Head teacher interview panel

[Andyburnhamseyelashes]

Hi, I'm a parent governor and am on the interview panel for a new primary head teacher. We're meeting in person, not via Zoom etc. I'm also meeting them the candidates the day before when they're taking part in some activities. Any advice on how formally I should dress? If you were the candidate, is there anything I could wear that would put you off the school (I don't want to do this!) Thanks

When I was on a headteacher interview panel, I wore a Boden patterned jersey dress and knee high black boots. I think that was about right, but wouldn’t have gone any less formal. I hate suits and have not worn one since 2006. I’d have worn a plan jersey blazer if it was colder.

I helped interview last year as one of the Governors on panel. I wore a Boden Ponte Ottoman dress in navy blue and a pair of low heels. One of the SLT was wearing the exact same dress in a different colour, so I think I got it about right.

I would say wear something that shows you’ve made an effort but without looking ‘corporate’. Nothing too attention grabbing. It’s a professional
situation so looking reasonably smart is appropriate.

A smart dress outfit but not business wear would be typical based on my experiences of schools.

I'm not able to comment on that particular situation as I've never been in it, but a great tip I was once given was that if you're not sure how formal a situation is going to be, have a jacket with you which you don't have to wear if it turns out you'd look overdressed, or pop on if you feel underdressed. Would work well with the kinds of dresses being discussed.

If you were the candidate, is there anything I could wear that would put you off the school (I don't want to do this!)
I like that you specified you don't want to do this. Would be fun to make suggestions if you did want to put them off with your clothing

I would wear a jacket with a fairly plain top underneath (Tshirt, shell or shirt). I don't think you should shy away from colour, but not too bright.

Statement necklace or earrings (but not both) if you want, or scarf if you want, but not too much embellishment.

Agree very much about the utility of a jacket - it signals 'business-like' but can easily be taken off if you want to hit a different note. And if you choose a colour other than office traditional black/navy/grey it's likely you'll come across as competent but not too authoritarian

I'm a governor and when I last interviewed for a headship I wore oatmeal trousers and a cap sleeve patterned top, with heels. So not too dressy, but not casual. Everyone else was wearing similar - smart but not overly dressed. The male panelist was wearing a suit.

Is it primary or secondary? Secondary tend to be a little more formal, I'd say.

Sorry, you said primary.

I’m now thinking of all the things that the OP could wear to put the candidates off the school synthesiser 😀

@FourTurnings

I’m now thinking of all the things that the OP could wear to put the candidates off the school synthesiser 😀

Maybe we should make a list?

Remembering this is by zoom, I'd start with bandeau tops, with your camera angled so it doesn't show and you look naked

Or have a row of ridiculously sexy lingerie in the background

On a clothes airer

Diverting the thread wildly, I think the worst thing to have in the background is a pet that does not move at all, so the interviewee gets all distracted wondering if it's dead. (Bonus points if you collect taxidermy)

😂🤣

It is in person interviewing, so as well as inappropriate clothing, maybe an extremely inappropriate mask! Thanks for the advice on outfits though, I've got a few in mind now.

Op it totally depends on you. I wore a formal skirt with blouse and one person on the panel was wearing a suit but others were wearing casuals. I would recommend something semiformal, may be a dress, or trousers and blouse would look nice too.