Interview Guidance

How and when do I apply? 

Applications open each year in October through the DfE Apply portal. When completing your application, you can find us by searching for The Romero Catholic Academy.  

Applications usually close between June and July, depending on how quickly programmes fill. As places can be popular, we encourage applicants to apply early to avoid disappointment. 

If you submit more than one application within our partnership, we will usually arrange a single interview process rather than separate interviews for each application. 

What is the interview process? 

We aim to review applications as quickly as possible, although there may occasionally be delays during school holiday periods. We will first check that you meet the eligibility requirements for teacher training and may contact you if we need any further information. If shortlisted, you will be invited to interview. Most interviews currently take place online. 

At The Romero Catholic Academy, we believe that great teachers are developed, not born. We know that applicants will be at different stages of their journey into teaching, so we are not looking for perfection. Instead, we want to see your enthusiasm, potential, willingness to learn and commitment to working with young people. 

As part of the interview, you may be asked to complete: 

• Functional skills tasks, including reading, writing and numeracy 

• A short mini-teach linked to your chosen phase or subject 

• An interview exploring areas such as communication skills, safeguarding, subject knowledge and your suitability for teaching 

Interview details will be shared via email and the DfE Apply portal. We want applicants to feel comfortable, supported and able to show their strengths throughout the experience.