Becoming employed in an independent school - what I should put on my letter of application?

[jennifersofia]

I know it needs to be hand written, and obviously I need to state why I want to work at that school, but what else? They will also be getting my CV and references.
I have a personal statement used for applying to state schools, but that goes into detail (2 pages worth) about use of NLS/NNS, assessment and planning, etc. but I am not sure if all that is appropriate when applying for the independent sector.
Anyone have any ideas of what they are looking for, and how long it should be?

Have also never applied for independent school post before, but some things I would think about:

• do they use NLS/NNS? Independent schools can set their own curriculum. Were you teaching pre 1998 ish? If so, could also refer to fact you have experience of lit/num in different formats. might be worth checking if poss. If you have time, I would speak to the school and see if theyhave lit/num policies or teaching and learning policy you can look at

-do you have any strengths outside the academic curriculum? eg music, sports etc as i believe they are keen to offer broad education

HTH - and good luck

Thanks, some good tips, I will try and find out about their curriculum..
Other advice?

What subject are you applying for? Link anything that can be done extra-curricularly to it, eg geography field trips, debating society, etc. It depends if you are going for teaching, HoD, HM, or SMT really. Independents will want as much from you as possible and will want you to be "good value" so willingness to do other things is a must.

They should have given an outline and a person specification for the job vacancy use this as your basis.

Tend to follow the same format in general.
Intro. why you want to teach in the school.
Education.

Experience.
Hobbies and interests.
Good conclusion.

If you are handwriting try and narrow it down to a page, pick out the key points that you really want to sell. If your letter sounds good then you can go into more detail at your interview.

If you need any more help you are very welcome to email me at poppy1011970atyahoodotcodotuk