Mock Interviews for Trainee Teachers

Overview

Smile Education, in partnership with Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust (SCAT), delivers a mock interview initiative designed to prepare secondary trainee teachers for real-world recruitment. 

This initiative provides final-year students with an invaluable opportunity to experience a realistic teaching interview panel, supported by experienced school leaders and education consultants.

How the Initiative Works

This free initiative offers 1-to-1 mock interviews on campus, each lasting 30 minutes. The panel is composed of a Smile Education consultant and a Senior Leader from SCAT or another local school. Students participate in a 20-minute mock interview followed by 10 minutes of structured feedback. 

We coordinate everything, including scheduling interviews around the university timetable, and we only require access to rooms on site.

Secondary School Partnership

SCAT is a leading multi-academy trust known for its innovation and excellence in secondary education. 

Their five secondary schools include Shireland Biomedical UTC, a specialist academy in Smethwick focusing on science, health, and digital technologies and Shireland CBSO Academy, the UK's first state school with a professional orchestra as a founding partner. Senior leaders from SCAT, bring a wealth of experience in interviewing and mentoring early career teachers. Their involvement ensures authentic and high-impact interview experiences.

Outcomes

In a recent event at the University of Worcester, two students who participated in the mock interview day went on to secure teaching roles. Feedback from SCAT leaders has been overwhelmingly positive, with several students invited to tour schools and continue conversations about employment opportunities.

Student Feedback

"The organisation was perfect, being able to meet a member of staff at the main reception made it easy to find where to go and helped to calm nerves before the mock interview."

"Felt as if it was an actual interview but still had that supportive and feedback in such a great manner."

"I found this to be a valuable experience and I feel more confident to attend interviews."

"Constructive feedback that also highlighted positives. I know exactly what I can improve on."

"I found the feedback really useful and I like having specific comments for each question. It was also useful having both the opportunity for verbal feedback as well as a written summary via email."

Future Plans

Two universities have already booked dates for next academic year, with a third currently finalising arrangements. Smile Education and SCAT are excited to continue expanding this initiative to reach more aspiring secondary school teachers across the region.

Quantifiable Social Value Delivered

• Cost savings: Equivalent training/coaching services would typically cost £150 per trainee and this is offered free.
• Reach: 40 trainees reached last year at one university, this year we expect to reach at least 150.
• Outcomes: 2 participants have already secured teaching roles as a direct result of meeting leaders on the day.
• Satisfaction: Feedback reflects increased confidence, clarity, and readiness for real-world interviews. 100% would recommend to a friend.
• Continued Growth: Multiple universities are now embedding this initiative into their teacher training programmes each year.