Write your teacher training personal statement with these six steps

What is a personal statement?

Your personal statement is an important part of your PGCE application. It’s usually between 500 to 1,000 words long.

It's one of the main ways that providers decide whether to invite you to an interview. Some people don’t get it right,  and is the reason that a poor personal statement was the reason why, as of May 2024, around 15% of applicants were rejected at the shortlisting stage.

That’s why you need to use this chance to shine and show off why you have the potential to make a great teacher. It’s the window through which the assessors see your unique personality and what drives you to want to become a teacher.

So, here are some tips and advice on how to write and structure it to ensure it gives the best first impression.

• Take your time and don’t rush

Crafting a stellar personal statement takes time, so there’s no need to rush it. Dedicate several weeks to the task, allowing for multiple drafts and revisions. Return to it with fresh eyes to ensure it is polished to perfection and the best it can be.

While it is tempting to use an AI tool to help you write your statement, often this content lacks the personal touch and can be bland and lifeless. Write it from the heart; remember that no one knows your attributes and ambitions better than yourself, especially not a machine.

• Share your why

Our assessors are looking for your enthusiasm. Share your thoughts on why you're eager to become a teacher, outlining why you are suited to the profession and the qualities you possess that would make a good teacher, and that would benefit children and a school. Demonstrate your understanding of the school system by showcasing your grasp of wellbeing of children, the importance of teaching and why it matters., educational issues, subject knowledge and passion for a subject. Show that you understand the demands, challenges and rewards teachers face.

• Highlight your transferable skills

If you've worked with young people before, whether paid or unpaid, share what you've learned from those experiences. Mention any other relevant experiences or skills you have or activities you have participated in that could be useful in teaching, like first aid training, coaching sports, or volunteering.

If you haven't taught before, think about other experiences you've had that show you have highly transferable skills. Draw from any paid or voluntary work, academic pursuits, or extracurricular activities. You should also draw from any relevant experiences and highlight additional

If you're switching careers to become a teacher, explain what you've been doing and why you're making the change. You should also outline how your previous experiences align with the demands of the profession.

While school-based experience is not necessary or a prerequisite to undertaking Initial Teacher Training, it can help strengthen your application and ensure that teaching is the right career path for you.

• Make it bespoke and tailored

Customise your statement based on the specific avenue you want to pursue - primary or secondary - and outline why you are suited to and passionate about teaching your subject or age group. Explain how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

Aspiring primary teachers should emphasise experiences with younger children and relevant skills that could be useful for extracurricular activities like music or drama.

For secondary teaching, a strong personal statement addresses challenges in teaching older students, gives examples of any related experiences of working with older children and how you may have tackled these challenges. Since secondary teaching focuses on specific subjects, we will want to see more proof of your knowledge and passion in your subject area and your degree.

• Write in the first person

Don’t be afraid to write in the first person by using "I’ and ‘my’ to talk about yourself. Use clear and concise language and avoid clichés and generic statements like “I’ve always wanted to teach." Instead, be authentic in your writing and offer genuine reflections on your passion for teaching. 

• Polish, proofread – and check twice for typos

Once you have finished and are satisfied with your personal statement, show it to someone you trust and ask them to give you objective and constructive feedback for further improvement. Finally, before submission you should proofread your statement thoroughly by meticulously checking for spelling and grammar errors, and to check that your argument is clear.

Ensure your statement is well-structured with a clear introduction, evidence-rich supporting paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion.

Crafting a standout personal statement for teacher training requires time, passion, and attention to detail.

By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling narrative that showcases your readiness to excel in the classroom and make a positive impact on the lives of children.

Good luck!