How do you Talk About Your Achievements?
How do you talk about your achIevements (without dying inside?)
When you're applying for a new teaching role, your skills and experience matter. But what really sets you apart is your impact.
Schools want to know what difference you’ve made in previous roles. Whether you’re newly qualified or leading a department, being able to talk clearly about your achievements shows confidence, clarity, and care for the job.
From student progress to whole-school projects, here are four ways to highlight your impact.
1. Progress That Tells a Story
If your students have made strong progress under your teaching, say so. This could mean exceeding target grades, re-engaging in learning, or simply showing up and trying again when it mattered most.
Share examples like:
Students exceeding predicted grades
Progress data from a class or key group
A shift in confidence, motivation or classroom engagement
These details help schools see the real value you bring.
2. Stepping Up Beyond the Classroom
Have you taken on extra responsibilities? Whether you’ve led a year group, run after-school clubs or supported new colleagues, it shows leadership and a commitment to school life.
Mention things like:
Initiatives or projects you’ve led
Events or enrichment activities you’ve run
Mentoring or coaching experience
It all builds a picture of someone who gives a bit more.
3. Supporting Students with SEND
If you’ve adapted your teaching for students with additional needs, share what worked. Schools are looking for inclusive, thoughtful practitioners who understand the complexity of their classrooms.
You could talk about:
How you adapted lessons for specific needs
Strategies for supporting students with autism, ADHD, or SEMH
Outcomes or feedback from learners or families
Small wins in this area are powerful.
4. Results That Speak for Themselves
If your exam results are strong, be proud of them. Specific outcomes give schools something to hold onto.
Instead of saying students did well, try:
“80 percent of my class met or exceeded their target grade in English”
“All Year 6 pupils I supported achieved expected or above in SATs”
Numbers aren’t everything, but they can support your story.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a long list of big achievements. Just be honest, specific, and thoughtful. And don’t shy away from all of the good things you’ve done. Schools want to hear about it, so be proud of what you’ve achieved.
Reflecting on your impact shows you care about your work. It also helps schools see who you are beyond the CV.
If you’re not sure how to shape your story, we’re happy to help. Whether you’re preparing a CV or gearing up for interview, Glow is here to support you.
We’re a friendly bunch, who love helping educators find their perfect school.
If you’re looking for a school where you can thrive, not just survive then we’d love to hear from you.
