Applying for NQT roles

[Waterbottle76]

Im looking for some advice on this. Is it okay to just make an application for the job, or is it expected to call and ask about the school.

Most things are online on their webpage.

Any advice?

Hi, I'm also on pgce and my uni has advised us to arrange to visit the school ahead of applying. If not possible because of COVID email or call and ask if there's anything you can do instead, eg some schools have video tours

This never used to be a thing, and I don't know why it is now. We don't actually allow visits anyway... but if a school held not visiting against you, why would you want to work there anyway?

Our head teachers takes applicants round on his phone! It’s a thing to ask to visit before interview in state schools. The private school I applied for thought I was very weird indeed.

It's become a thing. A stupid thing.

It’s more a primary thing - touring the school is usual as part of secondary interviews

I work in secondary so it's a bit different to primary. We have, in the past, had one or two candidates who have asked to visit and we have welcomed them no problem.

I also once asked to visit a school -it was in special measures and I wanted to be able to see it before applying. Was glad I did as it wasn't for me.
My current school, I didn't visit, just applied (and obviously got the job) - I was working in another school and just didn't have time. It didn't matter as we were given a full tour on the day and as long as we had presented our DBS we were welcome to wander the school on our own.

To be honest, at the moment, I don't think you'd be able to visit due to covid. Unless you have any specific questions, I would just apply. Good luck!