“Students sometimes imagine, especially if they come from other parts of the country, that all of the schools in and around Bradford are all the same. That couldn’t be further from the truth and one of the greatest things about working in a place like Bradford is that every school is so different."

Bradford leads digital discussion for tomorrow’s teachers

Nearly 100 students from Leeds Trinity University have taken part in a virtual workshop designed to showcase the benefits of a teaching career in Bradford and provide top tips on successfully kicking off a career in the classroom.

The online session, featuring HR experts and prominent Bradford headteachers, featured presentations on interview techniques, the qualities schools look for when recruiting and the types of teachers needed in the district.

It also boasted a panel discussion on what starting out in teaching feels like through the eyes of the winner of ‘Newcomer of the Year Award’ in the recent 2020 Bradford Schools Awards.

David Harrison, Executive Headteacher at Leading Learners Multi-Academy Trust and one of the event hosts, said: “It was a really engaging and enlightening event and a fantastic opportunity to both set out the key steps to success and at the same time showcase all that Bradford has to offer anyone thinking of going into the profession.

“We covered a wide range of topics such as the things headteachers are looking for at interview and the types of traits they hope to see in new recruits. We also looked at some of the pitfalls and explored the types of qualities – such as determination and resilience – that tend to make a good teacher in today’s schools.

“Interestingly, we also had a number of questions from the students about the types of support available to them, particularly for those who have had study or training disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Other areas covered in the online undergraduate event included tips on where and when jobs are advertised, the key to a compelling application and how best to research a school.

“One of the key threads that emerged was the importance of getting out there and viewing schools,” added David.

“Students sometimes imagine, especially if they come from other parts of the country, that all of the schools in and around Bradford are all the same. That couldn’t be further from the truth and one of the greatest things about working in a place like Bradford is that every school is so different.

“What’s really important and often missed is that teaching isn’t just a one-way street. It’s not just about what a school wants in a teacher but what a particular individual wants to get out of their teaching career and the type of teaching they aspire to.

“It’s important that teachers coming through the ranks do their research to find out what’s right for them as individuals because a place as rich and diverse as Bradford has something for everybody.” 

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