How to explain poor results on a jib application

[TeacherResults]

I want to apply for jobs at other schools but they all ask for a proven track record of excellent results. I work in a challenging school and our result got worse after covid. I am an experienced teacher 20+ years. I have been pt for the last 10. I am passionate about my subject and worked so hard during the lockdowns to teach and look after my own children.

My 2022 classes got the most appalling set of results ever but I worked harder than I ever to try and counter an appalling school culture. Think very little done to monitor engagement with home learning and even though I did this for my own classes there was no support from school with the 75% students that weren't engaging. For the second lockdown we were asked to keep records of engagement but again very little action taken to deal with it. When we returned behaviour was appalling, our usual behaviour management system was suspended and it was a free for all, kids walking in and out of lessons, climbing in and out of windows. No consequences etc. This had a huge negative impact on my classes and even once we returned to our usual rooms I had multiple non attenders, continued lack of support with behaviour, no sanctions or systems in place until this academic year to deal with students who don't do homework for example. If I put in place my own detentions kids just laughed and didn't come, again no support from hod or slt. I just couldn't get the kids to want to learn anything, they just gave up. I just got told to 'keep doing my best'. Things have got a little better but not enough in my opinion and I'm desperate to leave.

How do I diplomatically say that I think that of my results aren't my fault. How much emphasis to schools place on your track record and will they take into account the sort of school you are coming from?

Or am I just in denial and really need accept that I'm just a bit shit and maybe I need to give up teaching? I don't believe this but do wonder if maybe I am deluded. Any input from others who have had a similar experience would be valued.

It sounds to me like the senior leadership team are inadequate at managing behaviour. Doesn’t seem like they’re effective at all cos otherwise this wouldn’t happen and the kids would be more engaged to learn.

2022 might be a dip but what is your track record like for before then?
I don’t think track record really matters in an external interview, for me, as a HT - I take into account a number of factors before making a final decision with recruitment.

I wouldn’t say that it was a challenging school and the classes achieved poor results, because that would show to me that you’re not capable of dealing with challenging situations. I would mention though that over the last 20 years of being a teacher, I have witnessed many cohorts of students that I have taught go on to achieve great successes. HT’s won’t have blinkers on (or they shouldn’t anyway) they know that some students are not capable of achieving above targets.
Just be positive.

Thank you, I think I've decided to say that I was disappointed by the results but with a focus on what measures I am taking to close the gaps. Hopefully, they won't be put off by this I've mentioned results prior to covid as well.

Can you put your results in a wider school context? And what are your progress scores like?

If your results are low but you have positive progress, that's a selling point for most schools? If your results are higher than average for your school, then that's also a selling point.

I think most schools appreciate that results may have taken a dip last year due to factors beyond your control!

During an interview the poor results need to be the starting point I think.

EG I noticed that children achieving age related in KS 2 reading had dropped by 11%. When I investigated this we decided that lack of engagement with reading was at the heart of this, so I set up an interactive library where children got to.... although it's still early days I've noticed that children are showing increased confidence going into the end of year SATS and parent questionnaires report a rise in reading at home.

That's completely fabricated but you get the idea. Show that firstly you're aware of poor results, secondly you're able to think positively and proactively about them and thirdly you have the skills to help the school to address them.