few Things to Remember 

  • There are no trick questions. 
  • It is perfectly acceptable to take a moment to think before answering. 
  • You can ask for a question to be repeated or clarified. 
  • We are interested in your ideas, experiences and potential. 
  • Everyone's route into teaching is different. 
  • Interviews are a two-way process and we encourage you to ask questions throughout the day. 
  • All applicants will be asked a safeguarding-related question. These questions form a standard part of the selection process and help us assess your awareness of the responsibilities involved in working with children and young people. 

Most importantly, we want you to leave your interview with a clear understanding of what it is like to study teacher education at Chester and whether the course is the right fit for you.