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Selection Process

Upon receipt of your application, it will be considered by the School Direct Lead for Mercia Learning Alliance and the Admissions team at the University of Sheffield.

As well as making sure that all of your personal details are accurate, your personal statement which supports your application is of utmost importance and is central to deciding whether or not to call you to interview: make sure that it reflects exactly what you have to offer, including relevant experience, and why you are interested in a career in teaching.

If your application is successful, you will be asked to attend a virtual interview with representatives from Mercia Learning Alliance and The University of Sheffield.

On the interview day, you will be involved in a carousel of activities including a presentation, a variety of tasks and a formal interview.

It is a rigorous and thorough process designed to make sure that you are suited for a career in teaching, and we get the most suitable applicant for the places available. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for the next generation of outstanding teachers and subsequently those who will lead our schools in the future. You will be enthusiastic and passionate about children and education, but also care about our schools and the communities they serve, and the special ethos each of these schools has.

You must have excellent communication skills, be well-organised, hardworking and able to work successfully as part of a team. 

You need to be resilient, reflective and willing to evaluate and learn from your mistakes. 

You need to be emotionally intelligent, approachable and empathetic.

Candidates should be confident, creative and inspire effort and trust in pupils.

You must have the ability to deal with a heavy workload; be able to meet deadlines and enjoy working as part of a team.

Above all, you need to enjoy working with young people and be committed to making a difference to their lives.