CV Format for Teachers and Educators — Free PDF Formatter 2026

A teaching CV needs to communicate something a standard professional CV does not: your classroom experience, the age groups you have taught, your subject specialism, and your regulatory status. Schools receive dozens of applications and scan for these specifics fast. This guide covers exactly what to include, in what order, and how to download a clean PDF for free.

What a Teaching CV Must Include (That Other CVs Skip)

QTS / Teaching qualification: Qualified Teacher Status (UK) or equivalent teaching certification goes near the top — often directly below your name and contact details. Schools verify QTS before interview. For international teaching roles, include the equivalent qualification (B.Ed, PGCE, state teaching license in the US).

DBS status (UK): Note whether you have an enhanced DBS check and when it was issued (or "willing to obtain"). Safeguarding compliance is a non-negotiable filter.

Key stages taught: UK schools — specify KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5. International schools — note age ranges (Early Years 3-5, Primary 5-11, Secondary 11-18).

Subject specialism: Secondary teachers — your subject (or subjects) should appear in your professional summary, not just buried in experience bullets.

School types: State, independent, faith, international, SEN provision, grammar — note what you have experience with.

Recommended Section Order for a Teaching CV

1. Contact Information
2. Professional Summary (3-5 lines specific to your subject, key stage, and teaching philosophy — brief)
3. Teaching Qualifications (QTS date, awarding institution, subject specialism)
4. Teaching Experience (reverse chronological — include school type, age range, and subjects)
5. Key Achievements (optional — specific wins: exam results above national average, pastoral role, curriculum development)
6. Education and Academic Qualifications
7. Professional Development and CPD (relevant training, safeguarding courses, subject-specific CPD)
8. Other Skills (technology, languages, sports coaching, music)
9. References (typically two — one from a current or recent head/principal)

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How to Write the Teaching Experience Section

Do not just list your duties. Include context and outcomes:

Weak: "Taught Year 9 and 10 English. Marked coursework and prepared lessons."

Strong: "Lead English teacher for Year 9-10 at a mixed comprehensive (800 pupils). GCSE English results 12% above national average in 2024. Led a whole-school writing initiative that increased pupil engagement scores by 18% in staff surveys."

For each role, include: school name and type, dates, year groups and subjects taught, class sizes if unusually large or small, any additional responsibilities (form tutor, head of year, department lead, SENCO support), and one or two quantified outcomes if available.

Format Your Teaching CV and Download a PDF for Free

1. Write your teaching CV with the sections in the order above
2. Open the free CV Formatter
3. Paste the text — auto-detect picks up Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, References
4. Single column is recommended for school applications submitted through portals (most UK schools use Vacancies in Schools or MAT-specific portals)
5. 10pt-11pt for a two-page CV
6. Download PDF — no watermark, no signup

Review the PDF before submitting. Check that QTS status and DBS information appear clearly near the top, and that your school name and dates are consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a teaching CV include a personal philosophy statement?

A brief one — two to three sentences maximum in your Professional Summary. Recruiters do not read long philosophy statements; they scan for QTS, key stage, subject, and experience. Save the philosophy for the personal statement or covering letter.

How long should a teacher's CV be?

Two pages is the standard. For newly qualified teachers (NQTs/ECTs), one to two pages. Experienced teachers with extensive CPD, publications, or leadership roles may run to two pages but should not exceed that.

Should I include my degree grade on a teacher CV?

Yes if it is a 2:1 or above — UK schools commonly use degree classification as a filter. A 2:2 can still be included but do not emphasise it. A First or distinction should be highlighted.