Applying to Schools
Direct Contact Leads to Real Placements
Securing a placement in a school is an exciting step in your apprenticeship journey. While our Education Team is actively working behind the scenes to match you with suitable opportunities, schools ultimately make their own recruitment decisions and reaching out directly can significantly strengthen your chances.
When you make contact yourself, schools gain a much clearer sense of who you are, your enthusiasm, and what you could bring to their organisation. In fact, many of our apprentices have successfully secured placements by taking this proactive approach.
The checklist below guides you through each stage of the application process, from clarifying your goals to following up professionally. Each step can be expanded for detailed guidance and downloadable resources (including CV guidance and interview support), and you can tick items off as you go to track your progress.
Taking ownership of your applications alongside our support gives you the very best opportunity to find the right school for you.
Application Checklist
- Decide what type of role interests you (e.g. physical education support, classroom assistant, SEND support, early years).
- Consider your travel arrangements and how far you are willing to commute.
- Think about where your strengths lie and what age group you’d most enjoy working with.
- Have a clear understanding of why you want to work in education and what motivates you.
- Shortlist at least 5 schools.
- Identify what makes each school unique so you can personalise your approach.
- Visit each school’s website and learn about:
- Their mission and values
- Key staff you may need to contact (Headteacher, HR, Office Manager)
- Recent news articles, blogs, or newsletters. Make note of clubs, enrichment activities, sports teams or initiatives, and how you could support them.
- Create a CV that showcases your strengths and experiences.
- Keep it clear, well-formatted and no longer than 1–2 pages.
- Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar.
- Include:
- Education, qualifications, and predicted grades
- Any experience working with children (babysitting, coaching, volunteering, tutoring)
- Transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, leadership, reliability
- Specific examples of where and when you’ve demonstrated these skills
- Your letter should include the following and be delivered by hand if possible:
- Introduce yourself and demonstrate your interest in the school
- Reference your research. Talk about school values, ethos, and any clubs/initiatives you’d like to get involved in
- Politely request to discuss a work placement or apprenticeship
- Keep the video 1–2 minutes, dress professionally, and film in a quiet well-lit space.
- Showcase your personality and enthusiasm; include relevant clips that demonstrate skills referenced in your CV.
- Send via private/unlisted link and email personalised to the school.
- Prepare answers to common questions:
- Why do you want to work in education?
- What experience do you have with children?
- How would you handle challenging behaviour?
- Prepare examples of times you’ve demonstrated key skills.
- Be ready with 1–2 thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer.
- Wait 7–10 days before following up.
- Send a polite professional email or call the school, thanking them and reiterating interest in a position.
- Keep a record of the schools you contact and update your inspire+ contact, so we can be ready to help you out however we can.