I left Scotland 25 years ago to work in a high performing International School where I was Deputy Head for more than 15 years. I have the Scottish standard for Headship and yet ‘fail’ interviews for class teacher positions in Scotland with minimal feedback given. I now know first hand that lots of positions already have internal or known candidates ‘lined up’ or already doing the jobs that are advertised, and that unfair practice takes place to ensure the preferred candidates do better at interview, such as seeing the questions the day before, while unknown candidates get them a few minutes before,
I also think the scoring system at interview is not holistic as it doesn’t seem to score previous experience and qualifications, is discriminatory to candidates who don’t already work in that authority so don’t have working knowledge of the priorities and approaches, and does not make the process any less prejudiced than an interview where it is more of a genuine dialogue. I know many experienced teachers who seem to be scored lower than newly qualified teachers in interview, which makes you wonder if years of experience (and position on the pay scale) actually counts against you.
Shared anonymously with the contributor’s consent and reviewed by the campaign. Light edits may have been made for readability and to remove identifying details.
To discuss or request removal of your story, contact hello@teachers4perm.com with the story link.